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Photo: Magnus Kjaergaard, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kenya · East Africa · Island

Lamu

A car-free Swahili town of donkeys, dhows and carved doors.

Best timeJul to Mar
Ideal stay3 to 4 nights
GatewayLamu (LAU)
Month by month
  1. JAnuary (good)
  2. FEbruary (good)
  3. MArch (good)
  4. APril
  5. MAy
  6. JUne
  7. JUly (good)
  8. AUgust (good)
  9. SEptember (good)
  10. OCtober (good)
  11. NOvember (good)
  12. DEcember (good)

Travel advice: some regions are off-limits. Check your government’s advice for the exact areas before you book.

Lamu Old Town is one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. Life moves at the pace of dhows and donkeys.

Highlights

  • Lamu Old Town
  • Dhow sunset sails
  • Shela beach
  • Lamu Cultural Festival

Where to stay

Restored Swahili houses and boutique hotels in Lamu and Shela.

Getting there

Fly from Nairobi or Mombasa to Manda island, then boat across.

Tips

  • Dress modestly in town.
  • Check current travel advice: the mainland near Lamu is restricted under some advisories.
  • Fridays are quiet; it is a Muslim town.

Best time to visit

Jul to Mar. See where to go in Africa in January and our guide to the best time to visit Africa.

Travel advice: Parts of the country are off-limits under most government travel advice. Check your government’s advice before booking.

Plan your stay

Hotels on Booking.com Tours on GetYourGuide Tours on Viator

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Lamu?

Jul to Mar. Dress modestly in town.

How long should I spend at Lamu?

3 to 4 nights.

How do I get to Lamu?

Fly from Nairobi or Mombasa to Manda island, then boat across.

Have you been to Lamu?

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