Historically important as a stop on ancient trading routes, Lamu is full of Arab, Chinese, and Portuguese influences, from its architecture to the traditional dhows that are characteristic of these waters. No visit to Lamu is complete without enjoying a sunset dhow safari – a peaceful and magical experience!
Visitors fly into the airport on Manda Island and transfer by boat to any of the other islands, including the largest, Lamu Island, which shares its name with the archipelago.
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Nairobi
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Lamu Island in particular offers a number of activities. These range from leisurely hikes through the sand dunes, which are ideal for guests who favour a relaxed pace, to motorbike rides all around the island – great for guests who prefer to be speedy!
There are no roads on Lamu Island, only alleyways and footpaths, so inhabitants travel on foot or by boat. Donkeys are used to transport goods and materials.
A visit to Lamu Old Town is another exciting excursion. The town’s pretty boutiques mix interestingly with its mosques, while the maze of alleyways provides a place you can enjoy getting lost in for hours at a time. Built in coral stone and mangrove timber, the buildings are famous for their inner courtyards, verandas, and elaborately carved wooden doors.
Two miles south of Lamu Old Town, Shela village has lots of friendly guesthouses and the most spectacular beaches. A floating bar off the coast of Lamu Island is another treat for visitors to this island, and Manda Beach on neighbouring Manda Island is another highly scenic coastal destination to explore.
We pick you up from your hotel and transfer you Moi International Airport for those in Diani & Mombasa, Malindi Airport for those in Malindi and Wilson Aiport for those in Nairobi boarding your flight to Manda Airstrip in Lamu. You will then board a boat/dhow to transfer you to Lamu Island. A walk or a donkey ride will then transfer you to your hotel for lunch and checking-in. You will spend the afternoon on a visit to Takwa ruins ( This is an ancient town that was abandoned when fresh water ran out, and stand out among the old crumbling stone ruins set between silent mangroves and the roaring open ocean).
Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Lamu.
After breakfast you will visit the Lamu museum, Lamu fort, & German post office and later visit the dhow making village of Mtomondoni. Return to your hotel for lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon at the beach or take a tour to the maze like streets of Lamu. For those who love snorkelling can take a snorkelling afternoon to Manda.
Dinner and overnight at your beach hotel in Lamu on bed & breakfast.
After breakfast you can choose to relax at the sandy beaches of Lamu or take a last lap tour to maze like streets of Lamu. Later you will be transferred by boat to Manda to catch your flight back to Mombasa/Malindi/Diani or Nairobi.
