Lamu Archipelago
Located in Eastern Kenya, on the coastline of the Indian Ocean, Lamu is a secluded tropical archipelago.
When to Go
Best Time to Go
Visit the Lamu archipelago between July and October for the best beach holiday experience.
Secluded tropical Archipelago
A large variety of activities available
Remote & off-the-beaten track
Beautiful area for a beach break
A Unique Kenyan Beach Escape
It is perfect for adventurous travellers and holidaymakers who fancy something a little bit different from the experiences offered by other Kenyan destinations. Lamu is a beautiful area in which to escape reality with a beach break! The main island, with its large white sand dunes bordering serene waters, offers plentiful opportunities for land- and sea-based activities alike, including snorkelling at the coral reef off nearby Kiwayu Island.
Historically important as a stop on ancient trading routes, Lamu is full of Arab, Chinese, and Portuguese influences, from its architecture to the traditional dhows that are characteristic of these waters. No visit to Lamu is complete without enjoying a sunset dhow safari – a peaceful and magical experience!
Lamu is certainly off the beaten track, but the effort to reach it is well worthwhile. Visitors fly into the airport on Manda Island and transfer by boat to any of the other islands, including the largest, Lamu Island, which shares its name with the archipelago.
Activities
Lamu Island offers an impressive number of activities. There are no roads on Lamu Island, only alleyways and footpaths, so inhabitants travel on foot or by boat and donkeys are used to transport goods and materials. A real, laid-back coastal destination!
Visit Lamu Old Town and Shela Village
Motorbike trip around the island
Visit The Floating Bar
Visit Manda Beach
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A visit to Lamu Old Town is another exciting excursion. This is one of the oldest and best-preserved of the remaining Swahili towns and as such has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. The town’s pretty boutiques mix interestingly with its mosques, while the maze of alleyways provides a place you can enjoy getting lost in for hours at a time. Built in coral stone and mangrove timber, the buildings are famous for their inner courtyards, verandas, and elaborately carved wooden doors. Two miles south of Lamu Old Town, Shela village has lots of friendly guesthouses and the most spectacular beaches.
Take a tour of the island by motorbike and get a unique point of view of life on Lamu.
Catch a boat to The Floating Bar and Restaurant off the coast of Lamu Island. Enjoy scenic ocean views, laid-back vibes, and fresh seafood at this unique and rustic floating restaurant!
Take a trip to Manda Beach on neighbouring Manda Island, which is another highly scenic coastal destination to explore.
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