Are you looking for things to do in Lamu, Kenya? This guide shares 25 activities that make this Kenyan coastal town one of East Africa’s most fascinating destinations. The car-free streets, Swahili architecture, and laid-back island atmosphere set the stage for an incredible trip. Let’s explore what makes Lamu worth visiting.
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Historical and Cultural Things to Do in Lamu
As a traveler to Lamu, you have several excellent options to explore the island’s rich history and culture.
1. Tour the Museum and Fort Library
The Lamu Museum was built in 1892 and showcases local history through artifacts and exhibits representing various coastal cultures.
Nearby, the 19th-century Lamu Fort now houses a museum with marine and terrestrial exhibits, plus a library.
Tip: The Lamu Museum ticket includes entry to the Lamu Fort.
2. Visit Lamu Old Town
Lamu Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is itself a living museum. As you wander through the centuries-old streets, you’ll discover ornate wooden doors, hidden courtyards, and winding alleyways.
With only donkeys for transport and local artisans at work, you’ll experience a unique blend of cultures that has remained unchanged for centuries.
Beyond history, explore local hotspots like Lamu House, where you can relax in its serene spaces.
Tip: We recommend this Lamu Old Town Walking Tour.
3. Picnic at Takwa Ruins
A picnic at Takwa Ruins combines history with natural beauty, just a 30-minute boat ride from Lamu Town.
You can set up your picnic among giant baobab trees and historic structures. Check out our Ultimate Guide to What to Bring to a Picnic to help you plan.
A raised walkway makes exploring the ruins easy, and you can extend your visit to include the surrounding mangroves.
Pro Tip: Pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
4. Wander Through Shela Village
Shela, on Lamu Island, is known for its bohemian vibe and is a perfect retreat if you want to unwind. It is less crowded than Lamu Old Town, allowing for a more tranquil experience.
Expect coral stone houses, carved wooden doors, and winding streets that lead to miles of white sand beach.
5. Attend The Lamu Cultural Festival
The Lamu Cultural Festival brings the island’s traditions to life each November. You can watch traditional dhows race across the water, cheer for your favorite in the entertaining donkey races, and join locals in celebrating Swahili culture.
The streets are filled with music, dance performances, and cultural parades while artisans demonstrate henna painting and locals compete in traditional bao board games. It’s the perfect time to experience Lamu’s community spirit at its liveliest!
6. Patronize Local Artisans and Markets
Craft shops like African Corner Lamu showcase local artisans creating jewelry from recycled materials, while cooperatives such as AliLamu ensure fair wages and preserve cultural traditions through 100% handmade products.
You’ll find jewelry workshops and craft demonstrations in Lamu Old Town, including initiatives training young artisans. Each purchase directly supports the local economy and cultural heritage, so take time to learn the stories behind the crafts.
Tip: Remember to bring cash, as most vendors don’t accept cards.
7. Explore Art Galleries
Lamu’s art scene blends traditional Swahili craftsmanship with contemporary works. Lamu Museum houses the remarkable works of famous Swahili poet and wood carver Mohammed Kijumwa.
A pleasantly surprising gem is the Baraka Gallery, where you will discover West African art and handcrafted pieces.
8. Appreciate the Architecture of Riyadha Mosque
The Riyadha Mosque and Islamic Centre’s architecture tells a story of cultural fusion, subtly blending Islamic and Swahili design principles.
This mosque is one of the oldest in Lamu and is an important religious and cultural site in the town.
Foodie Things to Do in Lamu
Lamu offers a unique blend of Swahili, Arabic, and African cuisines. The island’s food scene provides an authentic taste of coastal Kenyan culture.
9. Feast on Delicacies at Peponi Hotel
Dining at Peponi Hotel’s restaurant offers a menu that changes with the tides, featuring fresh catches from local fishermen.
You can savor specialties like ceviche, octopus salad, chicken biryani, and Thai curry while overlooking the ocean from multiple dining spots. Choose between the main restaurant, ground level, top deck, or the rooftop terrace (open for lunch only).
The kitchen’s focus on seasonal ingredients means each visit brings new flavors, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
10. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at Gelamu Shela
Gelamu Cafe in Shela Village serves up some of the most creative ice cream. Local fruits are transformed into bold, unexpected flavors that perfectly capture Lamu’s tropical essence.
