Lamu Island, Kenya: 7 places to see - Old Town and Fort
Explore Lamu, Kenya, an island town in the Indian Ocean off Kenya's northern coast near the Somali border. This UNESCO World Heritage site spans the Lamu Archipelago with turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and mangrove forests accessible by traditional boats and dhows.
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- Places
- Start
- Lamu Island
- End
- Lamu Cultural Festival
- Stops
- 7
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Lamu Island — Car-free island destination where donkeys and boats serve as primary transport, preserving centuries-old Swahili coastal culture.
- Lamu Archipelago — Chain of islands off Kenya's coast featuring pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and traditional dhow sailing routes.
- Swahili Settlement
- Old Town Architecture — UNESCO-listed medieval stone buildings with carved doors and narrow coral-stone streets representing East African Swahili civilization.
- Lamu Fort — 19th-century coral stone defensive fortress that later served as a prison, now functioning as a cultural center and museum preserving Lamu's history.
- Lamu Museum — Museum showcasing the island's maritime history, Swahili heritage, and centuries of Indian Ocean trade culture and traditions.
- Lamu Cultural Festival
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- No cars exist in Lamu's old town. The main mode of transport is donkeys, which calmly walk through narrow streets carrying goods and sometimes people.
- Transport
- Boats and traditional wooden dhows connect Lamu to neighboring islands in the Lamu Archipelago.
- Food
- Visit Lamu's market streets where the scent of spices fills the air including cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, reflecting the island's historical role in Indian Ocean trade routes.
- Tip
- The Lamu Cultural Festival celebrates Swahili heritage through dhow sailing competitions, donkey races, poetry readings, and traditional dances.
- Tip
- Walk through Lamu's narrow alleyways and historic streets featuring coral stone houses with intricately carved wooden doors, inner courtyards, and rooftop terraces.
- Tip
- Visit Lamu Fort, a massive stone structure built in the early 19th century that now functions as a cultural center and museum.
- Tip
- Explore Lamu Museum to learn about the island's maritime history and Swahili heritage.
- Tip
- Visit Riata Mosque, one of the most significant mosques in East Africa, known for its Islamic learning tradition.
- Tip
- The marine life around Lamu is rich, making it ideal for snorkeling and traditional sailing experiences.
- Tip
- Lamu is surrounded by turquoise waters, mangrove forests, and white sandy beaches offering pristine coastal scenery.
Video on this route
An island with no cars, only donkeys andboats. LAMU - KENYA