10 Greatest Issues To Do in Lamu in 2023

On this article, I’ll share the most effective locations to go to and issues to do in Lamu, Kenya. These embody exploring an previous city, visiting museums, attending festivals, watching the sundown on a conventional dhow cruise, and easily stress-free on a seaside. This is likely one of the most stunning locations to go to in Kenya. Lamu is a magical and enchanting archipelago with 4 vital islands – Kiwayu, Manda, Pate, and Lamu. It’s located alongside the northern coast of Kenya and options many sights together with forts, museums, and settlements relationship again to the Twelfth century. In case you’re visiting Kenya and are on the lookout for issues to do exterior of the safari nationwide parks and climbing trails, Lamu is a implausible coastal vacation spot to contemplate. Expertise the historical past, tradition, and heritage of the Swahili folks by means of historical buildings, dhows, delicacies, museums, festivals, and by interacting with the pleasant locals. As a local Kenyan who enjoys exploring less-traveled locations, Lamu is certainly one of my favourite locations to go to. It’s like stepping again in time when donkeys have been the only technique of transport and dhows dominated ocean routes. So, that will help you plan your journey higher, I’ve ready this text for the most effective issues to do in Lamu. Greatest Issues To Do in Lamu Lamu is wealthy in historical past, structure, and cultural heritage. It provides magnificent historic websites, pristine seashores, eating places, and pure sights. That will help you discover certainly one of my favourite locations in Kenya, listed below are 10 sights and high issues to do in Lamu. 1. Discover Lamu Outdated City on Foot Kenya has a number of UNESCO World Heritage Websites, however none is extra spectacular than Lamu Outdated City. It’s the oldest Swahili settlement alongside the East African coast, and its folks nonetheless retain their traditions and tradition immediately. Strolling alongside the slim alleyways of Outdated City is likely one of the finest issues to do in Lamu. A stroll takes you previous historical buildings, historic websites, markets, and native outlets. Marvel at previous homes with carved doorways, coral stone partitions, and delightful rooftop patios. The day-to-day actions of the locals are positive to move you again to a time when commerce was blooming within the city as you wander round. Lamu Museum is my favourite place to be taught the historical past of this stunning place. It’s discovered within the coronary heart of Outdated City and hosts ethnographic reveals of the native Swahili folks. It additionally homes artifacts and supplies that hyperlink the city with commerce in the course of the Twelfth century. Along with Lamu Museum, you possibly can cease by the Lamu Fort and spot the Outdated German Put up Workplace. Tackle: Go to Lamu Museum and the Lamu Fort (Sultan’s Fort). Click on on every attraction for instructions. 2. Pattern the Scrumptious Swahili Dishes A visit to Lamu wouldn’t be full with out exploring Swahili delicacies and seafood. There are a number of locations within the archipelago serving coastal dishes at reasonably priced charges, however the most effective eating places embody the Floating Bar & Restaurant, Seafront Cafe, and Mangrove Restaurant. So, whether or not you’re craving biryani (my favourite), wali wa nazi (coconut rice), or contemporary prawns, Lamu has all of it. Take a look at any native restaurant in Lamu Outdated City for extra conventional dishes like pilau. I extremely advocate the Seafront Cafe. The restaurant serves scrumptious meals starting from biryani to grilled lobster and contemporary juices. Their seafront setting is sensible, and the ambiance is gorgeous – particularly within the night. Tackle: Click on right here for instructions to the Seafront Cafe. Additionally, verify our information to fifteen Should-Attempt Dishes in Kenya. 3. Attend the Lamu Cultural Pageant Lamu hosts a number of 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 contains samples of native meals, music, and conventional dances. Guests in the course of the pageant can participate in numerous actions. These embody sampling scrumptious native dishes, dhow races, and experiencing the Swahili conventional ceremonies. I significantly take pleasure in watching the dhow races. Locals race the attractive conventional boats within the ocean, providing spectators a really spectacular scene. In case you’re visiting Lamu throughout this weeklong pageant, you should definitely additionally learn to play the Bao recreation, hearken to Swahili poetry, or get your self a henna portray. Tackle: The Cultural Pageant happens between Nov 30 – Dec 2 in Lamu Outdated City. 4. Stroll Alongside the Magnificent Shela Seaside In contrast to adventure-filled locations in Kenya like Masai Mara and Mount Kenya, Lamu is a slow-paced place to chill out. Most vacationers go to this coastal city for its historical past and the seaside, and there’s no higher place to take in some solar than the magnificent Shela