After wandering the village’s sun-soaked streets, there’s nothing better than discovering this local gem and its array of refreshing, handmade scoops.
11. Sip On Nutritious Smoothies at Whispers Coffee Shop
Whispers Coffee Shop is tucked away in a serene walled garden. Here, you can start your day with breakfast at sunrise or enjoy a hearty lunch.
The menu caters to all tastes with healthy smoothies, aromatic coffee, and plenty of vegetarian options. You can choose to sit in the indoor space or garden seating.
12. Grab Sunset Drinks at Majlis Resort
Watching the sun dip into the Indian Ocean at Majlis Resort on Manda Island is an indescribable experience. Take your pick from the Sunset Bar, Beach Bar, Pool Bar, or Terrace Bar to catch the sunset.
The bars blend coastal style with luxury, serving creative cocktails and light bites that mix international flavors with Swahili cuisine.
Outdoor Things to Do in Lamu
You’ll find endless ways to explore Lamu’s outdoors at your own pace. Stroll along pristine shorelines, hop on traditional dhows, discover hidden gems, and more in this laid-back island paradise.
13. Bask at the Beach
Lamu’s beaches are some of the best in East Africa, with Shela Beach leading the way. It is a stunning 7-mile stretch of white sand beach perfect for relaxation.
Manda Beach is equally picturesque and is accessible by boat transfer. These beaches remain refreshingly undeveloped, with minimal crowds and natural beauty as their main attraction.
14. Sail the Indian Ocean on a Sunset Dhow Cruise
A Lamu sunset dhow cruise offers 2.5 hours of pure coastal magic, starting around 4:30 PM.
Your traditional wooden sailboat will glide through the Manda Mangroves, Manda Maweni Channel, and past Manda Beach, while you snack on Swahili treats like samosas and bhajia with aromatic local coffee.
Watch the sky transform into brilliant oranges and gold over the Indian Ocean, guided by an experienced local crew.
Tip: Sunset cruises depart from either Lamu or Shela Jet. We recommend Tusitiri Dhow for a luxury dhow experience.
15. Trek the Sand Dunes
Visit Shela early in the morning or late afternoon to wander barefoot through the pristine white dunes. Capturing stunning photos of sunrise or sunset over the coastline is an absolute must, as you enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, channels, and surrounding landscape.
How to Get to the Shela Dunes
From Shela Village, walk towards the beach. The sand dunes are located behind Shela Beach, backing the village.
16. Kayak Through the Indian Ocean
Kayaking in Lamu lets you explore hidden corners, from the calm waters of Ras Kitau Bay to the mangrove-lined Takwa Creek.
Launch from Kizingo Eco Lodge or Peponi Hotel in single or double kayaks, paddling around Manda Island’s coastline and through quiet channels rich with marine life.
Operators provide all the necessary equipment, whether you choose a guided tour or solo adventure. Just bring sun protection, water, and a camera to capture your journey through Lamu’s waterways.
17. Plunge Into a Snorkelling Experience
The waters around Lamu offer excellent snorkeling from December to March. Popular spots include Manda Toto’s Coral Reef and Kiunga Marine Reserve, where you can swim alongside colorful fish and sea turtles and occasionally spot dolphins.
18. Embark on a Scuba Diving Adventure
Hidden within Lamu’s Kiunga Marine Reserve, you’ll discover some of East Africa’s best diving. Glide past coral gardens and through underwater coves, watching for rare dugongs, sea turtles, and diverse marine ecosystems.
A dhow from Lamu Town takes you to the dive sites, where clear conditions welcome divers of all levels.
19. Chase an Adrenaline Rush on a Kite Surfing Adventure
If you are an adventure seeker, Lamu is a great spot for kitesurfing, thanks to the favorable winds along the coast.
You’ll have this beautiful spot almost to yourself, whether cruising on calm waters near the shore or catching waves further out.
20. Navigate the Indian Ocean on a Jet Ski
Want an adrenaline rush in Lamu? Jump on a jet ski and zoom through the Indian Ocean.
Tour operators like Jet Ski Safari Kenya offer guided rides. You might even spot dolphins playing in the waves.
Unique Things to Do in Lamu
Lamu offers a glimpse into a way of life that has remained uniquely unchanged for centuries.
