What to Wear in Lamu Island, Kenya

ByIndy Updated on Kenya
What to Wear in Lamu Island, Kenya

Visiting Lamu soon and don’t know what to wear. This post is all about what to wear in Lamu, Island in Kenya.

In this article, I posted about 20 amazing things you can do in Lamu. This will get you started if this is your first trip to the beautiful coastal island.

Lamu’s largest population is Muslim and everyone dresses decently all over Lamu. As a visitor, it’s respectful to wear clothes that cover you well.

You are not required to wear hijabs or only long skirts or dresses that cover every inch of your body. Just keep it decent especially when walking around the streets.

Now let’s get into what you will need to wear and pack for your Lamu vacation.

Dresses and skirts

Pink Dress to wear in Lamu

Lamu is very hot like any other coastal town in Kenya. Pack light dresses and skirts that go on or below your knees. Avoid very short dresses or skirts as wearing these on the streets can be seen as indecent and rude to the locals.

If wearing sleeveless or strapless dresses, make sure they are not exposing too much skin, especially around your breast area.

Some good materials to consider when shopping for dresses include linen, chiffon, African fabric, or silk. Pick materials that flow. This will allow air circulation keeping you cool as you walk around Lamu.

  • Avoid tight dresses and skirts
  • Materials that can’t absorb sweat
  • Fabrics that are not breathable
  • Avoid black clothes
  • No short and skimpy clothes

Below are a few examples of dresses on Amazon you can wear in Lamu. Use this as a guide to the type of dresses to buy/pack.

Long flowy Pants

black and white palazzo pants

If you are not into dresses and skirts, long long pants will work just fine. When staying for a couple of days or weeks you may also want to mix up your wardrobe by including some pants.

Wide-leg linen pants and palazzo pants are ideal for Lamu’s hot weather. In addition, they are comfortable and very decent.

Avoid tight jeans especially if you plan on walking around Lamu.

Check out these pants on Amazon fit to wear in Lamu:

Tops and T-shirts

What to wear in Lamu | white linen blouse

My best tip is to wear long sleeve tops with sun protection when walking around Lamu. This way your hands are protected from the sun. When wearing long-sleeved tops, t-shirts, or blouses, remember to wear sunscreen on exposed parts.

Similarly, go for tops with sweat-absorbent materials, breathable and light. Chiffon or linen tops and blouses, light cotton tops, and t-shirts will serve you well.

Avoid heavy fabrics such as heavy cotton.

Here are some examples of what to wear:

  • MEROKEETY Women’s Summer Lace Short Sleeve Waffle Tee Blouse
  • ayreus Women’s Casual Short Sleeve Summer Tunic Tops
  • Langwyqu Womens’ Cap Sleeve Casual Loose Fit Basic Shirts Tank Tops
  • MIROL Women’s Short Sleeve Tunic Top Round Neck 
  • G4Free Women Long Sleeve UV Shirts Quick Dry Top
  • Astylish Womens V Neck Roll-up Sleeve Button Down Blouses Tops

Shorts

For men, you can wear shorts or loose-fitting pants while visiting Lamu or any other coastal town.

While no one will stop you from wearing short shorts, remember to be respectful to the locals. Maybe wear very short ones at the beach or at the hotel. Pack a few longer shorts for walking around the town.

For ladies, You can wear shorts too while in Lamu. Just keep them decent, for instance, a mid-thigh short is generally acceptable.

Here are a few examples of shorts you can wear:

Swimsuits & Coverups

A common question many visitors have is whether they can wear swimsuits at the beach when visiting locations where the higher population is Muslim.

Yes, you can wear your swimsuits at the beach or the pool. Everyone understands this is the correct attire for the beach and no one will question you.

Once you are done swimming, wear a coverup especially if there are families on the beach. Don’t walk around in your swimsuits in Lamu or any other coastal town as it may be considered indecent.

Avoid skimpy bikinis and beach wear.

Check out these swimsuits suitable to wear in Lamu Island, Kenya.

  • B2prity Women’s Slimming One Piece Swimsuits

Sandals

You will be walking on the white sandy beaches in Lamu every day. Carry a comfortable pair of sandals.

Waterproof sandals help reduce baggage weight as you can wear them to the beach and around the town. However, if you don’t mind the extra weight, you can always carry two pairs of sandals.

These are my two favorite pairs of sandals for the beach.

Walking shoes

Carry a pair of comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. These come in handy when exploring Lamu on foot, and visiting the archeological sites and ruins.

Whether you prefer closed or open walking shoes, just make sure they can support your feet for hours. The last thing you want to be dealing with is blisters and sore feet.