Seaside. The 12 km-long white sands and dunes assure moments of peace and serenity. You’ll be able to stroll alongside the seaside, sunbathe on the sand, or sit nonetheless and watch the attractive sundown. In comparison with seashores in Mombasa and Diani, Shela Seaside lacks facilities comparable to bogs and showers. Nevertheless, it’s one of the crucial peaceable and least crowded seashores in Kenya. Tackle: The seaside is finest accessed from Shela Village. Stroll previous the Peponi Lodge or the Seaside Home to get there from the Outdated City. 5. Go on a Sundown Dhow Cruise Lamu is likely one of the most stunning locations to go to in Kenya. With only some vehicles round and donkeys roaming the streets, one of the best ways to discover the island is by foot. Wandering alongside the labyrinthine backstreets means that you can comply with within the footsteps of locals and merchants who first set foot within the space. One other approach to see the magic and great thing about Lamu is by exploring its islands – Manda, Pate, and Kiwayu – by taking a dhow journey, (an historical 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 vacation spot you’ll bear in mind ceaselessly, and crusing between the islands invitations you to benefit from the breeze and consider how merchants made their approach to Lamu from so far as Oman in these conventional dhows. Tackle: Dhows are one of many main technique of transport between islands in Lamu. You’ll be able to ask your host or lodging facility to rearrange a visit with a good captain. 6. Go to the Donkey Sanctuary A Swahili proverb claims, “A person with no donkey is a donkey.”. Higher nonetheless, a saying goes, “A person who doesn’t deal with his donkey is a donkey.”. The latter is supposed to create consciousness about taking care of pack animals. Donkeys play a major function within the financial system and progress of Lamu. With out motorized vehicles and automobiles, the neighborhood depends on them for day-to-day actions. They transport folks, transfer items, and even carry constructing supplies across the stunning city. The Donkey Sanctuary was established by a Sidmouth-based group (by the identical title) based by Dr. Elisabeth Svendsen, and along with providing scientific providers to donkeys, the power advocates for his or her higher welfare. When strolling alongside the Lamu Outdated City alleys, move by the sanctuary and find out about their trigger. You can too assist the initiative by donating, adopting a donkey, or shopping for a few of their merchandise. Tackle: The Donkey Sanctuary is located off Faza Kenyatta Highway in Lamu Outdated City. Click on right here for the tackle. 7. Expertise the Lamu Yoga Pageant Even in case you don’t know a lot 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 close by Manda Island and Lamu Outdated City. This pageant attracts guests from all around the world who’re passionate about yoga, well being, wellness, and meditation. Moreover taking yoga lessons, you possibly can take pleasure in 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 assist initiatives comparable to Ubunifu (a neighborhood artwork heart in Maharani village). Additionally they supply free yoga workshops and sanitation pads to ladies in Lamu. Tackle: For dates, applications, venues, and lodging choices, take a look at the Lamu Yoga Pageant web site. 8. Attend the Maulid Pageant Maulid or Maulidi is one other well-known pageant in Lamu. The annual occasion takes place in the course of the third month of the Islamic calendar to mark and have fun the beginning of Prophet Mohammed. Through the 3-day celebration, pilgrims and curious guests take pleasure in and participate in numerous actions. Uncover music and dances, artwork exhibitions, recitals of reward poems, dhow races, and swimming competitions. The pageant contains video games, a prayer vigil, and a narration of Prophet Mohammed’s life and deeds. It culminates with a parade (Zeffe) alongside the Outdated City’s slim streets. So, in case you love experiencing completely different cultural practices and folks’s lifestyle, add the Maulid Pageant to your bucket record. Tackle: The Maulid Pageant takes place in Lamu Outdated City yearly in the course of the third month of the Muslim calendar (normally on the Riyadha Mosque). 9. Go to Kiwayu Island and Kiunga Marine Nationwide Reserve Only a few folks journey additional than Pate Island. Nevertheless, in case you’re daring and adventurous sufficient, take a ship journey to Kiwayu Island – one of the crucial stunning locations close to Lamu. The island is located north of Pate and near the unspoiled nationwide reserves of Dodori. The primary attraction right here is the Kiunga Marine Nationwide Reserve. This spectacular ecosystem is residence to varied marine species like fish, coral reefs, and sea turtles. Moreover uncommon sightings of dugongs, guests also can take pleasure in scuba diving, snorkeling, and browsing alternatives. Tackle: Kiwayu Island (and Kiunga Marine Nationwide Reserve) may be accessed from Lamu city by way of speedboat or dhow. The journey takes 2-7 hours. Whereas