10 Finest Issues To Do in Lamu in 2023

On this article, I’ll share the very best locations to go to and issues to do in Lamu, Kenya. These embrace exploring an previous city, visiting museums, attending festivals, watching the sundown on a standard dhow cruise, and easily enjoyable on a seashore. This is among the most stunning locations to go to in Kenya. Lamu is a magical and enchanting archipelago with 4 important islands – Kiwayu, Manda, Pate, and Lamu. It’s located alongside the northern coast of Kenya and options many points of interest together with forts, museums, and settlements relationship again to the Twelfth century. Should you’re visiting Kenya and are on the lookout for issues to do outdoors of the safari nationwide parks and mountaineering trails, Lamu is a improbable coastal vacation spot to contemplate. Expertise the historical past, tradition, and heritage of the Swahili individuals by historic 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 had been the only real technique of transport and dhows dominated ocean routes. So, that will help you plan your journey higher, I’ve ready this text for the very best issues to do in Lamu. Finest Issues To Do in Lamu Lamu is wealthy in historical past, structure, and cultural heritage. It gives magnificent historic websites, pristine seashores, eating places, and pure points of interest. That can assist you discover certainly one of my favourite locations in Kenya, listed here are 10 points of interest and prime 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 Discover Lamu Outdated City on Foot Kenya has a number of UNESCO World Heritage Websites, however none is extra spectacular than Lamu Outdated City.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 individuals nonetheless retain their traditions and tradition at this time. Strolling alongside the slender alleyways of Outdated City is among the greatest issues to do in Lamu. A stroll takes you previous historic buildings, historic websites, markets, and native retailers. 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 study the historical past of this stunning place. It’s discovered within the coronary heart of Outdated City and hosts ethnographic displays of the native Swahili individuals. It additionally homes artifacts and supplies that hyperlink the city with commerce through the Twelfth century. Along with Lamu Museum, you possibly can cease by the Lamu Fort and spot the Outdated German Publish Workplace. Handle: 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 inexpensive charges, however the very best eating places embrace 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 recent 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 suggest the Seafront Cafe. The restaurant serves scrumptious meals starting from biryani to grilled lobster and recent juices. Their seafront setting is good, and the ambiance is gorgeous – particularly within the night. Handle: Click on right here for instructions to the Seafront Cafe. Additionally, examine our information to fifteen Should-Attempt Dishes in Kenya. 3. Attend the Lamu Cultural Pageant Lamu hosts a number of festivals yearly. Certainly one of 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 consists of samples of native meals, music, and conventional dances. Guests through the pageant can participate in varied actions. These embrace sampling scrumptious native dishes, dhow races, and experiencing the Swahili conventional ceremonies. I significantly get pleasure from watching the dhow races. Locals race the attractive conventional boats within the ocean, providing spectators a very spectacular scene. Should 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. Handle: The Cultural Pageant happens between Nov 30 – Dec 2 in Lamu Outdated City. 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 loosen up. Most vacationers go to this coastal city for its historical past and the seashore, 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 may stroll alongside the seashore, 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. Nonetheless, it’s one of the vital peaceable and least crowded seashores in Kenya. Handle: The seashore is greatest 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 among the most stunning locations to go to in Kenya. With just a few automobiles round and donkeys roaming the streets, the easiest way to discover the island is by foot. Wandering alongside the labyrinthine backstreets permits you to comply with within the footsteps of locals and merchants who first set foot within the space. One other solution to see the magic and fantastic thing about Lamu is by exploring its islands – Manda, Pate, and Kiwayu – by taking a dhow journey, (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 vacation spot you’ll keep in mind endlessly, and crusing between the islands invitations you to benefit from the breeze and consider how merchants made their solution to Lamu from so far as Oman in these conventional dhows. Handle: Dhows are one of many main technique of transport between islands in Lamu. You may 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 position within the financial system and development of Lamu. With out motorized automobiles and autos, the neighborhood depends on them for day-to-day actions. They transport individuals, 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 ability advocates for his or her higher welfare. When strolling alongside the Lamu Outdated City alleys, move by the sanctuary and study their trigger. You can even help the initiative by donating, adopting a donkey, or shopping for a few of their merchandise. Handle: The Donkey Sanctuary is located off Faza Kenyatta Street in Lamu Outdated City. Click on right here for the handle. 