Lamu Island, as part of the archipelago of the same name, is home to Lamu (you guessed it!), the oldest town in Kenya. The settlement is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and also houses the famous Lamu Fort.
Visitors to the island will enjoy a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean, with white beaches and deep blue waters. Educational boat (dhow) trips along the archipelago and abundant entertainment will always guarantee the perfect Lamu Island holidays.
Getting There
The best way to get to your destination is by taking a flight directly from Nairobi, Mombasa, or even Malindi. Of course, there is no airstrip near Lamu itself, so the final stretch will have to be covered by boat or ferry ride.
If you don’t mind a longer ride (up to 7 hours according to weather conditions), there are also buses heading from Mombasa to Mokowe. As always, the last part of the trip will see you on a scenic ferry ride – but you can also rent out or share a speed boat if you so desire.
Accommodation
Lamu Island accommodation consists of plentiful resorts, hotels, lodges, and even beach houses. Air conditioning is provided to protect from even the driest of seasons. Terrace restaurants are stocked full of delicious seafood, traditional Kenyan cuisine, and international delicacies as well.
The beautiful Arabic-influenced lodges provide swimming pools, cozy gardens, and freshly supplied gift shops and boutiques. Sporting facilities ensure fitness for guests who don’t want to skip out on their gym time while on holiday.
Kayaking, kitesurfing, waterskiing, windsurfing and many others are provided as extra activities for a complete island holiday experience. Adventurers will have no time to be bored on their trips.
Lamu Island Activities
While Lamu Island safaris may be a bit different from traditional Kenyan safaris, they provide just as many sight-seeing possibilities – if not more. Visitors who get tired of sand in their shoes can enjoy a dhow trip along the archipelago.
Among the islands, you will find rich birdlife that include species such as the Carmine bee-eater and the gracious fish eagle. Porcupines and cute little bush babies and vervet monkeys can also be spotted – if they don’t spot you first!
A host of other animals can be seen there – just be on the lookout. When you go scuba diving, you can enjoy the abundant marine life – turtles being the main stars of the coastal areas.
Coconut and mango plantations hide small villages where the locals go about their day. You will find no cars here, the only methods of transportation (besides boats) being – donkeys! As such, the landscape is unspoiled by pollution, and its beauty will remain preserved for ages to come.