Lamu
A 700-year-old Swahili island town with no cars, carved doors and dhows on the channel.
Lamu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of East Africa's oldest living Swahili towns. There are no cars: donkeys and handcarts move everything along narrow coral-stone lanes. Shela village has the beach, and dhow trips sail the channel at sunset. Fly in: flights land on Manda Island and a short boat ride crosses to Lamu.
Lamu at a glance
| Getting there | Flights from Nairobi about 1.5 hours to Manda airstrip, then a boat across the channel. Fly, do not drive |
|---|---|
| Status | Lamu Old Town, UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Highlights | Old Town walks, carved doors, Shela beach, dhow sailing, Swahili cuisine |
| Best months | December to March, then July to October |
| Festivals | Maulidi festival; Lamu Cultural Festival |
| Stay | 3 to 4 nights |
See cultural tours and private villas.
Sources
Checked 6 October 2026. Third-party prices are typical market rates; your written quote confirms the exact figure.
Questions
How do I get to Lamu from Nairobi?
Fly to Manda airstrip in about 1.5 hours, then take a short boat to Lamu or Shela.
Is Lamu safe?
Lamu Island is visited safely by air. Avoid the mainland road.
Why is Lamu a UNESCO site?
Lamu Old Town is one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa.
Get your quote
Send your dates and group. The reply comes on WhatsApp with the camps, the vehicle and every fee.