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 standard dhow cruise, and easily enjoyable on a seaside. This is among the most lovely places to visit 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. If you happen to’re visiting Kenya and are searching for issues to do outdoors of the safari nationwide parks and mountain climbing trails, Lamu is a unbelievable coastal vacation spot to think about. Expertise the historical past, tradition, and heritage of the Swahili individuals 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 considered 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 points of interest. That will help you discover considered one of my favourite locations in Kenya, listed below are 10 points of interest and prime 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 as we speak. Strolling alongside the slender alleyways of Previous City is among the greatest issues to do in Lamu. A stroll takes you previous historical buildings, historic websites, markets, and native retailers. Marvel at previous homes with carved doorways, coral stone partitions, and exquisite 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 lovely 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 throughout the Twelfth century. Along with Lamu Museum, you’ll be able to cease by the Lamu Fort and spot the Previous 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 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 recent 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 recent juices. Their seafront setting is sensible, and the ambiance is gorgeous – particularly within the night. Handle: Click on right here for instructions to the Seafront Cafe. Additionally, test our information to fifteen Should-Attempt Dishes in Kenya. 3. Attend the Lamu Cultural Competition Lamu hosts a number of festivals yearly. One in every of my favorites is the Lamu Cultural Competition 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 throughout the competition can participate in numerous actions. These embody sampling scrumptious native dishes, dhow races, and experiencing the Swahili conventional ceremonies. I notably 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 competition, make sure to additionally discover ways to play the Bao recreation, hearken to Swahili poetry, or get your self a henna portray. Handle: The Cultural Competition happens between Nov 30 – Dec 2 in Lamu Previous City. 4. Stroll Alongside the Magnificent Shela Seashore 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 seaside, and there’s no higher place to absorb some solar than the magnificent Shela Seashore. 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 beaches in Mombasa and Diani, Shela Seashore lacks facilities resembling bogs and showers. Nevertheless, it’s some of the peaceable and least crowded beaches in Kenya. Handle: The seaside is greatest accessed from Shela Village. Stroll previous the Peponi Lodge or the Seashore Home to get there from the Previous City. 5. Go on a Sunset Dhow Cruise Lamu is among the most lovely locations to go to in Kenya. With only some vehicles round and donkeys roaming the streets, one of the simplest ways to discover the island is by foot. Wandering alongside the labyrinthine backstreets lets you observe within the footsteps of locals and merchants who first set foot within the space. One other method to see the magic and great thing about Lamu is by exploring its islands – Manda, Pate, and Kiwayu – by taking a dhow trip, (an historical Arab crusing boat), and cruising from Shela Village to any of those scenic spots. Evenings are notably magnificent. The sight of the orange-yellow African sundown makes Lamu a vacation spot you’ll keep in mind without end, and crusing between the islands invitations you to benefit from the breeze and consider how merchants made their method to Lamu from so far as Oman in these conventional dhows. Handle: Dhows are one of many major 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 out a 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 autos, the neighborhood depends on them for day-to-day actions. They transport individuals, transfer items, and even carry constructing supplies across the lovely city. The Donkey Sanctuary was established by a Sidmouth-based group (by the identical title) based by Dr. Elisabeth Svendsen, and along with providing medical companies to donkeys, the ability advocates for his or her higher welfare. When strolling alongside the Lamu Previous City alleys, cross by the sanctuary and study their trigger. You may as well assist 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 Previous City. Click on right here for the deal with. 7. Expertise the Lamu Yoga Competition Even in the event you don’t know a lot about yoga and its many types, the Lamu Yoga Competition 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 competition attracts guests from all around the world who’re obsessed with yoga, well being, wellness, and meditation. Apart from taking yoga courses, you’ll be able to 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 competition has raised funds to assist initiatives resembling Ubunifu (a neighborhood artwork heart in Maharani village). In addition they provide free yoga workshops and sanitation pads to women in Lamu. Handle: For dates, applications, venues, and lodging choices, try the Lamu Yoga Competition web site. 8. Attend the Maulid Competition Maulid or Maulidi is one other well-known competition in Lamu. The annual occasion takes place throughout the third month of the Islamic calendar to mark and have a good time the delivery of Prophet Mohammed. In the course of 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 competition 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 Previous City’s slender streets. So, in the event you love experiencing totally different cultural practices and other people’s lifestyle, add the Maulid Competition to your bucket listing. Handle: The Maulid Competition takes place in Lamu Previous City yearly throughout the third month of the Muslim calendar (often on the Riyadha Mosque). 9. Go to Kiwayu Island and Kiunga Marine Nationwide Reserve Only a few individuals journey additional than Pate Island. Nevertheless, in the event you’re daring and adventurous sufficient, take a ship trip to Kiwayu Island – some of the lovely 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 house to varied marine species like fish, coral reefs, and sea turtles. Apart from uncommon sightings of dugongs, guests also can take pleasure in scuba diving, snorkeling, and browsing alternatives. Handle: Kiwayu Island (and Kiunga Marine Nationwide Reserve) could be accessed from Lamu city through speedboat or dhow. The journey takes 2-7 hours. Whereas there, you’ll be able to 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 individuals imagine warring tribes attacked them. Others argue that it was due to silting up of the harbors. One of the well-known ruins and points of interest 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, ensure that so as to add Takwa Ruins to your listing of the most effective issues to see in Lamu. You’ll study Lamu’s historical past, structure, tradition, and other people’s lifestyle. Different historical ruins in Lamu embody Faza, Siyu Fort, and Shanga on Pate Island. Handle: To go to Takwa Ruins, take a ship trip to Manda Island. You may as well ask your lodging facility to assist arrange your journey. Fast Journey Itineraries For Lamu Whether or not you’re on a decent schedule or you might have the luxurious of extra time, these fast itineraries will enable you 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 points of interest talked about in these itineraries. You may as well 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 simplest 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. Make 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 trip for dinner on the Floating Bar and Restaurant. 