10 Finest Issues To Do in Lamu in 2023

On this textual content, I’ll share the correct locations to go to and factors to do in Lamu, Kenya. These embrace exploring an earlier metropolis, visiting museums, attending festivals, watching the sundown on an everyday dhow cruise, and easily stress-free on a seashore. That’s little doubt one of many fairly locations to go to in Kenya.

Lamu is a magical and enchanting archipelago with 4 necessary islands – Kiwayu, Manda, Pate, and Lamu. It’s located alongside the northern coast of Kenya and decisions many sights together with forts, museums, and settlements courting as soon as extra to the Twelfth century.

For people who’re visiting Kenya and are looking for factors to do outside of the safari nationwide parks and mountaineering trails, Lamu is a unbelievable coastal journey spot to ponder. Expertise the historic earlier, customized, and heritage of the Swahili of us by means of historic buildings, dhows, delicacies, museums, festivals, and by interacting with the great locals.

As a neighborhood Kenyan who enjoys exploring less-traveled locations, Lamu is one among my favourite locations to go to. It’s like stepping as soon as extra in time when donkeys have been the one precise technique of transport and dhows dominated ocean routes. So, that may assist you intend your journey larger, I’ve ready this textual content material for the correct factors to do in Lamu.

Most fascinating Factors To Do in Lamu

Lamu is wealthy in historic earlier, building, and cultural heritage. It offers magnificent historic websites, pristine seashores, consuming places, and pure sights.

That will allow you to uncover one among my favourite locations in Kenya, listed under are 10 sights and prime factors to do in Lamu.

Kenya has quite a few UNESCO World Heritage Internet sites, nonetheless none is further spectacular than Lamu Earlier Metropolis. It’s the oldest Swahili settlement alongside the East African coast, and its of us nonetheless retain their traditions and customized correct now.

Strolling alongside the slim alleyways of Earlier Metropolis is little doubt considered one of many largest factors to do in Lamu. A stroll takes you earlier historic buildings, historic websites, markets, and native retailers.

Marvel at earlier properties with carved doorways, coral stone partitions, and exquisite rooftop patios. The day-to-day actions of the locals are certain to maneuver you as soon as extra to a time when commerce was blooming contained in the metropolis as you wander spherical.

Lamu Museum is my favourite place to be taught the historic earlier of this beautiful place. It’s discovered contained in the coronary coronary coronary heart of Earlier Metropolis and hosts ethnographic reveals of the native Swahili of us. It furthermore properties artifacts and offers that hyperlink city with commerce all by means of the Twelfth century. Along with Lamu Museum, you’ll be able to cease by the Lamu Fort and spot the Earlier German Publish Workplace.

Cope with: Go to Lamu Museum and the Lamu Fort (Sultan’s Fort). Click on on on on every attraction for instructions.

2. Pattern the Scrumptious Swahili Dishes

A go to to Lamu wouldn’t be full with out exploring Swahili delicacies and seafood. There are a number of locations contained in the archipelago serving coastal dishes at reasonably priced charges, nonetheless the correct consuming places embrace the Floating Bar & Restaurant, Seafront Cafe, and Mangrove Restaurant.

So, whether or not or not or not you’re craving biryani (my favourite), wali wa nazi (coconut rice), or updated prawns, Lamu has all of it. Take a look at any native restaurant in Lamu Earlier Metropolis for extra typical dishes like pilau.

I terribly advocate the Seafront Cafe. The restaurant serves scrumptious meals starting from biryani to grilled lobster and updated juices. Their seafront setting is sensible, and the ambiance is engaging – notably contained in the night.

Cope with: Click on on on correct proper right here for instructions to the Seafront Cafe. Furthermore, verify our data to fifteen Must-Strive Dishes in Kenya.

3. Attend the Lamu Cultural Pageant

Lamu hosts quite a few festivals yearly. One among my favorites is the Lamu Cultural Pageant which takes place from late November to early December. The 4-day occasion celebrates the cultural heritage of the archipelago. It includes samples of native meals, music, and customary dances.

