On this article, I’ll share the perfect 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 standard dhow cruise, and easily enjoyable 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 important 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. If you happen to’re visiting Kenya and are searching for issues to do exterior of the safari nationwide parks and mountain climbing trails, Lamu is a unbelievable 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 have been the only technique of transport and dhows dominated ocean routes. So, that can assist you plan your journey higher, I’ve ready this text for the perfect issues to do in Lamu. Finest Issues To Do in Lamu Lamu is wealthy in historical past, structure, and cultural heritage. It affords magnificent historic websites, pristine seashores, eating places, and pure sights. That can assist 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 Previous City on Foot Kenya has a number of UNESCO World Heritage Websites, however none is extra spectacular than Lamu Previous City. It’s the oldest Swahili settlement alongside the East African coast, and its individuals nonetheless retain their traditions and tradition at present. Strolling alongside the slender alleyways of Previous City is likely one of the finest issues to do in Lamu. A stroll takes you previous historic 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 study the historical past of this stunning place. It’s discovered within the coronary heart of Previous City and hosts ethnographic displays of the native Swahili individuals. 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 Previous German Submit 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 inexpensive charges, however the perfect 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 Previous 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 contemporary juices. Their seafront setting is good, and the ambiance is gorgeous – particularly within the night. Tackle: Click on right here for instructions to the Seafront Cafe. Additionally, test our information to fifteen Should-Strive Dishes in Kenya. 3. Attend the Lamu Cultural Pageant Lamu hosts a number of festivals yearly. One in all 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 varied 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 gorgeous conventional boats within the ocean, providing spectators a very spectacular scene. If you happen to’re visiting Lamu throughout this weeklong pageant, you’ll want to additionally learn to play the Bao sport, hearken to Swahili poetry, or get your self a henna portray. Tackle: The Cultural Pageant happens between Nov 30 – Dec 2 in Lamu Previous 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 absorb 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 seaside, sunbathe on the sand, or sit nonetheless and watch the gorgeous sundown. In comparison with seashores in Mombasa and Diani, Shela Seaside lacks facilities reminiscent of bathrooms and showers. Nonetheless, it’s probably the most peaceable and least crowded seashores in Kenya. Tackle: The seaside is finest accessed from Shela Village. Stroll previous the Peponi Resort or the Seaside Home to get there from the Previous 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 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 observe within the footsteps of locals and merchants who first set foot within the space. One other solution to see the magic and great 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. Tackle: 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 big position within the economic system and progress of Lamu. With out motorized automobiles and automobiles, the group 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 companies to donkeys, the power advocates for his or her higher welfare. When strolling alongside the Lamu Previous City alleys, move by the sanctuary and find out about their trigger. You too can 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 Previous City. Click on right here for the deal with. 7. Expertise the Lamu Yoga Pageant Even in the event 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 Previous City. This pageant attracts guests from everywhere in the world who’re keen about yoga, well being, wellness, and meditation. In addition to 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 in regards to the occasion is that the organizers are eager on involving the group. With sponsors’ assist, the pageant has raised funds to assist initiatives reminiscent of Ubunifu (a group artwork middle in Maharani village). In addition they provide free yoga workshops and sanitation pads to ladies in Lamu. Tackle: For dates, applications, 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 in the course of the third month of the Islamic calendar to mark and rejoice the beginning of Prophet Mohammed. Throughout the 3-day celebration, pilgrims and curious guests take pleasure in and participate in varied 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 Previous City’s slender streets. So, in the event you love experiencing completely different cultural practices and other people’s lifestyle, add the Maulid Pageant to your bucket checklist. Tackle: The Maulid Pageant takes place in Lamu Previous 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 individuals journey additional than Pate Island. Nonetheless, in the event you’re daring and adventurous sufficient, take a ship journey to Kiwayu Island – probably the most 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 house to numerous marine species like fish, coral reefs, and sea turtles. In addition to uncommon sightings of dugongs, guests may also take pleasure in scuba diving, snorkeling, and browsing alternatives. Tackle: Kiwayu Island (and Kiunga Marine Nationwide Reserve) will 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 perfect 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 consider warring tribes attacked them. Others argue that it was due to silting up of the harbors. One of the well-known ruins and sights in Lamu is Takwa, a relic of a Sixteenth-century village located on Manda Island. If you happen to’re a historical past lover like me, be certain that so as to add Takwa Ruins to your checklist of the perfect issues to see in Lamu. You’ll find out about Lamu’s historical past, structure, tradition, and other people’s lifestyle. Different historic 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 too can 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 have got the luxurious of extra time, these fast itineraries will enable you to profit from your journey to Lamu. They embody visiting museums, spending time on the seaside, and taking a dhow cruise. Your host or lodging can organize journeys to locations and sights talked about in these itineraries. You too can have interaction locals (principally in eating places and on the primary 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 Previous 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. Be sure 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 a very good style of the Lamu Archipelago. Spend your first day exploring the Previous 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 resort for a late breakfast after which take a ship to Manda Island. Whereas right here, go to Takwa Ruins and luxuriate in some contemporary seafood at The Majlis Resort. Calm down at their seaside 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 facet of Lamu. You may go windsurfing, snorkeling, or tubing within the Indian Ocean. The Majlis Resort in Manda Island can organize 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 part within the Previous City and even take pleasure in a visit to Kiwayu Island. Spend your first two days wandering round Lamu Previous City, a UNESCO World Heritage web site 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 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 