7. Expertise the Lamu Yoga Pageant Even should 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 everywhere in the world who’re smitten by yoga, well being, wellness, and meditation. Moreover taking yoga lessons, you possibly can get pleasure from 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 comparable to Ubunifu (a neighborhood artwork middle in Maharani village). Additionally they provide free yoga workshops and sanitation pads to women in Lamu. Handle: For dates, packages, venues, and lodging choices, try 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 through the third month of the Islamic calendar to mark and have a good time the start of Prophet Mohammed. In the course of the 3-day celebration, pilgrims and curious guests get pleasure from and participate in varied actions. Uncover music and dances, artwork exhibitions, recitals of reward poems, dhow races, and swimming competitions. The pageant consists of 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 slender streets. So, should you love experiencing completely different cultural practices and folks’s lifestyle, add the Maulid Pageant to your bucket listing. Handle: The Maulid Pageant takes place in Lamu Outdated City yearly through 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 individuals journey additional than Pate Island. Nonetheless, should you’re daring and adventurous sufficient, take a ship journey to Kiwayu Island – one of the vital stunning locations close to Lamu. The island is located north of Pate and near the unspoiled nationwide reserves of Dodori. The principle attraction right here is the Kiunga Marine Nationwide Reserve. This spectacular ecosystem is dwelling to varied marine species like fish, coral reefs, and sea turtles. Moreover uncommon sightings of dugongs, guests can even get pleasure from scuba diving, snorkeling, and browsing alternatives. Handle: Kiwayu Island (and Kiunga Marine Nationwide Reserve) may be accessed from Lamu city through speedboat or dhow. The journey takes 2-7 hours. Whereas there, you possibly can keep at Mike’s Camp – the very best 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 individuals imagine warring tribes attacked them. Others argue that it was due to silting up of the harbors. Probably the most well-known ruins and points of interest in Lamu is Takwa, a relic of a Sixteenth-century village located on Manda Island. Should you’re a historical past lover like me, ensure so as to add Takwa Ruins to your listing of the very best issues to see in Lamu. You’ll study Lamu’s historical past, structure, tradition, and folks’s lifestyle. Different historic ruins in Lamu embrace Faza, Siyu Fort, and Shanga on Pate Island. Handle: To go to Takwa Ruins, take a ship journey to Manda Island. You can even ask your lodging facility to assist set up your journey. Fast Journey Itineraries For Lamu Whether or not you’re on a decent schedule or you’ve gotten the posh of extra time, these fast itineraries will enable you to profit from your journey to Lamu. They embrace visiting museums, spending time on the seashore, and taking a dhow cruise. Your host or lodging can prepare journeys to locations and points of interest talked about in these itineraries. You can even have interaction locals (largely in eating places and on the principle jetty) for boat and dhow rides. 1 Day in Lamu Itinerary One of the best ways 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 admire the city’s structure. Ensure that 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 individuals. 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 style of the Lamu Archipelago. Spend your first day exploring the Outdated City and visiting its historic websites. Comply with 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 resort for a late breakfast after which take a ship to Manda Island. Whereas right here, go to Takwa Ruins and luxuriate in some recent seafood at The Majlis Resort. Loosen up at their seashore till night, and luxuriate in a dhow cruise to observe the sundown as you head again to your resort or guesthouse – in Shela, Manda, or Lamu. Spend your third day experiencing the adventurous aspect of Lamu. You may 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 In case you have seven days within the Lamu archipelago, you’ll have time to expertise every thing within the Outdated City and even get pleasure from a visit to Kiwayu Island. Spend your first two days wandering round Lamu Outdated City, a UNESCO World Heritage website with its slender 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 historic ruins at Takwa after which loosen up 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 velocity 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 way in which 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 enjoyable. Stroll alongside Shela Seaside, rejuvenate in a spa, or apply some yoga by the ocean – Banana Home and Wellness Heart is the right place to unwind. Bid Lamu farewell with a sundown dhow cruise or go memento purchasing. The place to Keep in Lamu Whether or not you’re touring on a funds or on the lookout for luxurious lodging, Lamu has a keep for everybody. There are numerous amenities in Shela, Kiwayu, Manda, and Lamu Outdated City to select from. Regardless of in case your desire is a guesthouse, backpacker’s hostel, or boutique resort, listed here are a couple of of the very best locations to remain in Lamu for vacationers: Lamu Outdated City – Finest for First-Time Guests and Historical past Lovers Of all of the islands within the archipelago, Lamu Outdated City has extra points of interest. It additionally has lodging choices for every funds. Among the greatest amenities embrace Jamala Guesthouse and Lamu Home. Click on right here to take a look at the very best motels, visitor homes, and villas in Lamu, Kenya. Whereas there, you possibly can go to museums, markets and marvel on the historic structure. The seashore (Shela) can also be inside strolling distance, and Manda is lower than one hour away by boat. Shela Village – Finest for Solo Vacationers and Seaside Lovers Shela is a seashore village neighboring Lamu Outdated City. Because of its lengthy strip of unspoiled seashores and dunes, many guests favor staying there. Right here, you’ve gotten an choice of rustic Swahili homes, villas, and motels starting from funds to luxurious. The very best amenities embrace 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 wonderfully enjoyable setting. It options rooms for each people and households, a swimming pool, a wellness middle, a restaurant, and spacious sitting areas. Ebook your keep right here. Manda Island – Finest 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 principle lodging amenities on this island are Diamond Seaside Village and The Majlis Resort. Majlis Resort is the principle characteristic of the island – and my favourite place to remain. The privately owned seashore resort options luxurious suites, 4 eating places, and different amenities 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 historic coastal settlement) or go snorkeling at Manda Bay. A dhow cruise to observe the sundown and think about mangrove plantations can also be effectively value your time. Kiwayu Island – Finest for Adventurer Seekers Should you love venturing into less-traveled locations, your wanderlust might lead you to Kiwayu