Lamu Old Town
A peaceful tropical island where life is lived at its own relaxed rhythm
The oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa
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"Lamu or Lamu Town is a small town on Lamu Island, which in turn is a part of the Lamu Archipelago in Kenya. Situated 341 kilometres (212 mi) by road northeast of Mombasa that ends at Mokowe Jetty, from where the sea channel has to be crossed to reach Lamu Island."
Lamu Old Town is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, retaining its traditional functions. 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. Lamu has hosted major Muslim religious festivals since the 19th century, and has become a significant centre for the study of Islamic and Swahili cultures.
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.
- Getting there: By road, Air & Railway
- Climate: between 20oC (68oF)&30oC (86oF)
- Operating Hours: daily from 06:00Hrs-18:00Hrs
- Accommodation:safari lodges/tented camps
- Activities: Marine Life viewing,Boating&Fishing
When to go:
Dhow safaris
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. 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 winding streets of Lamu
The winding streets of the towns are best explored on foot. Shela village and the beaches are also accessible by foot and you can take your baby beach tents there. Alternatively dhows regularly carry paying passengers back and forth from Lamu town to Shela.
To access the surrounding islands of Manda, Pate or Siyu, either take an organized Dhow Safari or for the adventurous traveler, just hitch a ride on a passing dhow and explore. It is also possible to hire donkeys to ride around the island.
14th century Swahili settlement
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.