20+ Amazing Things to Do in Lamu, Kenya
Lamu is a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history, culture, and delicious Swahili cuisine. Located in northern coastal Kenya on the Indian Ocean, this is a breathtaking island to relax and enjoy your time away from the hustle and bustle of life.
As mentioned in this article, when most visitors talk of Lamu, they are generally referring to Lamu Island as it’s the most visited part of Lamu County. Here you’ll find the old town, the very narrow streets, and architecture that hold so much history dating back to the 12th century.
Lamu County is also made up of the mainland, and the Lamu archipelago with over 60 islands.
If visiting Lamu for the first time, here are 20+ amazing things you can do in Lamu.
1. Go on a Guided walking tour
One of the best things you can and must do while on Lamu Island is explore the Old Town. I love taking walking tours around new places just to familiarize myself with the city and relax my mind.
The beauty of Lamu is that you can take a solo walking tour without getting lost. In addition, all tour guides operating in Lamu Old Town are certified by the county government.
This reduces the chances of tour guide scams. You get to learn the rich history from people who know the ins and out of the town. Lamu is one of the oldest towns in the world still inhabited and history well preserved.
Discover the Arab, European, Swahili, Indian, Onami, Portuguese, and even Chinese influences in Lamu. As you walk down the narrow alleyways, these influences are evident in the architecture.
I highly recommend hiring a guide if you want to learn about the rich history dating back 700 years. Your accommodation can help you get a guide if you are hesitant about hiring one on your own.
If you have been to Stone Town in Zanzibar, you will notice a lot of architectural similarities between the two Old Towns. Lamu however is chill and relaxed compared to Stone Town which is always very busy.
2. Visit the Lamu Meuseum
History lovers will love exploring Lamu Museum. Learn about the ancient Swahili traditions and practices. In the museum, you’ll find displays of ancient Swahili weddings, artifacts, traditional boats, jewelry, Swahili door carvings and so much more.
Entry cost to the museum is about $6 and don’t forget to tip your guide. No prior booking is required, the museum is open from 8 am to 6 pm.
3. Visit Lamu Fort
With your ticket to the museum, you can also access the Lamu Fort. If not visiting the museum, a ticket to the fort will cost you $5.
Built in the 1800s, Lamu Fort has beautiful Omani and Swahili details in its architecture. It was initially built to protect the town but today, the fort houses a library rich in Lamu’s history and poetry dating back to the 19th century.
4. Tour the donkey sanctuary
For so many years, donkeys were the only mode of transport within Lamu Old Town. This is due to the narrow alleyways in the town that can barely fit any cars. Today you will find motorbikes popularly known as bodas ferrying people around the island.
Residents of Lamu love their animals and protect them at all costs. Donkeys not only ferry people and goods but are also heritage in Lamu. Locals have a sanctuary where injured donkeys receive medical attention and recover.
You can spot this sanctuary as you walk along the beach. It’s absolutely free to visit and chat with those taking care of the donkeys if you want to learn more. Donations to the sanctuary are welcome to help support its operations.
5. Explore the local markets
If you want to support the local community or get some fresh produce, visit the markets. Best visited in the mornings, you’ll find fresh fruits, seafood, and other vegetables.
Air BnBs are quite common in Lamu, especially for budget travelers. Eating out daily can add up the costs, making it a very expensive vacation. With fresh produce from the market, you can make a healthy meal for less.
Even if you are not cooking at your accommodation, markets are always fun to explore! Shop for souvenirs and locally produced goods and oils.
6. Visit the German Post Office Museum
Built in the 1800s, this museum holds a rich history of German presence and influence on the Kenyan coast and East Africa in general.
7. Stay at a Swahili House
Well-preserved mansions from the 16th century hold so much history of the Swahili culture. As you walk through these mansions you can only imagine the Swahili lifestyle that the elite lived.
The Swahili houses have been converted to boutique-style hotels where visitors can experience the ancient Swahili lifestyle. Located along the coastline giving you spectacular views of the ocean.
The hotels were constructed from corals and have been maintained over the years preserving the unique designs and history.
Those wishing to experience a Swahili house check out Lamu House or Swahili House for budget travelers.
Keep in mind these are large mansions with multiple rooms so you will meet other guests.
8. Indulge in the local Swahili cuisine
Enjoy all fresh kinds of seafood, and fruits among other local delicacies. With influences from so many backgrounds be sure to taste some amazing dishes while at Lamu.
Restaurants serve both local and international cuisines if you are looking for familiar tastes. A popular place to sample Swahili dishes is Banana House.
Unlike Mombasa town where street food is popular, the street food market in Lamu isn’t as vibrant. You will find a few joints to try out some coastal snacks and foods though.
9. Walk along the beach
Lamu is blessed with beautiful white sandy beaches stretching over 12km on the mainland. The Islands forming the Lamu archipelago also have beautiful beaches all around them for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Enjoy a morning or evening walk on the beach as you take in beautiful views of a sunrise or sunset over the ocean.
Interestingly, beaches in Lamu are never overcrowded like in many other public beaches along coastal Kenya. Regardless of the season, you will enjoy being on Lamu beaches.