21. Mingle With Donkeys at the Donkey Sanctuary
Lamu’s Donkey Sanctuary cares for donkeys that serve as the island’s primary transportation system. These hardworking animals navigate Lamu’s narrow streets daily, making them essential to local life.
The sanctuary provides free veterinary care and educates the community about donkey welfare.
Visit the Donkey Sanctuary to learn about the work done to protect donkeys, see the unique donkey ambulance, and catch the popular donkey races during the annual Lamu Cultural Festival.
22. Watch Turtles Hatch
Experience one of nature’s most magical moments with Lamu Marine Conservation Trust as tiny sea turtles emerge from their nests and make their first journey to the ocean.
Local guards protect these nests around the clock, and you can join them to witness this rare sight while learning about turtle conservation.
It’s a powerful experience knowing that only 1% of these babies will survive to adulthood. Contact LaMCoT directly to schedule your visit during the turtle hatching season.
23. Venture Out To the Floating Bar
Less than a mile off Lamu’s shore, you’ll find one of East Africa’s most unique bars floating in the ocean!
Hop on a boat from Manda, Shela, or Lamu Old Town to reach this thatched-roof floating bar, where you can feast on fresh seafood and grilled meats while gentle waves rock beneath you. It’s a perfect spot for sundowners with an incredible ocean view.
Relaxing Things To Do in Lamu
24. Enjoy Yoga in a Tropical Setting
Find your zen at Banana House and Wellness Centre, where yoga sessions are held in a hall built around an ancient acacia tree.
Join morning or sunset classes for energetic flows to calming meditation, or practice on the beach with the sound of waves.
If you time your visit right, you can catch the Lamu Yoga Festival in October. The island transforms into a yoga paradise with classes in historic Swahili houses and beachfront locations.
25. Rejuvenate at a Beachfront Spa
Experience pure bliss at Lamu’s top spas, where traditional treatments meet stunning ocean views. At The Majlis Resort, indulge in massages and facials right on the beach or tucked away in their jungle spa.
Natural Lamu Beauty Spa in Shela specializes in organic facial treatments, while Banana House Wellness Centre offers holistic healing in a serene setting. You can choose from 30-minute tension relievers to luxurious two-hour maximum rejuvenation sessions.
Tips For Your Visit to Lamu
How To Dress in Lamu
Dress conservatively when exploring Lamu. Respect local customs by covering knees and shoulders. There is more leniency within beach resorts, but when venturing out, dress modestly as Lamu is a predominantly Muslim region.
How to Get to Lamu
It’s generally recommended to fly to Lamu rather than take road transport. You will need to take a boat ride, depending on where you are staying. For context, we took a 10-minute boat ride from Manda Airport to Majlis Resort, where we were staying.
How to Act in Lamu
Please respect the local culture. Lamu is a conservative Swahili town, so respecting the local customs is paramount.
We encourage you to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture. Engage with locals or guides, as they can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the region safely.
How to Choose Where to Stay in Lamu
Where you choose to stay may depend on factors such as your budget and preferences. Shela and Manda are tourist-friendly areas and are where most accommodations are located.
Check out our detailed Majlis Resort Lamu Guide.
Tip: The dry season (July to October and January to February) in Lamu is the peak tourist season, so expect potentially higher accommodation prices.
How to Stay Safe in Lamu
To stay safe in Lamu, consider the following measures:
- Fly directly to Lamu instead of using road transport, as this is considered safer.
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like markets and tourist attractions.
- Keep valuables close, use hotel safes, and avoid displaying expensive items.
- Opt for authorized taxis and confirm fares in advance.
- Stay in tourist-friendly areas like Shela or Manda Island.
- If possible, avoid walking alone after dark and stick to well-lit areas.
- Keep updated on travel advisories and local news for any safety concerns.
Final Thoughts About Exciting Things To Do in Lamu
After exploring this travel gem, we can tell you Lamu hits differently! It isn’t your typical tourist trap. Sure, there might be an extra cost for some adventures, but there are tons of great places and experiences that won’t cost you a dime. Plus, the local vibe here is unreal; you’ll stumble onto the most incredible hidden spots. We are already planning our next trip back!
But honestly? No blog post can really capture what makes this place unique. You have to experience it yourself. So book that ticket, pack your sunscreen and sense of adventure, and remember to leave room in your schedule (and your camera roll) for those unexpected discoveries that make this Kenyan destination pure magic.
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