way in which and look out for fowl species reminiscent of flamingos and storks. Whereas in Lamu Previous 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 proper place to unwind. Bid Lamu farewell with a sundown dhow cruise or go memento procuring. The place to Keep in Lamu Whether or not you’re touring on a price range or searching for luxurious lodging, Lamu has a keep for everybody. There are numerous services in Shela, Kiwayu, Manda, and Lamu Previous City to select from. Regardless of in case your choice is a guesthouse, backpacker’s hostel, or boutique resort, listed below are a number of of the perfect locations to remain in Lamu for vacationers: Lamu Previous City – Finest for First-Time Guests and Historical past Lovers Of all of the islands within the archipelago, Lamu Previous City has extra sights. It additionally has lodging choices for every price range. Among the finest services embody Jamala Guesthouse and Lamu Home. Click on right here to take a look at the perfect motels, visitor homes, and villas in Lamu, Kenya. Whereas there, you possibly can go to museums, markets and marvel on the historic structure. The seaside (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 seaside village neighboring Lamu Previous City. Attributable to its lengthy strip of unspoiled seashores and dunes, many guests favor staying there. Right here, you have got an choice of rustic Swahili homes, villas, and motels starting from price range to luxurious. One of the best services embody Peponi Resort and Kijani Resort. 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. Guide 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 services on this island are Diamond Seaside Village and The Majlis Resort. Majlis Resort is the primary 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 historic coastal settlement) or go snorkeling at Manda Bay. A dhow cruise to observe the sundown and consider mangrove plantations can also be properly price your time. Kiwayu Island – Finest for Adventurer Seekers If you happen to love venturing into less-traveled locations, your wanderlust could lead you to Kiwayu Island. The reward for this curiosity is a gorgeous, off-the-beaten-path location north of Lamu. Whereas right here, you possibly can discover the villages and launch your wild facet with some water sports activities. The close by Kiunga Marine Nationwide Reserve can also 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, however it options all of the facilities you’ll want for a snug keep and affords a extra genuine expertise. You too can try the Baobabs of Kitangani camp on the island’s northern finish, overlooking Mkokoni village and the round bay. If you happen to’d wish to journey to Kiwayu, request your resort in Lamu or Manda to assist organize 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 number of locations to eat on the opposite islands, many of the Lamu Archipelago eateries are situated within the Previous City. Lodging services reminiscent of 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 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 celebration. In addition to its nice ambiance and excellent ocean views, the restaurant affords high quality native and worldwide dishes. It additionally encompasses a trendy seating house to chill out and luxuriate in a chilly drink. If you happen to love native dishes, attempt their ugali (a starchy, polenta-like dish), served with fish and kachumbari (contemporary chopped salad). In addition they have wonderful pizzas and samosas. The Seafront Cafe If you happen to love genuine native vibes and dishes, cease by the Seafront Cafe. This modest restaurant serves contemporary seafood and Swahili dishes at inexpensive costs. In addition they have non-alcoholic drinks, soups, and juices. Check out their biryani served with coconut beans, beef curry, fish curry, or combined seafood (prawns, lobster, and Lamu crab). The Majlis Eating places The Majlis Resort has 4 in-house eating places that stand out on account of 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 substances 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. If you happen to’re staying in Shela or Lamu Previous City, you’ll want to 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 Previous 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 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. If you happen to’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 a gorgeous place to remain in Lamu, and their restaurant is actually price 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. In addition they serve greens, fish fillets, vegan choices, and finely combined 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 Resort 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 finest native airways from Nairobi and Mombasa to Lamu embody Jambojet, Fly Safarilink, and Skyward Specific. Prices for a one-way journey begin from $60 and take round an hour. There are a number of buses to Lamu in the event you’re in Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi, or different cities alongside the north coast. Tawakal Coaches is likely one of the finest corporations. They’ve day by day departures from Mombasa to Lamu, and their fare is inexpensive. Nonetheless, there are occasional safety issues in regards to the Malindi-Lamu overland route. Flying into Lamu is due to this fact really useful. Getting Round Lamu Lamu city doesn’t have any public transport automobiles (owing to the slender roads). Nonetheless, like different islands within the archipelago, it’s small and, due to this fact, straightforward to discover on foot. If you happen to’re arriving at Manda Airport, you’ll must hop on a ship to achieve any a part of the archipelago. Your resort or host can organize the boat prematurely or you will discover one on arrival. Transferring between the islands (Manda, Pate, Lamu Previous City, and Kiwayu) can also be carried out 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 below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting and sightseeing in Lamu: What’s Lamu recognized for? Lamu archipelago is understood for its wealthy Swahili tradition and historical past, historic structure, and gorgeous seashores. The Twelfth-century vacation spot is house to among the best-preserved Swahili settlements alongside the East African coast. When is the perfect time to go to Lamu? Similar to most of Kenya, the perfect time of 12 months to go to Lamu is in the course of the dry season – from June to early October. Is Lamu price visiting? Completely. Its distinctive mixture of historical past, structure, and tradition affords a very immersive expertise. The Previous 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 sights and experiences, I like to recommend staying between 3 – 7 days. This permits time for exploring the previous city, having fun with the seaside, immersing your self within the native tradition, and island hopping. Is Lamu protected? Lamu is usually thought-about protected for vacationers. Nonetheless, there have been safety points prior to now and the scenario can change at any minute. Like all vacation spot, taking warning and following journey advisories is important to make sure a protected and satisfying journey. What’s the hottest factor to do in Lamu? One of many high issues to do in Lamu is wander by the Previous 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 finest seaside in Lamu? Shela Seaside is the perfect seaside in Lamu. It affords 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 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. 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. Be sure that to discover the Previous City on foot searching for indicators of days passed by – in mosques, outlets, resort homes, museums, and forts. Markets and eating places are additionally nice locations to study in regards to 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
