Here is a list of the Best Things to do in Lamu Island. Lamu is an island that’s a 10-minute boat ride from the mainland and about 360km up the coast from Mombasa. The majority of the population lives in Lamu Town, one of the oldest living Swahili towns in East Africa. Streets are narrow, buildings are made of coral, doors are intricately designed, and there are only three cars. Some motorcycles are starting to make an unwelcome appearance, but donkeys mostly still run the show. They are the most used in the narrow passages.
Lamu Island is one of the few places left in the world where you can have a mix of magical cultural history. Known as the Latin American Muslim Unity, Lamu is one of the oldest existing Swahili towns in the East Africa region. Also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamu Island is a centre for tourism due to its archaeological charm and pristine white sand beaches. It also offers the perfect environment for solo, couples, or group tourists due to its seclusion and discreteness.
So, without further ado, here is a list of the best things to do in Lamu Island.
Best Things To Do In Lamu
The Lamu Archipelago
The Lamu Archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean, just off the northern coast of Kenya. It comprises five islands: Lamu Island, Pate Island, Manda Island, and the smaller islands of Kiwayu and Manda Toto. The largest town in the archipelago is Lamu Town, on Lamu Island; its ‘Old Town’ is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
1. Visit the cultural attractions in Lamu Town
Lamu Museum
It is located on the waterfront next to the town jetty and is the second largest building in Lamu Old Town after Lamu Fort. Abdalla bin Hamed bin Siad Al-Busaid originally owned the building and its construction was completed in 1892. Inside, you would get a full introduction to the region, both past and present. It has a fascinating collection of the Swahili, Pokomo, Orma, Boni, and other hinterland tribes.
Lamu Fort
This massive multi-story building with a central courtyard dates back to 1813, shortly after Lamu’s victory over Pate and Mombasa in the battle of Shela. The Fort has served several purposes over the years, from housing a garrison of Baluchi soldiers sent by the Sultan of Oman to serving as a prison from 1910 to 1984 before the National Museums of Kenya took it over. It houses three sections of exhibits, a marine section, freshwater, and terrestrial. Lamu Fort majestically stands in the centre of Lamu town, so you won’t be able to miss it.
German Post Office Museum
This double-story building was the first post office in East Africa, underscoring the fame of Lamu as the centre for maritime trade with Europe and other nations. It was built after the reclamation of a strip of land from the sea in the early 19th century by Mrs. Mwana Madina. It was later bought and renovated by a German Consul, Mr. Gustav Denhardt, an Architect and Geographer. The house was transformed into a post office in 1888 and became a museum in 1996.
The Swahili House Museum
A walk through this unique museum gives one a glimpse of the traditional setup of a Swahili home, with its well-planned bedrooms, bath, kitchen, and living areas; Period furniture has been used throughout the rooms, giving this museum its authentic character. It is located in the northern part of the town and has been restored to illustrate a Swahili home of that period.
Lamu market
Atmospheric and chaotic, this is the place to buy fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, and spices. It is best visited in the early morning; be prepared to haggle
The Donkey Sanctuary
A man without a donkey IS a donkey or so says the Swahili proverb. Meanwhile, this sanctuary is devoted to giving shelter to some 3,000 donkeys that can no longer work.
2. Explore Lamu Old Town
A top thing to do in Lamu is to wander around through Lamu Town. Lamu town is a maze of small streets, cute corners, and beautiful old buildings. There is nothing better than to wander through this and be surprised on every corner by what you see again. Pay special attention to the beautifully carved doors, nowhere in the world will you find designs like these. The old harbour is also beautiful to see, as is the fort (Unesco Heritage Heritage) and the busy local market. Along the way, you will come across dozens of donkeys and Egyptian cats. The animals roam free on the island.
Old Town Lamu is still quite conservative, so dress appropriately. Ride donkeys through the streets or get some henna tattoos. Throughout the year, keep an eye out for the donkey races that take place in Old Town. A guided tour costs about 10 USD per person.
3. Sunset sailing trip with a Dhow
It is worthwhile to make a beautiful sunset sailing trip with a dhow. It is also possible to make a snorkelling trip, a lunch trip or go fishing by dhow. Finally, with a bit of luck (depending on the date), you can see sea turtles hatching out of their eggs and walking towards the sea. This activity is facilitated by the Lamu Marine Conservation Trust (Lamcot). There are also all kinds of water sports that you can do at Lamu, such as windsurfing, supping, or kite surfing. The dhow cruise takes about 2 hours, as you sail around the channel, with the sprawling town and mesmerising sunset for your view. It costs 10 USD per person.
4. Take a boat trip to Lamu’s neighbouring Islands
Pate Island
According to the chronicle of Pate, the town was founded by Arab immigrants in the early years of Islam. In the 13th century, a dispossessed group of Arab rulers from Oman (the Nabhani ) arrived on Pate Island. The main towns on Pate Island are Siyu, Faza, Kizungitini, and Mtangawanda, one of these Siyu, is best known for its tradition as a centre of Islamic learning. Siyu Fort is the most striking building on Pate Island. Travelling to this island is by dhow or a local passenger ferry service on a motorised launch, which takes about four hours.
