KE
Lamu
A car-free Swahili town of coral-stone houses, carved doors, donkeys and dhows
A car-free Swahili town of coral-stone houses, carved doors, donkeys and dhows
Wander the lanes to see coral-stone houses built with mangrove timber, intricately carved doors and rooftop terraces. Lamu Fort and the Lamu Museum explain the town’s history.
Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
Photo: Ahmedshayo14, CC BY-SA 4.0
Traditional sailing dhows are still built and used here. Sunset dhow trips, fishing excursions and visits to nearby islands are popular.
Photo: Bingar1234, CC BY-SA 4.0
Donkeys carry goods through the narrow lanes; a donkey sanctuary in town looks after working animals.
Photo: Zei2022, CC BY-SA 4.0
A short boat ride or walk from Lamu Town, the village of Shela has a long sandy beach and dunes, with upmarket guesthouses.
Photo: Adebola Falade, CC BY-SA 4.0
Swahili cuisine features seafood cooked with coconut, tamarind and spices, as well as samosas, chapati and fresh fruit juices.
Waterfront restaurants and rooftop cafés serve fish caught the same day. Alcohol is limited in this conservative town.
Fly to Lamu Airport on Manda Island from Nairobi or Mombasa, then take a short boat across to Lamu Town. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Lamu County except Lamu Island and Manda Island, and advises flying rather than travelling by road; check the latest advice before you go.
Within the town, walk or take a boat; there are no cars.
Kenya uses the shilling (KES).
Three days lets you settle into Lamu’s slow pace.
Explore the lanes, Lamu Fort and the museum, then watch the waterfront at sunset.
Sail to nearby islands for snorkelling and a seafood lunch.
Walk or boat to Shela for the beach and dunes.
🛂 Entry rules: Kenya eTA
Kenya has scrapped visas but most visitors, including UK, US and EU citizens, need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travel. It costs about US$32.50, should be requested at least three days (and up to 90 days) ahead, and is single-entry. Since May 2025 most African nationals are exempt.
Apply only on the official etakenya.go.ke site, have proof of accommodation ready, and carry a yellow fever certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Official information: Government of Kenya: eTA · Reviewed September 2026
Follow current advice to fly rather than travel by road.
Respect local customs.
Expect quieter days and lively evenings.
Agree prices before boarding.
Quick answers for planning time in Lamu.
Yes, Lamu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fly to Lamu Airport on Manda Island and take a boat to Lamu Town.
The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to Lamu County except Lamu and Manda islands, reached by air; check the latest advice.
No; donkeys, boats and walking are the main ways to get around.
July to March, outside the main rainy season.
Planning a wider trip? Our Kenya travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.