2-3 Days in Lamu Itinerary Three days is lengthy sufficient to get a great style of the Lamu Archipelago. Spend your first day exploring the Previous City and visiting its historic websites. Comply with the 1-day itinerary above. Start your second day by strolling or jogging alongside Shela Seashore 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 recent 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 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 When you have seven days within the Lamu archipelago, you’ll have time to expertise all the things 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 website with its slender alleyways and exquisite coral stone homes. Go to the Lamu Museum, Riyadha Mosque, the Donkey Sanctuary, and the Lamu Fort. Spend the night strolling alongside Shela Seashore. 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 loosen up at its magnificent seashores. Cease at both Majlis Resort or Diamond Seashore 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 best way and look out for chook species resembling flamingos and storks. Whereas in Lamu Previous City, revisit your favourite restaurant for dinner. Spend your final day in Lamu enjoyable. Stroll alongside Shela Seashore, 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 finances 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 desire is a guesthouse, backpacker’s hostel, or boutique lodge, listed below are a number of of the most effective locations to remain in Lamu for vacationers: Lamu Previous City – Greatest for First-Time Guests and Historical past Lovers Of all of the islands within the archipelago, Lamu Previous City has extra points of interest. It additionally has lodging choices for every finances. A number of the greatest services embody Jamala Guesthouse and Lamu Home. Click on right here to take a look at the most effective lodges, visitor homes, and villas in Lamu, Kenya. Whereas there, you’ll be able to 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 Seashore Lovers Shela is a seaside village neighboring Lamu Previous City. Resulting from its lengthy strip of unspoiled seashores and dunes, many guests favor staying there. Right here, you might have an possibility of rustic Swahili homes, villas, and lodges starting from finances to luxurious. The perfect 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 wonderfully enjoyable 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 Seashore Village and The Majlis Resort. Majlis Resort is the primary characteristic 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’ll be able to 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 examine mangrove plantations can be effectively value your time. Kiwayu Island – Greatest 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 an attractive, off-the-beaten-path location north of Lamu. Whereas right here, you’ll be able to 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 is probably not a five-star facility, however it options all of the facilities you’ll want for a cushty keep and provides a extra genuine expertise. You may as well 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 lodge in Lamu or Manda to assist organize 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 a number of locations to eat on the opposite islands, many of the Lamu Archipelago eateries are situated within the Previous City. Lodging services resembling 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 beneath: Floating Bar & Restaurant The Floating Bar & Restaurant is among the few locations in Lamu the place you’ll be able to eat, drink, and get together. Apart from its nice ambiance and very good ocean views, the restaurant provides high quality native and worldwide dishes. It additionally includes a fashionable seating house to loosen up and revel in a chilly drink. If you happen to love native dishes, strive their ugali (a starchy, polenta-like dish), served with fish and kachumbari (recent 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 recent seafood and Swahili dishes at reasonably priced 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 as a result 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 domestically 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, make sure 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 among the greatest 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 means of 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 numerous array of dishes ensures there’s one thing to fulfill each style bud. A few of their greatest dishes embody hen 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 Seashore Village The Diamond Seashore Village is an attractive 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 light-weight lunches (tapas, pasta, and seafood salads). Dinner often options pizza, Swahili dishes like wali wa nazi, and recent 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 beneath 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 greatest 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 among the greatest firms. They’ve day by day departures from Mombasa to Lamu, and their fare is reasonably priced. Nevertheless, there are occasional safety considerations concerning the Malindi-Lamu overland route. Flying into Lamu is subsequently really useful. Getting Round Lamu Lamu city doesn’t have any public transport autos (owing to the slender roads). Nevertheless, like different islands within the archipelago, it’s small and, subsequently, straightforward to discover on foot. If you happen to’re arriving at Manda Airport, you’ll have to hop on a ship to achieve any a part of the archipelago. Your lodge or host can organize the boat prematurely or you could find one on arrival. Transferring between the islands (Manda, Pate, Lamu Previous City, and Kiwayu) can be executed by boat. Though it’s naturally slower than taking a velocity boat, you’ll be able to 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 understood for its wealthy Swahili tradition and historical past, historical structure, and beautiful seashores. The Twelfth-century vacation spot is house 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 yr to go to Lamu is throughout the dry season – from June to early October. Is Lamu value visiting? Completely. Its distinctive mixture of historical past, structure, and tradition provides 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 completely 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 seaside, immersing your self within the native tradition, and island hopping. Is Lamu secure? Lamu is mostly thought of secure for vacationers. Nevertheless, there have been safety points up 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 secure and pleasant journey. What’s the hottest factor to do in Lamu? One of many prime issues to do in Lamu is wander by means of the Previous City’s slender streets to see its distinctive structure and historic websites. Taking a sundown dhow cruise can be a must-do expertise. What’s the greatest seaside in Lamu? Shela Seashore is the most effective seaside in Lamu. It provides a 12 km stretch of unspoiled dunes and white sands, and a tranquil, enjoyable environment. That are the preferred festivals in Lamu? There are a number of annual festivals in Lamu. The preferred ones are Maulid Competition, Lamu Yoga Competition, and Lamu Cultural Competition. In Closing As you’ll be able to 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 sure that to discover the Previous City on foot searching for indicators of days passed by – in mosques, retailers, lodge 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 Greatest Seashores in Kenya 25 Greatest Issues to Do in Nairobi 15 Greatest Issues to Do in Mombasa Greatest Issues to Do in Nakuru