Island. The reward for this curiosity is a good looking, 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 also be nice for snorkeling and windsurfing. There are few lodging amenities 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 gives a extra genuine expertise. You can even try the Baobabs of Kitangani camp on the island’s northern finish, overlooking Mkokoni village and the round bay. Should you’d prefer to journey to Kiwayu, request your resort in Lamu or Manda to assist prepare the journey. There aren’t any public ferries, however hiring a speedboat or dhow is feasible. Finest Eating places in Lamu Though you’ll discover a couple of locations to eat on the opposite islands, a lot of the Lamu Archipelago eateries are positioned within the Outdated City. Lodging amenities comparable to Majlis Resort on Manda have in-house eating places too, so that you don’t have to fret about going hungry. To offer you some concepts on locations to eat, my favourite eating places in Lamu are beneath: Floating Bar & Restaurant The Floating Bar & Restaurant is among the few locations in Lamu the place you possibly can eat, drink, and get together. Moreover its nice ambiance and excellent ocean views, the restaurant gives high quality native and worldwide dishes. It additionally contains a fashionable seating area to loosen up and luxuriate in a chilly drink. Should you love native dishes, strive their ugali (a starchy, polenta-like dish), served with fish and kachumbari (recent chopped salad). Additionally they have glorious pizzas and samosas. The Seafront Cafe Should you love genuine native vibes and dishes, cease by the Seafront Cafe. This modest restaurant serves recent seafood and Swahili dishes at inexpensive 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 resulting from 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 regionally from market distributors and fishermen, making certain the freshest of dishes. You may order something from fish and lobster to biryani and pizza right here. Should 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 among the greatest locations to eat within the Outdated City of Lamu. It’s a spot the place flavors from throughout the globe come collectively, with a captivating native twist. The menu is a pleasant journey by culinary cultures, starting from the intricate tastes of Italy to the genuine richness of Swahili delicacies. Regardless of your palate’s desire, the restaurant’s various array of dishes ensures there’s one thing to fulfill each style bud. A few of their greatest dishes embrace rooster in Swahili sauce, fish in coconut sauce, and pilau. Should you’re touring in a gaggle, check out their biryani platter or tagliatelle seafood (with fish, prawns, and octopus sauce). Diamond Seaside Village The Diamond Seaside Village is a good looking place to remain in Lamu, and their restaurant is definitely 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 recent 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 beneath the horizon. Different eating places in Lamu embrace 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). Among the greatest native airways from Nairobi and Mombasa to Lamu embrace 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 should you’re in Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi, or different cities alongside the north coast. Tawakal Coaches is among the greatest corporations. They’ve each day departures from Mombasa to Lamu, and their fare is inexpensive. Nonetheless, there are occasional safety considerations 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 autos (owing to the slender roads). Nonetheless, like different islands within the archipelago, it’s small and, due to this fact, simple to discover on foot. Should you’re arriving at Manda Airport, you’ll must hop on a ship to succeed in any a part of the archipelago. Your resort or host can prepare the boat upfront or you will discover one on arrival. Shifting between the islands (Manda, Pate, Lamu Outdated City, and Kiwayu) can also be carried out by boat. Though it’s naturally slower than taking a velocity boat, you possibly can rent a dhow for a extra scenic expertise. Issues To Do in Lamu: FAQs Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting and sightseeing in Lamu: What’s Lamu identified for? Lamu archipelago is thought for its wealthy Swahili tradition and historical past, historic structure, and gorgeous seashores. The Twelfth-century vacation spot is dwelling to a few of the best-preserved Swahili settlements alongside the East African coast. When is the very best time to go to Lamu? Identical to most of Kenya, the very best time of 12 months to go to Lamu is through the dry season – from June to early October. Is Lamu value visiting? Completely. Its distinctive mixture of historical past, structure, and tradition gives a very 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 admire Lamu points of interest and experiences, I like to recommend staying between 3 – 7 days. This enables time for exploring the previous city, having fun with the seashore, immersing your self within the native tradition, and island hopping. Is Lamu protected? Lamu is usually thought of protected for vacationers. Nonetheless, there have been safety points prior to now and the scenario can change at any minute. Like every vacation spot, taking warning and following journey advisories is important to make sure a protected and gratifying journey. What’s the hottest factor to do in Lamu? One of many prime issues to do in Lamu is wander by the Outdated City’s slender streets to see its distinctive structure and historic websites. Taking a sundown dhow cruise can also be a must-do expertise. What’s the greatest seashore in Lamu? Shela Seaside is the very best seashore in Lamu. It gives a 12 km stretch of unspoiled dunes and white sands, and a tranquil, enjoyable environment. That are the most well-liked festivals in Lamu? There are a number of annual festivals in Lamu. The most well-liked 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. Nonetheless, 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. Ensure that to discover the Outdated City on foot on the lookout for indicators of days passed by – in mosques, retailers, resort homes, museums, and forts. Markets and eating places are additionally nice locations to study concerning the residents and their tradition. See extra articles about Kenya right here: High 10 Finest Seashores in Kenya 25 Finest Issues to Do in Nairobi 15 Finest Issues to Do in Mombasa Finest Issues to Do in Nakuru