10. Visit the Takwa Ruins
Located on Manda Island, one of the largest islands in the Lamu archipelago. Manda Island is only a boat ride away from Lamu Island and has an airstrip in case you want to land there directly.
Takwa Ruis date back to the 16th century and are the remains of an ancient Swahili settlement. These well-preserved ruins provide an insight into how ancient Swahili houses were built, the homestead structure, and also materials used in construction.
While at Lamu, visit the Maweni village and witness where the raw materials (coral rocks) used to build Lamu Old Town came from.
11. Explore neighboring islands
Manda Island mentioned above is only one of the 60 islands of the Lamu archipelago. Other islands to explore include Pate and Kiwayu Islands. These are large islands with locals living there for those wishing to learn more about the islands.
Kiwayu Island is truly magical and romantic with pristine blue waters and white sandy beaches. Everyone who visits this island not only falls in love with nature but also with their romantic partner all over again.
While at Kiwayu Island, visit the Kiunga Marine National Reserve, explore the diverse environment, and snorkel with turtles.
Pate Island is often overlooked but is rich in history. Discover more Swahili settlement ruins and the well-preserved Shanga archaeological site. It is believed that this was the first Swahili settlement dating back to the 8th century.
In addition, Pate island is also home to descendants of Chinese traders who are believed to have settled in Lamu after their boat capsized in the 1400s in the Indian Ocean. If you wish to explore more about their culture, visit the village of Siyu on Pate Island.
12. Trek the Corniche Sea Path
Located right next to the shoreline, the Corniche Sea Path connects Lamu Old Town to Shella Village. A beautiful place to take evening walks and take in the sea breeze by the waterfront.
If you wish to walk to Shella, then this is the route to use. I would recommend early morning or late evening walks to avoid the scorching sun during the day.
13. Relax at Shela Beach
Since Lamu Island is located on a coral rock, there aren’t any sandy beaches to relax at. Visitors can either walk to or take a boat to Shela Beach.
At Shela enjoy beautiful white sandy beaches, take a dip into the Indian Ocean, or stay at a beachfront resort for maximum relaxation.
Shela Village is also home to many art exhibitions, restaurants, beautiful beach resorts, boutique hotels, and other budget accommodation options.
14. Sail into the sunset on a Dhow
A must-do in Lamu! Enjoy beautiful sunsets on a Dhow enjoying some refreshments and good Swahili music.
Your accommodation can help connect you to the dhow operators or you can simply look for one by the shores. Some will quote high prices and always negotiate for a better deal before boarding.
15. Watch green turtles hatch
If you are lucky you can spot green turtles hatching and walking into the ocean from the beach. Lamu Marine Conservation Trust has a program helping protect these endangered turtles in Lamu. A good beach to spot the turtles walking into the ocean is Manda Island.
16. Party on a Boat Bar
Unlike many other coastal towns, Lamu has a large Muslim population. This means that alcohol isn’t readily available in many restaurants or at local shops. If you want to party or enjoy a drinking night out with friends you can do this at a floating bar at Shella.
Drinking in public isn’t allowed, if you must drink alcohol do it at the comfort of your hotel, at a restaurant selling alcohol, or at the floating bar.
17. Enjoy a local festival
Lamu has a thriving festival culture adding to the uniqueness of this town. Popular festivals include the Maulid Festival, an Art Festival, Lamu Cultural Festival, and a Yoga Festival.
The Maulid festival features dhow races, poetry, theatre, donkey races, and an array of food. This is perhaps the most famous of them all and most vibrant bringing together locals and visitors from all over the world.
Since it’s an Islamic festival remember to dress decently and respect those participating and celebrating. It’s held annually in June, but dates may vary depending on the Muslim calendar.
If you wish to witness this festival, you can check in with your hotel or trip organizer to plan your trip around the festival.
18. Take a yoga class
Are you a yogi or looking for a way to relax in Lamu? Participate in a yoga class on the beach or indoors.
If you are not sure how to book a class ask your accommodation to point you in the right direction. Some hotels have spaces dedicated to yoga practice.
19. Get a massage
After a long day walking around Lamu Old Town or at Shela Beach, relax your sore muscles by getting a massage.
In Shela village, you will find many massage parlors offering relaxing massages at a very affordable price. While at the parlor get your nails and hair done, get a facial, and treat that nasty sunburn :-).
20. Art shopping
As mentioned before, Shella Village has so many art exhibitions with beautiful creations. If you are into art, you will love exploring the art galleries and I bet you will find two or more pieces you love.
21. Explore a mangrove forest
Coastal Kenya is rich in mangroves, explore these forests on a dhow or take a walking tour on the walking boards built in some forests.
You will find different species of mangroves depending on where you are. Mangroves on north coast towns such as Lamu may slightly differ from those on south coast areas of Diani.
In Lamu, you can explore mangrove forests on Manda Island. These are closely located on the beach.
Parting words
Lamu is a very beautiful and diverse county. You will experience many memorable moments on the islands. If you have time, make a point to visit the mainland as well. It may not be as rich in history as the islands but there is a lot to learn from the locals.
As a coastal town, expect high temperatures and mosquitoes. Make sure to carry all necessary essentials for a beach holiday as well as a mosquito repellant and loads of reef-safe sunscreen.