Buddies all by means of the pageant can participate in diversified actions. These embrace sampling scrumptious native dishes, dhow races, and experiencing the Swahili typical ceremonies.

I significantly take pleasure in watching the dhow races. Locals race the engaging typical boats contained in the ocean, providing spectators a really spectacular scene. For people who’re visiting Lamu all by means of this weeklong pageant, it’s possible you’ll have to furthermore uncover strategies to play the Bao recreation, take heed to Swahili poetry, or get your self a henna portray.

Cope with: The Cultural Pageant happens between Nov 30 – Dec 2 in Lamu Earlier Metropolis.

4. Stroll Alongside the Magnificent Shela Seaside

Not like adventure-filled locations in Kenya like Masai Mara and Mount Kenya, Lamu is a slow-paced place to calm down. Most vacationers go to this coastal metropolis for its historic earlier and the seashore, and there’s no larger place to soak up some picture voltaic than the magnificent Shela Seaside.

The 12 km-long white sands and dunes assure moments of peace and serenity. You possibly can stroll alongside the seashore, sunbathe on the sand, or sit nonetheless and watch the engaging sundown. In contrast with seashores in Mombasa and Diani, Shela Seaside lacks facilities akin to loos and showers. Nonetheless, it’s considered one of many necessary peaceable and least crowded seashores in Kenya.

Cope with: The seashore is largest accessed from Shela Village. Stroll earlier the Peponi Lodge or the Seaside Residence to get there from the Earlier Metropolis.

5. Go on a Sundown Dhow Cruise

Lamu is little doubt one of many fairly locations to go to in Kenya. With just a few autos spherical and donkeys roaming the streets, considered one of many best strategies to seek out the island is by foot. Wandering alongside the labyrinthine backstreets lets you observe contained in the footsteps of locals and retailers who first set foot inside the world.

One totally different option to see the magic and inconceivable issue about Lamu is by exploring its islands – Manda, Pate, and Kiwayu – by taking a dhow experience, (an historic Arab crusing boat), and cruising from Shela Village to any of those scenic spots.

Evenings are significantly magnificent. The sight of the orange-yellow African sundown makes Lamu a visit spot you’ll take into account eternally, and crusing between the islands invitations you to revenue from the breeze and ponder how retailers made their option to Lamu from so far as Oman in these typical dhows.

Cope with: Dhows are one amongst many main technique of transport between islands in Lamu. You possibly can ask your host or lodging facility to rearrange a go to with captain.

6. Go to the Donkey Sanctuary

A Swahili proverb claims, “A person with no donkey is a donkey.”. Larger nonetheless, a saying goes, “A person who doesn’t take care of his donkey is a donkey.”. The latter is supposed to create consciousness about caring for pack animals.

Donkeys play a critical function contained in the financial system and progress of Lamu. With out motorized autos and autos, the neighborhood depends upon them for day-to-day actions. They transport of us, swap devices, and even carry organising offers all through the attractive metropolis.

The Donkey Sanctuary was established by a Sidmouth-based group (by the same set up) based by Dr. Elisabeth Svendsen, and along with providing scientific suppliers to donkeys, the flexibleness advocates for his or her larger welfare.

When strolling alongside the Lamu Earlier Metropolis alleys, switch by the sanctuary and analysis their set off. You can even help the initiative by donating, adopting a donkey, or in search of only a few of their merchandise.

Cope with: The Donkey Sanctuary is located off Faza Kenyatta Freeway in Lamu Earlier Metropolis. Click on on on correct proper right here for the type out.

7. Expertise the Lamu Yoga Pageant

Even should you don’t know fairly a bit about yoga and its many types, the Lamu Yoga Pageant facilitates an all-new perspective. The 5-day occasion takes place in Shela Village and brings to life the shut by Manda Island and Lamu Earlier Metropolis.

This pageant attracts firm from in all places on the earth who’re keen about yoga, properly being, wellness, and meditation. Together with taking yoga courses, you may get pleasure from fully totally different actions like dune walks, dhow meditation journeys, and even paddleboard yoga safaris.

