Explore Lamu
in Kenya
Lamu is a historic island town off the northern coast of Kenya and the seat of Lamu County. Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, with coral-stone and mangrove-timber buildings dating back over 700 years. The town has no cars — donkeys and traditional dhow sailboats remain the main means of transport — and it is known for its laid-back pace, intricately carved wooden doors, and the annual Lamu Cultural Festival celebrating Swahili heritage.
Wandering Lamu Old Town's coral-stone alleys, hiring a dhow to sail between the archipelago's islands, and relaxing on the quieter sands of Shela beach are the classic Lamu experiences, along with visiting the Lamu Museum and, during the Lamu Cultural Festival, watching traditional dhow races and donkey races through the streets.
