Lamu Island

Lamu Island, part of the Lamu Archipelago off the northern coast of Kenya, is a popular destination for
travellers interested in East Africa’s rich heritage. With its preserved Swahili and Islamic architecture,
Lamu has been a key settlement for trade since the 14th century. Visitors can wander through the coral
stone and timber buildings of Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring the carved
doorways, verandas, and arcades. The Lamu Museum offers insight into Swahili culture, including
traditional boat-building tools and ceremonial wedding attire, while Lamu Fort now serves as a library for
valuable collections of Swahili poetry and historical reference books.
Beyond Old Town, the rural villages of Shela and Matondoni offer unique experiences. Shela boasts a
collection of 19th-century mosques, luxury eco-lodges, yoga retreats, and a bohemian atmosphere that
attracts artists and designers. Matondoni is a fishing village, mostly untouched by tourism, where visitors
can witness master boat-builders repairing and constructing new dhows using traditional methods.