What I like most concerning the occasion is that the organizers are eager on involving the neighborhood. With sponsors’ assist, the pageant has raised funds to help initiatives akin to Ubunifu (a neighborhood artwork work coronary coronary heart in Maharani village). Furthermore they supply free yoga workshops and sanitation pads to girls in Lamu.

Cope with: For dates, packages, venues, and lodging selections, try the Lamu Yoga Pageant web site.

8. Attend the Maulid Pageant

Maulid or Maulidi is one totally different well-known pageant in Lamu. The annual occasion takes place all by means of the third month of the Islamic calendar to mark and have satisfying the start of Prophet Mohammed.

Within the midst of the 3-day celebration, pilgrims and curious firm take pleasure in and participate in diversified actions. Uncover music and dances, artwork work exhibitions, recitals of reward poems, dhow races, and swimming competitions.

The pageant includes video video video games, a prayer vigil, and a narration of Prophet Mohammed’s life and deeds. It culminates with a parade (Zeffe) alongside the Earlier Metropolis’s slim streets.

So, should you’re keen on experiencing totally fully totally different cultural practices and totally different people’s lifestyle, add the Maulid Pageant to your bucket tips.

Cope with: The Maulid Pageant takes place in Lamu Earlier Metropolis yearly all by means of the third month of the Muslim calendar (often on the Riyadha Mosque).

9. Go to Kiwayu Island and Kiunga Marine Nationwide Reserve

Solely a few of us journey additional than Pate Island. Nonetheless, should you’re daring and adventurous sufficient, take a ship experience to Kiwayu Island – considered one of many necessary fairly locations close to Lamu.

The island is located north of Pate and near the unspoiled nationwide reserves of Dodori. The principle attraction correct proper right here is the Kiunga Marine Nationwide Reserve.

This spectacular ecosystem is dwelling to diversified marine species like fish, coral reefs, and sea turtles. Together with uncommon sightings of dugongs, firm may additionally take pleasure in scuba diving, snorkeling, and looking out alternate choices.

Cope with: Kiwayu Island (and Kiunga Marine Nationwide Reserve) is perhaps accessed from Lamu metropolis through speedboat or dhow. The journey takes 2-7 hours. Whereas there, you’ll be able to protect at Mike’s Camp – the correct lodging facility on the island.

10. Go to the Many Ruins

Lamu is especially wealthy in ruins; most of that are stays of deserted settlements alongside the Swahili coast. Whereas their abandonment stays a thriller, a few of us take into consideration warring tribes attacked them. Others argue that it was on account of silting up of the harbors.

One in every of many well-known ruins and sights in Lamu is Takwa, a relic of a Sixteenth-century village located on Manda Island. For people who’re a historic earlier lover like me, assure that so as in order so as to add Takwa Ruins to your tips of the correct factors to see in Lamu. You’ll analysis Lamu’s historic earlier, building, customized, and totally different people’s lifestyle.

Completely totally different historic ruins in Lamu embrace Faza, Siyu Fort, and Shanga on Pate Island.

Cope with: To go to Takwa Ruins, take a ship experience to Manda Island. You can even ask your lodging facility to assist prepare your journey.

Fast Journey Itineraries For Lamu

Whether or not or not or not you’re on an trustworthy schedule otherwise you may need the posh of further time, these fast itineraries will current you the way in which to income out of your journey to Lamu. They embrace visiting museums, spending time on the seashore, and taking a dhow cruise.

Your host or lodging can put collectively journeys to locations and sights talked about in these itineraries. You can even work together locals (principally in consuming places and on the necessary jetty) for boat and dhow rides.

1 Day in Lamu Itinerary

One in every of many best strategies to spend 24 hours in Lamu is to seek out its Earlier Metropolis on foot. Begin your day with espresso and snacks on the Whispers Cafe or Mangrove Restaurant. From there, stroll alongside the backstreets, and acknowledge city’s building.

