A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamu Islands, a part of the Lamu Archipelago is the most well preserved Swahili settlements in the east of Africa. Lamu Island is a port city situated at the shore of the Indian Ocean in Kenya. This peaceful city that still has a very little influx from the outside world makes the traveler explore calm tranquil moments at its long almost abandoned beaches.
The waters of the Indian Ocean caress Lamu Island, on the east coast of Kenya just 341 kilometers(212 miles) by road northeast of Mombasa. This island was discovered around the 12th century and is Kenya’s oldest town inhabitation. The island will intrigue visitors with all the people either walking on foot or commuting by donkeys proving that the inhabitants are still yet to succumb totally to the trappings of modernization. The small whirling roads make cars difficult to move and are they thus stand banned on the roads of Lamu Island.
Lamu Museum displaying the famous Siwa horns is basically adorned with the rich heritage of the land. The Lamu Fort is a sneak peek into the traditional Lama lineage. The renovated Swahili House Museum though small still holds a lot of interest for the curious. Lamu also houses 23 mosques, including the Riyadh Mosque, built-in 1900, and the queer donkey sanctuary. Take a leisurely walk 30-minutes north of town, and arrive at the white sandy beach of Shela, which is one of the best beaches of the island. Discover some idyllic, charming isolated resorts and eat-outs and lose yourself in the signature style, and hospitality afforded here.
Offering a variety of safe snorkeling spots with fishing thrown in along with enticing sunset cruises the island is still yet to be discovered by the traveling clan. Lone travelers looking for some peace and hours of introspection can take refuge and seek solace here even as they enjoy its serenity and quiet.
Mombasa to Lamu
By Bus
Time: 6 hours
Cost: 901 KES
By Flight
Time: 40 minutes
Cost: 4,087 KES to 12,684 KES
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Waiting Time
No
Entrance Fee
Time you can spend
12 to 13 hours
Weather
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