Manda Island
Manda Island is a short boat hop from Lamu. Here you will find dunes, mangroves, and the fabulous Takwa Ruins—all that remains of a glorious 15th-century city. Takwa was considered an important trading centre before it was abandoned in the 17th century. As a result, there is an incredible history to be discovered at the ruins. It is worth visiting for a couple of hours and makes for a great picnic site. The boat ride to Takwa Ruins costs about 15 USD per person, while the Takwa Ruins entrance fee is 1 USD per person. Costs may vary for non-residents.
Kiwayu Island
Remote, pristine, and romantic, Kiwayu lies at the far northeast of the archipelago and has a reputation for causing all its visitors to fall hopelessly in love. The island is also ideally situated within the Kiunga Marine National Reserve. A pristine string of 51 rugged coral isles, ringed by rainbow coral reefs, Kiunga promises turtles, dugongs, and an underwater world of unbelievable colour, discovery, and vibrancy. It’s the perfect place for a spot of snorkelling. The boat ride from Lamu to Kiwayu costs about 20 USD per person, for a group of 9 people. You can also hire a boat, starting at about 150 USD per day.
5. Visit Shela Village
Shela is famed for its pristine beaches and dunes. If you’re looking for a luxurious vacation while in Lamu, Shela village is ideal. There are many high-end restaurants to sample, and the less crowded atmosphere makes it a perfect honeymoon spot in Kenya. Take walks along the long stretch of beaches as you enjoy the sand-in-feet experience. To get to Shela from Lamu, you can opt for a 15-minute boat ride or a 45-minute walk along the beach. If you are enthusiastic about yoga, participate in the annual Lamu Yoga Festival and get to interact with great trainers.
6. Experience Kiunga Marine National Reserve
Stretching about 60km along the coastline with coral reefs and little islands, Kiunga Marine National Reserve lies at the confluence of northern East Africa’s coastal currents and the South’s flowing, nutrients-rich Somali current. It is famous as a habitat for the rare Dugong, a marine fish that has a tail like a mermaid (it is believed to be the source of the mermaid myth). It is also the largest breeding ground for roseate terns, at least five types of turtles, and nine types of mangrove species. It is located on Kiwayu Island and can be accessed by dhow or by speedboat.
7. Indulge in Authentic Swahili Dishes
Lamu offers a diverse range of culinary options that are an eclectic mix of the different cultures (Portuguese, Indian, and Arab) that have lived on the island over the years. For a genuine taste of local Swahili food, indulge in fresh seafood seasoned with local spices and coconut rice or chapati (local nan). For breakfast, do not pass on the mahamri (spiced doughnuts), often served with peas cooked in coconut milk.
8. Plan your trip around a festival
One of Lamu’s wealth of cultural attractions is the numerous festivals held on the island. The most famous of which is the Lamu cultural festival held in August. The festival is a jamboree of activities, including traditional dancing, a donkey race, and a dhow competition. If you are looking for a detox vacation that will help you bring harmony between your breath, mind, and body, then the Lamu Yoga Festival, which I was attending, should be on your bucket list. Held annually in March, the festival brings together yogis from all over the world with more than 20 different types of yoga classes and workshops held daily for a week.
Other festivals held in Lamu include the religious Maulidi festival, which celebrates the prophet, Mohamed. Lamu boasts of a very vibrant and well-developed arts and crafts scene, it is no wonder the island also hosts a hat and a painters’ festival. You would need to book your flights and accommodations well in advance during festival seasons.
9. Stroll along breathtaking Beaches
The beaches of Lamu island are sandy white, with the turquoise sea laid before like a gorgeous Persian carpet. The views are postcard-perfect, and strolling along these picturesque beaches in the early morning can be the perfect way to start the day. While doing so, stop at one of the juice bars to enjoy some refreshments.
10. Enjoy delicious, freshly-caught fish
Many of the fishermen on the island also double up as some of the best grillers in town. You will find them roasting a whole array of fresh seafood in the evening. You can pull up a simple plastic table and chairs and enjoy everything from octopus tentacles to shrimp and snapper.
11. Live in a Swahili Beach House
When you visit this island, be sure to check different accommodation options and try something in Shela Village. The houses have unique Swahili-inspired décor that is such a breath of fresh air. The furniture is also fascinating. In Old Town, you will also get to see how people live. You will see children playing, locals doing their laundry and cooking, and residents will always be very welcoming.
Other Top Activities include;
- Get involved in protecting marine life, by taking part in beach cleanups at the nearby Mkokoni village
- Experience the beauty of a Lamu sunrise at the dunes
- Relax with a morning or evening yoga session on the beach