Ensure that to cease at Lamu Museum, Lamu Fort, and the Donkey Sanctuary. In case your journey coincides with one amongst many festivals, take part and expertise the wealthy customized of the Swahili of us. On the top of the day, take a ship experience for dinner on the Floating Bar and Restaurant.

2-3 Days in Lamu Itinerary

Three days is extended sufficient to get an impressive kind of the Lamu Archipelago.

Spend your first day exploring the Earlier Metropolis and visiting its historic websites. Observe the 1-day itinerary above.

Start your second day by strolling or jogging alongside Shela Seaside before it will get too heat. Head as soon as extra to your resort for a late breakfast after which take a ship to Manda Island. Whereas correct proper right here, go to Takwa Ruins and revel in some updated seafood at The Majlis Resort.

Calm down at their seashore till night, and revel in a dhow cruise to take a look on the sundown as you head as soon as extra to your resort or guesthouse – in Shela, Manda, or Lamu.

Spend your third day experiencing the adventurous facet of Lamu. You possibly can go windsurfing, snorkeling, or tubing contained in the Indian Ocean. The Majlis Resort in Manda Island can put collectively these actions for you. After the day’s thrill, go for dinner in a single amongst many native consuming places to culminate your journey to the archipelago.

1 Week in Lamu Itinerary

If in case you should have seven days contained in the Lamu archipelago, you’ll have time to expertise every half contained in the Earlier Metropolis and even take pleasure in a go to to Kiwayu Island.

Spend your first two days wandering spherical Lamu Earlier Metropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage web site with its slim alleyways and exquisite coral stone properties. Go to the Lamu Museum, Riyadha Mosque, the Donkey Sanctuary, and the Lamu Fort. Spend the night strolling alongside Shela Seaside. Wrap up your day of exploration with a Swahili dish or seafood on the Seafront Cafe.

On day three, embark on a day journey to Manda Island. Begin by exploring its historic ruins at Takwa after which calm down at its magnificent seashores. Cease at every Majlis Resort or Diamond Seaside Village for meals before taking a sundown dhow cruise.

Take a full-day journey to Kiwayu Island on a dhow or tempo boat in your fourth day, and protect at Mike’s Camp – a well-kept secret in a merely unforgettable location.

Spend day 5 visiting the areas spherical Kiwayu Island. Go snorkeling, fishing, windsurfing, or exploring coral reefs at Kiunga Marine Nationwide Reserve.

After an adventurous day in Kiwayu, head as soon as extra to Lamu metropolis or Manda Island on a ship. Uncover the mangroves alongside the way in which through which throughout which and look out for fowl species akin to flamingos and storks. Whereas in Lamu Earlier Metropolis, revisit your favourite restaurant for dinner.

Spend your closing day in Lamu stress-free. Stroll alongside Shela Seaside, rejuvenate in a spa, or adjust to some yoga by the ocean – Banana Residence and Wellness Coronary coronary heart is the proper place to unwind. Bid Lamu farewell with a sundown dhow cruise or go memento looking for.

The place to Preserve in Lamu

Whether or not or not or not you’re touring on a funds or looking for luxurious lodging, Lamu has a protect for everybody. There are fairly a number of corporations in Shela, Kiwayu, Manda, and Lamu Earlier Metropolis to select from.

Irrespective of in case your choice is a guesthouse, backpacker’s hostel, or boutique resort, listed under are simply a number of the correct locations to remain in Lamu for vacationers:

Lamu Earlier Metropolis – Most fascinating for First-Time Buddies and Historic earlier Lovers

Of all of the islands contained in the archipelago, Lamu Earlier Metropolis has further sights. It furthermore has lodging selections for every funds. Quite a lot of the very best corporations embrace Jamala Guesthouse and Lamu Residence.

Click on on on correct proper right here to take a look at the correct lodging, buyer properties, and villas in Lamu, Kenya.

Whereas there, you’ll be able to go to museums, markets and marvel on the historic building. The seashore (Shela) will probably be inside strolling distance, and Manda is lower than one hour away by boat.