there, you possibly can keep at Mike’s Camp – the most effective 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, some folks consider warring tribes attacked them. Others argue that it was due to silting up of the harbors. Some of the well-known ruins and sights in Lamu is Takwa, a relic of a Sixteenth-century village located on Manda Island. In case you’re a historical past lover like me, be certain that so as to add Takwa Ruins to your record of the most effective issues to see in Lamu. You’ll find out about Lamu’s historical past, structure, tradition, and folks’s lifestyle. Different historical ruins in Lamu embody Faza, Siyu Fort, and Shanga on Pate Island. Tackle: To go to Takwa Ruins, take a ship journey to Manda Island. You can too ask your lodging facility to assist arrange your journey. Fast Journey Itineraries For Lamu Whether or not you’re on a good schedule or you will have the luxurious of extra time, these fast itineraries will make it easier to benefit from your journey to Lamu. They embody visiting museums, spending time on the seaside, and taking a dhow cruise. Your host or lodging can prepare journeys to locations and sights talked about in these itineraries. You can too have interaction locals (principally in eating places and on the principle jetty) for boat and dhow rides. 1 Day in Lamu Itinerary The easiest way to spend 24 hours in Lamu is to discover its Outdated City on foot. Begin your day with espresso and snacks on the Whispers Cafe or Mangrove Restaurant. From there, stroll alongside the backstreets, and recognize the city’s structure. Make certain to cease at Lamu Museum, Lamu Fort, and the Donkey Sanctuary. In case your journey coincides with one of many festivals, take part and expertise the wealthy tradition of the Swahili folks. On the finish of the day, take a ship journey for dinner on the Floating Bar and Restaurant. 2-3 Days in Lamu Itinerary Three days is lengthy sufficient to get a superb style of the Lamu Archipelago. Spend your first day exploring the Outdated City and visiting its historic websites. Observe the 1-day itinerary above. Start your second day by strolling or jogging alongside Shela Seaside earlier than it will get too heat. Head again to your lodge for a late breakfast after which take a ship to Manda Island. Whereas right here, go to Takwa Ruins and revel in some contemporary seafood at The Majlis Resort. Calm down at their seaside till night, and revel in a dhow cruise to look at the sundown as you head again to your lodge or guesthouse – in Shela, Manda, or Lamu. Spend your third day experiencing the adventurous aspect of Lamu. You’ll be able to go windsurfing, snorkeling, or tubing within the Indian Ocean. The Majlis Resort in Manda Island can prepare these actions for you. After the day’s thrill, go for dinner in one of many native eating places to culminate your journey to the archipelago. 1 Week in Lamu Itinerary When you’ve got seven days within the Lamu archipelago, you’ll have time to expertise the whole lot within the Outdated City and even take pleasure in a visit to Kiwayu Island. Spend your first two days wandering round Lamu Outdated City, a UNESCO World Heritage web site with its slim alleyways and delightful coral stone homes. 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 historical ruins at Takwa after which chill out at its magnificent seashores. Cease at both Majlis Resort or Diamond Seaside Village for meals earlier than taking a sundown dhow cruise. Take a full-day journey to Kiwayu Island on a dhow or pace boat in your fourth day, and keep at Mike’s Camp – a well-kept secret in a merely unforgettable location. Spend day 5 visiting the areas round Kiwayu Island. Go snorkeling, fishing, windsurfing, or exploring coral reefs at Kiunga Marine Nationwide Reserve. After an adventurous day in Kiwayu, head again to Lamu city or Manda Island on a ship. Discover the mangroves alongside the best way and look out for chook species comparable to flamingos and storks. Whereas in Lamu Outdated City, revisit your favourite restaurant for dinner. Spend your final day in Lamu stress-free. Stroll alongside Shela Seaside, rejuvenate in a spa, or follow some yoga by the ocean – Banana Home and Wellness Heart is the proper place to unwind. Bid Lamu farewell with a sundown dhow cruise or go memento buying. The place to Keep in Lamu Whether or not you’re touring on a price range or on the lookout for luxurious lodging, Lamu has a keep for everybody. There are numerous services in Shela, Kiwayu, Manda, and Lamu Outdated City to select from. Regardless of in case your choice is a guesthouse, backpacker’s hostel, or boutique lodge, listed below are just a few of the most effective locations to remain in Lamu for vacationers: Lamu Outdated City – Greatest for First-Time Guests and Historical past Lovers Of all of the islands within the archipelago, Lamu Outdated City has extra sights. It additionally has lodging choices for every price range. A number of the finest services embody Jamala Guesthouse and Lamu Home. Click on right here to take a look at the most effective