Twenzetu Lamu

Lamu is a place whose history is mysterious and fascinating. In Lamu, expect to find donkeys plying the narrow alleyways of this ancient settlement, rather than cars.

Located a mere two hours by air from bustling Nairobi, arriving on the UNESCO-designated island may feel like you’ve stepped into a distant dream – and back in time as well. No words can fully engulf the essence of the town. It can only be experienced. Lamu is a place whose history is mysterious and fascinating. In Lamu, expect to find donkeys plying the narrow alleyways of this ancient settlement, rather than cars.

 

Explore Lamu

With its perpetual stretch of golden sands and tasteful assortment of coral heritage guesthouses, portions of Lamu Island evoke feelings of a beach-lover’s paradise.

The auspicious sunsets, palm-fringed beaches, white plastered Swahili villas and bougainvillea covered terraces create an enchanting little town, stuck in the past. Its richness in history overflows with Swahili, Portuguese and Italian culture. 

 

Lamu adventures 

As much as Lamu is really quiet and chill town, there are ample activities to engage in. For instance a Kayak cruise through the mangrove creeks is an excursion where you can enjoy some nature as well.  You can also go on a fishing Dhow Sail Trip or you can enhance your history library with a visit to the Takwa Ruins Tour and Lamu Fort.

 

Dance, eating and drinking

Lamu hosts Swahili festivals yearly, including the Lamu Yoga Festival, Maulid Festival and the Lamu Cultural Festival. Lamu is all about tradition. Communities create events that become beloved by the local community. For instance, Diamond beach resort holds pizza and movie night every Thursday. 

Lamu House offers a flavoursome Swahili buffet lunch that will definitely tantalize your taste buds. 

Peponi is a hotel, restaurant and bar that is one of the most popular establishments on Lamu Island. It is located in the heart of Shela village, where locals, expats and tourists come to meet. The food fills your soul and the atmosphere buzzes with culture. The local cuisine is also a delight, it is highly encouraged that you sample the street food.

 

What to see and do

Italians have a saying dolce far niente which roughly translates to pleasant idleness. This town fully embodies this phrase because all it requires for you is being present. Needless to say, there are a lot of activities you can engage in. Lamu Town is very interesting, unique and steeped in history, so it is definitely worth taking a tour with a guide – you can visit Lamu Museum, shop for incredible hand carved Swahili furniture at Saba Studio, shop for beautiful kaftans at Aman or just take a stroll around Lamu or Shela Town during the day. As late afternoon approaches, sail on a dhow and enjoy a sundowner with ease.

The Takwa Ruins are the remains of a 16th century settlement, over on Manda Island. Whilst you’re there, you can also visit the village of Maweni which is where the coral used in the construction of Lamu buildings comes from.

 

If youre in the mood for some calm adventure, visiting the neighboring Islands is a great way to help the day along. There’s scarcity of people in this region, so the neighboring islands have a ‘lost in paradise’ feel. You’ll have endless miles of white sand beaches to yourself, and the chance to go snorkeling or sail through the mangroves. 

 

Where to stay

The number of great places to stay on Lamu Island has increased in the past decade, and many older guesthouses continue to renovate and improve their offerings and amenities for guests. There are lots of great lodging options at nearly every price point, but staying in a historic Swahili mansion converted into a boutique guesthouse is the quintessential Lamu experience that many visitors come here hoping to find. In many cases, these guesthouses are carefully preserved and refurbished former residences of the island’s former elite, originally constructed of blocks hewn from coral.

 

How to get around

If you’re looking for a remote and beautiful destination, Lamu is definitely worth considering. Getting there can be a bit of an adventure, but it’s worth it once you’re there. Lamu is easily accessible by plane, with flights leaving from Nairobi, Mombasa, and Malindi. From the airport, it’s a short boat ride over to Lamu Island. So don’t let the journey deter you – Lamu is definitely worth the effort!

 

Share this tour