Best Things To Do In Lamu Island Archipelago, Kenya Wildlife and Cultural Safari Tours
Travel Guide To Lamu Island Archipelago: Your African Mecca seaside and cultural escapade on the island of Lamu will be unforgettable. Seemingly endless beaches, deep blue ocean water, tall palm trees, and iconic sailing dhows welcome you to this tropical island escape. As you venture inland, you discover a quintessential 14th-century Swahili town that exists in much the same way as it did when first established. The people of Lamu build some of the finest Dhows on the East African coast, and your tour of the island may include a sailing venture on one of these incredible seafaring vessels.
The waters around the island offer divers and snorkelers some of the finest coral reefs, and beyond the deep waters are an abundance of large game fish that will challenge any angler's skill and patience. The Swahilis of Lamu Island hold tight to their traditions and gather together during festivals and holidays to enthusiastically celebrate their blessings of a peaceful environment, embracing all who wish to share in the experience.
Lamu Island is a part of Kenya’s Lamu Archipelago and has managed to stay unspoiled and untouched by the mass tourism that has hit much of Kenya’s coastline. As the oldest living town in Kenya, Lamu Town has retained all the charm and character built up over centuries. There are no roads on Lamu Island, just alleyways and footpaths, and therefore, there are few motorized vehicles on the island. Residents move about on foot or by boat, and donkeys are used to transport goods and materials.
Lamu Island, a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2001 and a center of Swahili and Islamic culture for over 700 years, is the most popular and most developed of the islands and its hotels have gained a well-deserved reputation for delivering a superb 'barefoot luxury' experience.
Situated just off the shore of northern Kenya in the Indian Ocean, Lamu Island is approximately 150 miles northeast of Mombasa. The island has a small population of just over 25,300 people, and it is a major island within the Lamu Archipelago.
Lamu Island dates to the c.14th and it is renowned for being the longest established and best-preserved traditional Swahili settlement.
Throughout its history, Lamu Island has been an important trade center and it has attracted traders and sailors from China to the Arabian Peninsula. The island has been inhabited by Kenyans, Persians, Indians, and Europeans.
Activities to Do on Lamu Island:
Take a Tour of Lamu Town:
Lamu Town is very interesting, unique, and steeped in history, so it is worth taking a tour with a guide. Our guides are very knowledgeable and friendly. Lamu Town reminds of a smaller, less hectic version of Stone Town Zanzibar, with incredible Swahili history, a maze of alleyways, stone buildings dating back centuries, and ornate doors of Arab, Portuguese, Omani, and Indian origin. You can take a boat to Lamu Town from Shela, which takes around 15 minutes, or you can walk (40 minutes) or catch a boda boda (motorbike).
Visit the Takwa Ruins:
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.
Walk Along the 12km Beach and Take a Sunrise Swim:
You can have a wander along the gorgeous, white sand beaches and have a sunrise swim in the calm water. The main stretch of the beach is next to Shela village. To get there, you walk along the water, past the Peponi Hotel, past the Governor’s House and there’s the beach. You can also walk the full length of the beach from Shela (which takes around 3 hours) to Kipungani, have lunch at Cabanas Eco Lodge, and then take a speedboat back to Shela or Lamu Town.
Swim to Manda Island:
If you’re feeling pretty energetic, you can swim across the bay to Manda Island. This may sound quite extreme, but you can hire a motorboat that will sail along with you, carry your stuff, and rescue you if you get tired of swimming.
Watch a Movie and have Pizza at Diamond Beach:
Every Thursday the Diamond Beach Hotel holds a pizza and movie night. The films are usually announced on their Instagram page.
Active Water Sports Activities:
With deep blue water and beautiful sand beaches at your front door, it is hard to resist the chance to enjoy all that the Indian Ocean offers you. Lamu Island is an activity-rich destination for those who love the thrill of skimming across the water.
Kiunga Marine National Reserve Trip :
Just off the northern coast of Kenya is Kiunga Marine National Reserve, a collection of approximately fifty calcareous isles and coral reefs. The reserve extends more than 37 miles parallel to the shoreline.
Have a Swahili Dinner at Banana House:
One can enjoy a beautiful Swahili dinner at Banana House. Or you can enjoy it while sitting in the garden, on the floor in traditional Swahili style, and tucked into a delicious meal of fish, rice, pumpkin, greens, chapatis, and other dishes.
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving Excursions:
Diving and snorkeling on a coral reef is an amazing underworld experience, and Lamu Island has one of the top coral reefs in Kenya. Most notable are the reefs of Manda Toto, Kiniyka, and Kiunga Marine National Reserve.
Deep Sea Fishing Trips:
The Lamu Archipelago is a discerning, top-rate destination for big game fishing. A half or full-day deep-sea angling trip with AfricanMecca gets you close to some of the gigantic finned creatures in the Indian Ocean.
Lamu Donkey Racing Festival: -
In the lunar month of Rabi' Al-awwal', the residents of Lamu hold festivities to celebrate the fiesta of the annual Maulidi. One of the most popular events during the celebration is donkey racing.
Take a Yoga Class:
Lamu is the perfect place to take a yoga class and one of the best places is Banana House which holds 3 x daily classes.
Watch the Sunset from the Sand Dunes:
Shela is backed by beautiful dunes which offer the perfect vantage point to watch the sun go down. Grab some sundowners and a couple of friends and enjoy!