resorts, visitor homes, and villas in Lamu, Kenya. Whereas there, you possibly can go to museums, markets and marvel on the historical structure. The seaside (Shela) can be inside strolling distance, and Manda is lower than one hour away by boat. Shela Village – Greatest for Solo Vacationers and Seaside Lovers Shela is a seaside village neighboring Lamu Outdated City. Because of its lengthy strip of unspoiled seashores and dunes, many guests favor staying there. Right here, you will have an choice of rustic Swahili homes, villas, and resorts starting from price range to luxurious. One of the best services embody Peponi Lodge and Kijani Lodge. My favourite place to remain right here is the Banana Home and Wellness Centre. This distinctive home is surrounded by inexperienced gardens that present a superbly stress-free setting. It options rooms for each people and households, a swimming pool, a wellness heart, a restaurant, and spacious sitting areas. E-book your keep right here. Manda Island – Greatest for {Couples} and Households Manda is a quiet hideaway lower than an hour from Lamu Island. It’s calm and relaxed, providing guests an opportunity to have tranquility throughout their journey to the archipelago. The primary lodging services on this island are Diamond Seaside Village and The Majlis Resort. Majlis Resort is the principle function of the island – and my favourite place to remain. The privately owned seaside resort options luxurious suites, 4 eating places, and different services to make your keep memorable. It’s additionally a launching spot for water sports activities and actions in Lamu. Whereas on the island, you possibly can go to Takwa Ruins (remnants of an historical coastal settlement) or go snorkeling at Manda Bay. A dhow cruise to look at the sundown and consider mangrove plantations can be nicely value your time. Kiwayu Island – Greatest for Adventurer Seekers In case you love venturing into less-traveled locations, your wanderlust could lead you to Kiwayu Island. The reward for this curiosity is an attractive, off-the-beaten-path location north of Lamu. Whereas right here, you possibly can discover the villages and launch your wild aspect with some water sports activities. The close by Kiunga Marine Nationwide Reserve can be nice for snorkeling and windsurfing. There are few lodging services in Kiwayu. My favourite is Mike’s Camp. It might not be a five-star facility, nevertheless it options all of the facilities you’ll want for a snug keep and provides a extra genuine expertise. You can too take a look at the Baobabs of Kitangani camp on the island’s northern finish, overlooking Mkokoni village and the round bay. In case you’d wish to journey to Kiwayu, request your lodge in Lamu or Manda to assist prepare the journey. There aren’t any public ferries, however hiring a speedboat or dhow is feasible. Greatest Eating places in Lamu Though you’ll discover just a few locations to eat on the opposite islands, many of the Lamu Archipelago eateries are positioned within the Outdated City. Lodging services comparable to Majlis Resort on Manda have in-house eating places too, so that you don’t have to fret about going hungry. To provide you some concepts on locations to eat, my favourite eating places in Lamu are under: Floating Bar & Restaurant The Floating Bar & Restaurant is likely one of the few locations in Lamu the place you possibly can eat, drink, and get together. Moreover its nice ambiance and very good ocean views, the restaurant provides high quality native and worldwide dishes. It additionally incorporates a fashionable seating house to chill out and revel in a chilly drink. In case you love native dishes, strive their ugali (a starchy, polenta-like dish), served with fish and kachumbari (contemporary chopped salad). Additionally they have glorious pizzas and samosas. The Seafront Cafe In case you love genuine native vibes and dishes, cease by the Seafront Cafe. This modest restaurant serves contemporary seafood and Swahili dishes at reasonably priced costs. Additionally they have non-alcoholic drinks, soups, and juices. Check out their biryani served with coconut beans, beef curry, fish curry, or blended seafood (prawns, lobster, and Lamu crab). The Majlis Eating places The Majlis Resort has 4 in-house eating places that stand out attributable to their distinctive architectural design. Their delicacies ranges from scrumptious Swahili dishes to spicy Indian flavors and different worldwide meals, and the eating places are open to non-guests. Their elements are sourced domestically from market distributors and fishermen, guaranteeing the freshest of dishes. You’ll be able to order something from fish and lobster to biryani and pizza right here. In case you’re staying in Shela or Lamu Outdated City, you should definitely take a ship to Manda Island for a bespoke culinary expertise at The Majlis. Moonrise Restaurant Moonrise Restaurant (a part of Lamu Home) is likely one of the finest locations to eat within the Outdated City of Lamu. It’s a spot the place flavors from throughout 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 