Nickname: “Spice Island”

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Lamu Island is a part of the Lamu Archipelago of Kenya. Lamu Old Town, the principal inhabited part of the island, is one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. Built in coral stone and mangrove timber, the town is characterized by the simplicity of structural forms enriched by such features as inner courtyards, verandas, and elaborately carved wooden doors. The small island of Lamu, northeast of Mombasa, oozes old world charm. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamu Old Town is Kenya's oldest continually inhabited settlement with origins dating back to the 12th century. Strolling the labyrinthine streets, visitors will see the island's rich trading history reflected in the buildings. Architectural features from the Arab world, Europe, and India are evident, yet with a discernible Swahili technique. Intricately carved wooden doors, coral stone buildings, hidden courtyards, verandas, and rooftop patios are common features. Visiting here is like stepping back in time. Dhows plow the harbor, few if any motorized vehicles exist here, and donkeys still rule the streets as they have done for centuries.

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Lamu is a place like no other, a peaceful tropical island where life is lived at its own relaxed rhythm, but a place whose history is as mysterious and fascinating as the winding streets of its medieval stone town. The island itself is a beautiful place of rolling dunes and endless beaches, where tiny villages nestle among coconut and mango plantations and lateen sailed dhows ply the waters. But Lamu’s real attraction is its Old town. The town of Lamu began life as a 14th century Swahili settlement, but the island has seen many visitors and influences, including Portuguese explorers, Turkish traders and the Omani Arabs. All left their mark, but Lamu developed its own particular culture, which has ultimately endured. Lamu’s narrow streets remain unchanged, and in the markets and squares around the fort life moves at the same pace as it always has. There are no vehicles on this island, and the donkey and the dhow remain the dominant form of transport. The people of Lamu are great believers in tradition and custom, and this is a strong society built on a respect for the past. For the traveler, Lamu is a hypnotically exotic experience, made even more enjoyable by the relaxed and welcoming attitudes of the locals.

 

Most of Lamu's population is Muslim and both men and women dress in traditional attire. Lamu has hosted major Muslim religious festivals since the 19th century, and has become a significant center for the study of Islamic and Swahili cultures. Top attractions on the island include Lamu Museum, with displays on Swahili culture and the region's nautical history; Lamu Fort; and the Donkey Sanctuary. If all the history is a little too much, visitors can bask on one of the island's white sand beaches or sip Arabic coffee in a local café. To visit Lamu is to enter another world, and the visitor finds themselves becoming a part of this world. Life slows down, and long days are spent strolling along the waterfront, exploring the town or relaxing on the beaches. Dhow safaris can take you beyond Lamu into the surrounding archipelago, where isolated villages, ancient ruins and a few luxurious and exclusive resorts lie hidden among the islands of Manda, Siyu, Pate and Kiwayu. This idyllic island speaks to the heart and soul, and a trip to Lamu is a romantic experience that can become a lifelong affair.

 

No matter your budget, contact us and we will help you decide on the destination of your choice and design an affordable and memorable safari experience that fulfills your safari desires, dreams and expectations. Contact us today and Unleash Your Spirit of Adventure with The Big Five Adventure Safaris!

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KEY FEATURES

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Location: Lamu District, Lamu County, Coast Province, Kenya.

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Distance:​

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It is 341 kilometers (212 miles) by road northeast of Mombasa. The Manda airstrip is served by daily flights from Nairobi.

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Birds:​

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The bird biodiversity within the Lamu district is vast, including the near threatened Southern Banded Snake-eagle and the endemic Fishers Turaco. In addition the regionally threatened Saddle-billed Stork, African Crowned Eagle, the endemic Little Yellow Flycatcher and Scaly Babbler are all existent.

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Wildlife:​

 

Despite mass slaughter, the African Elephant and a vast array of species still reside within the Lamu district. Species include Lion, huge herds of Buffalo and Reticulated Giraffe, Leopard, Hippo, Cheetah, Zebra, and a major breeding population of Coastal Topi, Waterbuck, Lesser Kudu, Desert Warthog, Spotted Hyaena and several primate species.

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Marine Life:

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The Lamu Archipelago with its labyrinth of mangrove channels and forests is one of the most critical marine habitats within the Eastern Seaboard of Africa. The Lamu marine environment contains a diversity of land and seascapes including mangroves, mudflats, lagoons, sand dunes, beaches, sand islands, raised reef islands, sea-grass beds and coral reefs. Among the most impressive marine species are Green, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley and Leatherback turtles, Dugongs, Dolphins and Whales. The Greater Lamu Eco-region also accommodates the largest breeding colony of white-cheeked, bridled, and roseate terns in the world.

 

Activities:

 

Beach walks. Exploration of Old Lamu town narrow streets. Dhow sailing. Visit Shela village, Manda Island, the ruined city of Takwa or the Lamu Donkey Sanctuary. Indulge in Swahili delicacies. Windsurf. Kitesurf. Body-surf. Water ski. Bird watching. Game viewing. Photography. Scenic. Attend Lamu cultural festivals.

 

When to go:

 

Lamu Island is a fabulous place to visit any time of year, but for the unsurpassed seaside vacation on the Indian Ocean, we recommend that you visit during the two dry seasons that begins in July and ends in October and also January through February. You will enjoy longer hours of sunlight throughout the year, giving you plenty of time for the many activities that make Lamu Island a remote, secluded "sun and sand" lover's paradise.