Lamu is Kenya’s hidden paradise and the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. Rich in history, culture and ideal for those looking for some rest and relaxation.
A small boutique hotel on the remote island of Lamu.
A delightful collection of interconnecting houses set close to the seafront in Shela Village
A meticulously restored dhow offering multi-night dhow safaris in the Lamu Archipelago,
Located just over an hour’s flight away from bustling Nairobi, this UNESCO world heritage town makes you feel like you have journeyed to the edge of the world and back in time.
Read moreThere are no cars on Lamu Island but expect to find plenty of donkeys walking the narrow alleyways of this ancient settlement. Taxis are in the form of speedboats and sailing through the many mangrove sea channels around the archipelago is a wonderful way to experience the area.
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Lamu is located on the north tip of the Kenyan coast and best accessed by the many scheduled flights that do the route daily.
The area has a wide range of accommodation from beautifully designed private villas to luxury boutique hotels just steps away from quiet, white sandy beaches. There is a relaxed cafe scene with a sumptuous mix of Swahili and other local cuisine to international-style cafes, bars, and restaurants.
The stunning Lamu Archipelago is made up of several Islands including Pate, Manda, Lamu, Kiwayu and Manda Toto which are all accessible by plane and boat. Beautiful hotels dot the islands and the experiences are carefully curated to ensure one gets the best of the tropical Islands and the local Swahili culture. With arguably the best fishing waters in the world, the Lamu Archipelago is a fisherman’s dream with two major fishing seasons spread across the year. Manda, Kiwayu and Kipungani Islands have incredible fishing opportunities while the two properties Manda Bay and Kiwayu invest heavily in this sport. Marlin, Grand Trevallay, SailFish, barracuda, tuna are all in plenty in these waters.
Lamu is also the Island of festivals which are spread throughout the year including the Maulid, Yoga and Art festivals, each bringing more visitors to the area so booking accommodation early is advised.
Lamu Old Town is stunning. It's very different from the rest of Kenya. The waterfront location, narrow streets, open courtyards, donkeys, lack of cars, mosques and sleepy atmosphere really surprised me.
United States
Apart from the white, sandy beaches Lamu offers so much more with the dominant Swahili Culture providing a perfect backdrop to the rhythm of life and the tourism offering. There are many hotels and private villas who cater for different price points and the most famous being Peponi Hotel in Shela which has been a magnet for royalty, rockstars and actors for close to four decades.
Lamu caters for all budgets with a mix of high-end properties and holiday rentals that are affordable to most travelers.
Lamu Town with its narrow streets steeped in history and beautiful craftsmanship.
Sunset cruises on a Lamu dhow, a perfect way to end the day.
Lamu House is located in Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel is located on the sea front and has ten individually designed rooms, several swimming pools, courtyards, terraces and more. There are nine apartments with magnificent views, suited with all the comfort of modern facilities. Guests will experience a truly personal stay with dedicated staff that look after your every request. There is an excellent chef who completes this voyage of the senses with a variety of gastronomic delights from local dishes combined with the best international cuisine.
A delightful collection of neighbouring and interconnecting houses set close to the seafront in Shela Village. All are historic and charming, furnished with local antiques and built in traditional Swahili style. Each can be rented individually or together with one or more of the adjoining properties, providing flexible and adaptable accommodation from 2 up to 22 guests.
Tusitiri Dhow, a former merchant ship that was converted into a majestic vessel, is based in the pristine Lamu archipelago, a rare gem in the Indian Ocean. Tusitiri is ideal for families or groups of friends wanting a unique and private experience amongst the beautiful and historic islands of the north Kenyan coast. Tusitiri can be chartered on an exclusive use basis for multi-night dhow safaris for up to 10 guests, and is also available for day trips from Lamu for up to 25 guests. Days can be spent doing as much or as little as guests would like, from all the watersports you could ask for to a more relaxed affair reading a book or sunbathing and sleeping on the large deck.
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