Shela Village – Most fascinating for Solo Vacationers and Seaside Lovers

Shela is a seashore village neighboring Lamu Earlier Metropolis. As a consequence of its extended strip of unspoiled seashores and dunes, many firm want staying there. Correct proper right here, you may need an threat of rustic Swahili properties, villas, and lodging starting from funds to luxurious. The correct corporations embrace Peponi Lodge and Kijani Lodge.

My favourite place to remain correct proper right here is the Banana Residence and Wellness Centre. This distinctive home is surrounded by inexperienced gardens that present a wonderfully stress-free setting. It decisions rooms for each people and households, a swimming pool, a wellness coronary coronary heart, a restaurant, and spacious sitting areas. E guide your protect correct proper right here.

Manda Island – Most fascinating for {{{Couples}}} and Households

Manda is a quiet hideaway lower than an hour from Lamu Island. It’s calm and relaxed, providing firm a chance to have tranquility all by means of their journey to the archipelago. The principle lodging corporations on this island are Diamond Seaside Village and The Majlis Resort.

Majlis Resort is the primary attribute of the island – and my favourite place to remain. The privately owned seashore resort decisions luxurious suites, 4 consuming places, and fully totally different corporations to make your protect memorable. It’s furthermore a launching spot for water sports activities actions actions and actions in Lamu.

Whereas on the island, you’ll be able to go to Takwa Ruins (remnants of an historic coastal settlement) or go snorkeling at Manda Bay. A dhow cruise to take a look on the sundown and think about mangrove plantations will probably be appropriately value your time.

Kiwayu Island – Most fascinating for Adventurer Seekers

For people who love venturing into less-traveled locations, your wanderlust may lead you to Kiwayu Island. The reward for this curiosity is a ravishing, off-the-beaten-path location north of Lamu.

Whereas correct proper right here, you’ll be able to uncover the villages and launch your wild facet with some water sports activities actions actions. The shut by Kiunga Marine Nationwide Reserve will probably be good for snorkeling and windsurfing.

There are few lodging corporations in Kiwayu. My favourite is Mike’s Camp. It is perhaps not a five-star facility, nonetheless it decisions all of the facilities you’ll want for a snug protect and offers a further actual expertise.

You can even try the Baobabs of Kitangani camp on the island’s northern finish, overlooking Mkokoni village and the spherical bay.

For people who’d wish to journey to Kiwayu, request your resort in Lamu or Manda to assist put collectively the journey. There aren’t any public ferries, nonetheless hiring a speedboat or dhow is feasible.

Most fascinating Consuming places in Lamu

Though you’ll uncover just a few locations to eat on the choice islands, a great deal of the Lamu Archipelago eateries are positioned contained in the Earlier Metropolis. Lodging corporations akin to Majlis Resort on Manda have in-house consuming places too, so that you just don’t need to stress about going hungry.

To present you some concepts on locations to eat, my favourite consuming places in Lamu are beneath:

Floating Bar & Restaurant

The Floating Bar & Restaurant is little doubt considered one of many few locations in Lamu the place you’ll be able to eat, drink, and celebration. Together with its good ambiance and great ocean views, the restaurant offers top of the range native and worldwide dishes. It furthermore encompasses a contemporary seating house to calm down and revel in a chilly drink.

For people who love native dishes, attempt their ugali (a starchy, polenta-like dish), served with fish and kachumbari (updated chopped salad). Furthermore they’ve very good pizzas and samosas.

The Seafront Cafe

For people who love actual native vibes and dishes, cease by the Seafront Cafe. This modest restaurant serves updated seafood and Swahili dishes at reasonably priced costs. Furthermore they’ve non-alcoholic drinks, soups, and juices. Strive their biryani served with coconut beans, beef curry, fish curry, or blended seafood (prawns, lobster, and Lamu crab).