genuine richness of Swahili delicacies. Regardless of your palate’s choice, the restaurant’s numerous array of dishes ensures there’s one thing to fulfill each style bud. A few of their finest dishes embody rooster in Swahili sauce, fish in coconut sauce, and pilau. In case you’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 an attractive place to remain in Lamu, and their restaurant is actually 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 normally options pizza, Swahili dishes like wali wa nazi, and contemporary seafood. Additionally they serve greens, fish fillets, vegan choices, and finely blended fruit juices. Their beachfront bar is good for a chilly beer as you watch the solar setting under the horizon. Different eating places in Lamu embody Whisper’s Cafe, Mangrove Restaurant, and Kijani Lodge Restaurant. Attending to Lamu Manda Island within the Lamu Archipelago has an airport served by flights from different airports in Kenya – Wilson (Nairobi), JKIA (Nairobi), and Moi (Mombasa). A number of the finest native airways from Nairobi and Mombasa to Lamu embody Jambojet, Fly Safarilink, and Skyward Categorical. Prices for a one-way journey begin from $60 and take round an hour. There are a number of buses to Lamu in case you’re in Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi, or different cities alongside the north coast. Tawakal Coaches is likely one of the finest firms. They’ve every day departures from Mombasa to Lamu, and their fare is reasonably priced. Nevertheless, there are occasional safety issues concerning the Malindi-Lamu overland route. Flying into Lamu is due to this fact advisable. Getting Round Lamu Lamu city doesn’t have any public transport automobiles (owing to the slim roads). Nevertheless, like different islands within the archipelago, it’s small and, due to this fact, straightforward to discover on foot. In case you’re arriving at Manda Airport, you’ll must hop on a ship to succeed in any a part of the archipelago. Your lodge or host can prepare the boat prematurely or you will discover one on arrival. Transferring between the islands (Manda, Pate, Lamu Outdated City, and Kiwayu) can be accomplished by boat. Though it’s naturally slower than taking a pace boat, you possibly can rent a dhow for a extra scenic expertise. Issues To Do in Lamu: FAQs Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting and sightseeing in Lamu: What’s Lamu identified for? Lamu archipelago is understood for its wealthy Swahili tradition and historical past, historical structure, and beautiful seashores. The Twelfth-century vacation spot is residence to a few of the best-preserved Swahili settlements alongside the East African coast. When is the most effective time to go to Lamu? Similar to most of Kenya, the most effective time of 12 months to go to Lamu is in the course of the dry season – from June to early October. Is Lamu value visiting? Completely. Its distinctive mixture of historical past, structure, and tradition provides a really immersive expertise. The Outdated City’s UNESCO World Heritage standing attests to its magnificence and significance. What number of days ought to I spend in Lamu? To totally discover and recognize Lamu sights and experiences, I like to recommend staying between 3 – 7 days. This enables time for exploring the previous city, having fun with the seaside, immersing your self within the native tradition, and island hopping. Is Lamu secure? Lamu is usually thought-about secure for vacationers. Nevertheless, there have been safety points prior to now and the state of affairs can change at any minute. Like several vacation spot, taking warning and following journey advisories is important to make sure a secure and pleasant journey. What’s the hottest factor to do in Lamu? One of many high issues to do in Lamu is wander by means of the Outdated City’s slim streets to see its distinctive structure and historic websites. Taking a sundown dhow cruise can be a must-do expertise. What’s the finest seaside in Lamu? Shela Seaside is the most effective seaside in Lamu. It provides a 12 km stretch of unspoiled dunes and white sands, and a tranquil, stress-free environment. That are the preferred festivals in Lamu? There are a number of annual festivals in Lamu. The preferred ones are Maulid Pageant, Lamu Yoga Pageant, and Lamu Cultural Pageant. In Closing As you possibly can see, there are many free issues to do in Lamu. Nevertheless, the archipelago differs out of your typical vacation spot. It’s a secret paradise providing an intimate and memorable expertise. I hope you loved this text and that it’ll information you in planning your journey. Make certain to discover the Outdated City on foot on the lookout for indicators of days passed by – in mosques, outlets, lodge homes, museums, and forts. Markets and eating places are additionally nice locations to be taught concerning the residents and their tradition. See extra articles about Kenya right here: High 10 Greatest Seashores in Kenya 25 Greatest Issues to Do in Nairobi 15 Greatest Issues to Do in Mombasa Greatest Issues to Do in Nakuru