Sail on a Traditional Dhow Boat:
Taking a dhow cruise is a must-do activity on Lamu Island. These can be arranged through your hotel or directly with the captain (walk down to the docks). There are a few different types of cruise to choose from – some do day trips with snorkeling and lunch to Manda Toto (a small island off Manda Island), whilst others do sunset cruises with dinner, drinks, and/or music. It is a lovely experience, sailing around the bay, getting close to the mangroves, and watching the sunset. You can even stop for a little swim over by Manda Island.
Get a Treatment at Natural Lamu:
This is a spa located opposite Banana House. They often tons of different treatments including facials, massages, and sunburn treatments.
Attend a Festival:
Lamu hosts several festivals and events every year, including the Lamu Yoga Festival (March), the Lamu Cultural Festival (November), and the Maulid Festival (usually June).
Accommodation on Lamu Island:
There are some great places to stay in Lamu. You can stay in Lamu Town itself, or across the bay on Manda Island, which isn’t on Lamu, but just a short boat ride away.
Shela Town:
1. Banana House: Their Swahili-style room are lovely, the pool is gorgeous, the surroundings are beautiful and homely, and they have an onsite yoga studio.
2. Jua House: A lovely and tasteful Swahili-style B&B in the heart of Shela, near Banana House.
3. Peponi Hotel: The Peponi Hotel is a Lamu institution, perfectly positioned overlooking the bay with a gorgeous pool and popular restaurant.
4. Amani Lamu: A beautiful villa in the dunes behind Shela. This place hasn’t opened yet, but it’s owned by a girl I follow on Instagram and you can check it out here.
5. Dudu Villas & Lamu Backpackers: If you’re on a budget, check out this hostel. It’s a little walk from the main part of Shela, but rooms start from around $8 so you can’t complain!
Lamu Town:
1. Makubwa House: This is a lovely hotel, located in the center of the old town.
2. JamboHouse: Budget accommodation in the heart of Lamu Town.
3. Lamu House Hotel: This lovely hotel is located on the waterfront. They have a nice pool and restaurant (Moonrise Restaurant) which is a popular meeting spot. I didn’t eat here but it gets good reviews.
Manda Island:
1. The Majlis Resort: The most luxurious hotel around, located right on the beach, overlooking Shela. Perhaps visit the restaurant for a special treat, even if you don’t stay.
2. Diamond Beach Village: This is a family-run eco-lodge, also located right on the beach, along with The Majlis Resort. This is a good choice that won’t break the bank.
Kipungani Beach:
1. Cabanas Eco Lodge: Kenya meets Hawaii at this eco-lodge which lies on the far Southwest tip of Lamu. You can also visit for lunch and dinner. If you’re up for it, you can also make the 3-hour hike along the beach from Shela.
Where to Dine Lamu Island:
1. Peponi: This hotel, restaurant, and bar are some of the most popular restaurants on Lamu Island and the heart of Shela village, where locals, expats, and tourists come to meet. The food is wonderful and the atmosphere buzzing. This is a great place to celebrate on a special occasion.
2. Kijani Restaurant: They have lovely meals here. You can have fish & and chips and it's highly recommended.
3. MaraRaha Village Lounge: This is a great little bar in the dunes, around a 15-minute walk from the main part of Shela in Mara. You can just pop in for an early evening drink, but if you want to see it in full force, I’m told you need to visit on one of their party nights with live music and lots of dancing – they look very fun.
4. Floating Bar & Restaurant: As you take the boat from the airport to Lamu, you will pass the floating restaurant, a popular restaurant and bar with weekly parties.
5. Ali Lamu: You can stop at this great little cafe and shop in the backstreets of Shela for smoothies and ice cream.
6. Diamond Beach Village: The party sometimes takes place at Diamond Beach on Manda Island and lasts late into the night (or the early hours of the following morning). If partying isn’t your thing, it’s also a nice place to spend the day/afternoon as it’s right on the beach.
7. Al-Mabrook: If you’re after local snacks or eating on a budget, just stop by any of the local shops in Shela or Lamu. Things to look out for include mandazis (donuts), kaimati (sugar dumplings), vibibi (rice and coconut pancakes) and samosas.
Where to Shop on Lamu Island:
1. Ali Lamu: This is a great little shop/coffee shop. They specialize in beautiful bags made from recycled cloth.
2. Natural Lamu: Loved the products you tried at the spa? Great news – you can buy them in their shop which is located in the village. I love their Anti-Aging Oil Mix. They also sell bags too.
3. Aman & Aman Home: These are two very stylish boutiques selling clothing and homeware.
4. African Corner: This is a nice gift shop next to the Natural Lamu shop.
5. Maasai Market: If you want some of the beaded jewelry you see around, you can buy it from the Maasai who set up shop on the seafront.
6. Janet’s Collection: A little shop in the village selling reasonably priced kikois and Swahili dresses.
Access to Lamu Island:
The best way to reach Lamu is by plane. Safarilink, Jambojet, Skyward Express, Fly540, and Hahn Air fly daily from Nairobi to Manda Airport on Manda Island. You can also fly direct from Mombasa or Malindi.
From the airport, it’s a short boat ride over to Lamu Island. Transfers can be arranged via your hotel, or you can organize them when you arrive, as there are usually touts and boats waiting.
You can also get a bus or drive to the coast and leave your car in Mokowe (you still need to get a boat over to Lamu).
Best Time to Visit Lamu Island:
You can visit Lamu at any time of the year, however, the dry seasons run from July to October (cooler) and January to February (hotter and more humid). May is usually the most rainy month. December is usually very busy due to the festive season.
Book and Arrange with Ultimate Wild Safaris for the safari tour of the old town of Lamu Island in Kenya.
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