Here is an example of some comfortable walking shoes to wear in Lamu:

Sunhats, Baseball caps, & Sunglasses

Wear sunhats or baseball caps, and sunglasses when walking out in the sun. By now you already have an idea that coastal Kenya is very hot compared to many other parts of Kenya.

Even a few minutes under the hot sun will give you a nasty sunburn. In addition to sunhats always wear sunscreen on your face.

Use reef-safe sunscreen when diving, swimming, or snorkeling in the ocean.

Light Jacket/ Sweater or Shawl

When traveling to hot destinations like Lamu or Mombasa, it’s good to pack a sweater, shawl, or light jacket.

These always come in handy when eating out by the beach, taking night walks, or when relaxing by a bonfire. The breeze at night may be too strong for you and you could end up catching a cold.

What to Pack for Lamu

In addition to the above-mentioned things to wear in Lamu, you will need these other essential items.

1. Waterproof phone case

This is essential when you are going to the beach, swimming, or snorkeling. Keep your phone protected from drops of salty water.

2. Beach bag

Useful to pack everything you need for the day. If you have kids a beach bag is a must to carry all snacks, emergency kit, and other personal items.

3. Small Umbrella

When visiting Kenya during the long rainy season (April – June), pack a small umbrella. From mid-May to June, the rains are a bit unpredictable. Sometimes you can leave the hotel when it’s warm and sunny only for it to rain in the afternoon.

4. Mosquito and Bug repellant

Lamu is right next to the ocean with mangroves surrounding the islands. Expect lots of mosquitos at night.

Many hotels provide mosquito nets but you’ll still need a repellant when going out for dinner or taking evening walks.

Depending on the season, you will also encounter different kinds of bugs. During the rainy season, houseflies tend to be in abundance in many parts of Kenya not only in Lamu.

5. Light Beach towel

Essential for beach relaxation. Check out these travel-size beach towels on Amazon.

6. Dry bag

In case you decide to take a dip on your last day in Lamu, you’ll need a dry bag to pack all the wet swimsuits and towels.

Depending on the time you go swimming you may actually not need one. If you swim early morning and don’t have to leave till evening, simply hang the wet clothes to dry.

Nonetheless having a dry bag is an important accessory for all travelers.

7. Shoe packing bags

If you are traveling with more than one pair of shoes, carry shoe packing bags. these help you stay organized and keep your clothes and other items in your suitcase clean.

8. Adapter & chargers

In Kenya, you’ll find type G socket plugs. If your laptop or phone charger is different get some adapters to help you stay connected.

It’s easy to find adapters in most hotels but just to be safe, carry your own and avoid inconveniences.

9. Anti-theft bag

Traveling with a laptop, cameras, important documents,s and electronics? Invest in an anti-theft bag and keep everything secure.

Lamu is generally safe with very low rates of petty crimes such as pickpocketing but it’s always to be one step ahead.

I love this antitheft bag for my electronics and important documents.

10. Air Tags

Don’t forget to get air tags for all your luggage. Helps you keep track of your bags when traveling.

11. Reusable water bottle

A water bottle is essential in Lamu. Use it to carry some water or soft drink to keep you hydrated as you walk and explore this historic town.

12. Neck Pillow

You’ll need a good neck pillow for a comfy journey from Nairobi to Lamu. It is a short flight less than two hours from Nairobi.

If flying straight into Lamu, this can be a very long flight over 15 hours from the USA. Invest in a good neck pillow that can last you many months or years.

13. Money pouch or sling bag

Having a small sling bag or fanny pack to carry a few personal items and cash for the day is important. No one wants to be walking around with a heavy backpack when exploring the island.

I use this sling bag whenever I’m exploring a new city or just going out for drinks or food.

14. Medication and emergency kit

In case you have a drug prescription don’t forget to pack your medication and the prescription letter. This will save you trouble at the immigration office.

Carry a small emergency kit especially when engaging in extreme sports or hiking.

15. Pajamas

Pack light breathable pajamas. The nights are hot in Lamu, pack pajamas that won’t cause you to sweat.

16. Other personal items

Lastly don’t forget to pack all your other essentials such as underwear, bras, lotion, toothbrush, hair tools, soap, wipes, and so on.

Parting words

I hope this article helps you decide on what to pack and what to wear in Lamu. My tip to anyone visiting any coastal town in Kenya is to pack decent outfits you would wear in summer.

Don’t stress out trying to decide what to pack and what to leave behind. Remember coastal Kenya is hotter than other parts of Kenya and you are likely to encounter many reserved locals here.

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