The Majlis Consuming places

The Majlis Resort has 4 in-house consuming places that stand out ensuing from their distinctive architectural design. Their delicacies ranges from scrumptious Swahili dishes to spicy Indian flavors and fully totally different worldwide meals, and the consuming places are open to non-guests.

Their elements are sourced regionally from market distributors and fishermen, guaranteeing the freshest of dishes. You possibly can order one factor from fish and lobster to biryani and pizza correct proper right here.

For people who’re staying in Shela or Lamu Earlier Metropolis, it’s possible you’ll have to take a ship to Manda Island for a bespoke culinary expertise at The Majlis.

Moonrise Restaurant

Moonrise Restaurant (a part of Lamu Residence) is little doubt considered one of many largest locations to eat contained in the Earlier Metropolis of Lamu. It’s a spot the place flavors from all by means of the globe come collectively, with an enthralling native twist.

The menu is a pleasant journey by means of culinary cultures, starting from the intricate tastes of Italy to the true richness of Swahili delicacies. Irrespective of your palate’s choice, the restaurant’s fairly a number of array of dishes ensures there’s one issue to fulfill each kind bud.

A few of their largest dishes embrace rooster in Swahili sauce, fish in coconut sauce, and pilau. For people who’re touring in a bunch, check out their biryani platter or tagliatelle seafood (with fish, prawns, and octopus sauce).

Diamond Seaside Village

The Diamond Seaside Village is a ravishing place to remain in Lamu, and their restaurant is unquestionably value stopping by. It’s open all day for breakfast (oven-backed bread, mandazi, and chai) and lightweight lunches (tapas, pasta, and seafood salads).

Dinner often decisions pizza, Swahili dishes like wali wa nazi, and updated seafood. Furthermore they serve greens, fish fillets, vegan selections, and finely blended fruit juices.

Their beachfront bar is nice for a chilly beer as you watch the picture voltaic setting beneath the horizon.

Completely totally different consuming places in Lamu embrace Whisper’s Cafe, Mangrove Restaurant, and Kijani Lodge Restaurant.

Attending to Lamu

Manda Island contained in the Lamu Archipelago has an airport served by flights from fully totally different airports in Kenya – Wilson (Nairobi), JKIA (Nairobi), and Moi (Mombasa).

Quite a lot of the very best native airways from Nairobi and Mombasa to Lamu embrace Jambojet, Fly Safarilink, and Skyward Explicit. Prices for a one-way journey begin from $60 and take spherical an hour.

There are a number of buses to Lamu should you’re in Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi, or fully totally different cities alongside the north coast. Tawakal Coaches is little doubt considered one of many largest firms. They’ve day-after-day departures from Mombasa to Lamu, and their fare inside cause priced.

Nonetheless, there are occasional safety issues concerning the Malindi-Lamu overland route. Flying into Lamu is subsequently truly helpful.

Getting Spherical Lamu

Lamu metropolis doesn’t have any public transport autos (owing to the slim roads). Nonetheless, like fully totally different islands contained in the archipelago, it’s small and, subsequently, simple to seek out on foot. For people who’re arriving at Manda Airport, you’ll ought to hop on a ship to attain any a part of the archipelago. Your resort or host can put collectively the boat prematurely otherwise you’ll uncover one on arrival.

Shifting between the islands (Manda, Pate, Lamu Earlier Metropolis, and Kiwayu) will probably be accomplished by boat. Though it’s naturally slower than taking a tempo boat, you’ll be able to rent a dhow for a further scenic expertise.

Factors To Do in Lamu: FAQs

Listed beneath are some choices to often requested questions on visiting and sightseeing in Lamu:

In Closing

As you’ll be able to see, there are plenty of free factors to do in Lamu. Nonetheless, the archipelago differs out of your typical journey spot. It’s a secret paradise providing an intimate and memorable expertise.

I hope you appreciated this textual content material and that it’ll data you in planning your journey. Ensure that to seek out the Earlier Metropolis on foot looking for indicators of days handed by – in mosques, retailers, resort properties, museums, and forts. Markets and consuming places are furthermore good locations to be taught concerning the residents and their customized.

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