Lamu is a small town in lamu island that is part of the Lamu Archipelago in Kenya. It is the headquarters of lamu county and the UNESCO World Heritage site. It is located in the north-eastern part of Mombasa which is 341 kilometres and ends at Mokowe Jeffy from where by sea transport has to be used to cross to reach the Lamu Island. It borders Tana River County in the southwest, Garissa County to the north, Republic of Somalia to the northeast and the Indian ocean to the South. On the sea front of the town, we have the Lamu Fort that was constructed after the death of the Sultan of Pate under Fumo Madi ibn Abi Bakr in 1820s.The town’s history is marked by a Portuguese invasion then the Omani domination, like in Zanzibar. The streets of Lamu are very narrow, so there are no cars, only donkeys to carry everything! It is a donkey sanctuary and a home of mosques which are twenty-three in number inclusive of the Riyadha mosque constructed in 1900.
The golden sunsets, palm-fringed beaches, calls to prayer, white plastered Swahili villas and bougainvillea covered terraces…this is one enchanting island to say the least. Rich in history as a former trading post and overflowing with Swahili culture, Lamu is a tiny fishing village island that rests just off the coast of Kenya. It’s luckily still a place not heavily marked by tourists (mostly because it’s kind of a hassle to get to), and has solidly secured its spot as one of my top 5 places to visit within Africa.
It is one of the oldest continually inhabited town in Kenya and also one of the Swahili settlements along the Coast of East Africa. The population is approximately 30,000 where the indigenous people of the area are the Arabs, Swahili, Boni, Koreni, Omar’s and migrant communities. The major population within the town is made of the Islamic people. According to 2010 report by the Global Heritage Fund entitled Saving our Vanishing Heritage lamu was ranked among the twelve worldwide sites that are vulnerable to irreplaceable damage and loss, development pressure and citing insufficient management as primary causes due to terror attacks.
The town experiences tropical dry savanna climate. The temperatures range between 24 to 29 degrees Celsius which are favourable for tourist attraction. Despite its economy being based on slave trade during the 19th century which was inclusive of ivory, rhinoceros’ horn, mangrove and turtle shells that was shipped via the Indian ocean to India and Middle East which hampered the economy, tourism economy has gradually refuelled the economy in the recent times since the town is a popular destination for the backpackers. The economy on tourism has enabled employment creation for the residents as they give trips on dhows to the tourists. The currency used in the city is the Kenyan shillings where one shilling is equivalent to 0.0093 US dollars although the Us dollar currency is also acceptable. The town has beautiful accommodative hotels such as the Doda Villas, American-restored Amu house and the Petley’s Inn which is the oldest hotel in the city situated on the waterfront. Also, the city has sizeable artisan community that use the mangrove trees to build poles, build boats and make ornate doors and furniture. From its growth in porting activities the Chinas have started some feasibility studies in transformation of Lamu as one of the largest ports in East Africa in their String of Pearls Strategy. It is also a home to the Maulidi festival held in January or February for the celebration of Mohammed’s birth.The town has some notable landmarks that serve as site of attraction for the tourist that include; Lamu Museum which is a home to the islands ceremonial horn. Lamu has some notable buildings which include; Lamu Fort which is the oldest notable building after the death of Fumo Madi ibn Abi Bakr, the Sultan of Pate, Masjid Riyadha Mosque and Donkey sanctuary. Other places of visit in Lamu town that serve as tourist attraction site include; Takwa Ruins, Tusitiri Dhow, The Fort of Shela, Dodori National Reserve, Shella Village, Kiunga Marine National Reserve, Kiwayu Island, Siyu Fort, Lake Kenyatta, Kipini Wildlife and Botanical Conservancy and Amu Ranch. To reach the town air, road and water transport are preferred since most tourist use the Manda Airport located at the Manda Island in Lamu Archipelago of Lamu county in the western shore of the Indian ocean as well as sea transport that include ships and dhows that where the transport method by the localist in the city.
Some of enjoyable activities that create beautiful memories to all those who visit the area include walking along the deserted sandy beaches, exploring the narrow streets of the town, sailing of the traditional dhows, renting of the beautiful Swahili houses, getting lost in the Shela Village, sunset gazing at the Manda Island, feasting on the Swahili foods such as coconut rice among many, visiting the ruined city of Takwa, popping into the vegetable market for people watching and great of all “pole-pole” which is a Swahili phrase that means “take it slowly” which is an adoption of the take it back pace way of life in the activities they partake. The town is also a setting of Anthony Doerr’s short story “The Shell Collector” and a great song by Michael Smith entitled “Lamu” that was inspired by the Island where by he refers Lamu as “an island hideaway…the place we soon will be a rebirth from life’s demise…where the world is still”.
If you are worried about your accommodation, worry not. There are very beautiful and luxurious accommodation spaces in the beautiful old Town. Some of the luxurious rentals and villas to check out include : Forodhani House, Bembea House, Jaha House, Habibti House, Fishbone House, Ndoto House, The Moon Houses, Baytil Ajaib, or Lamu Houses. Hotels and lodges : The Majlis Resort, Peponi Hotel, Kizingo Lodge. Learn and appreciate the Kenyan coast Swahili culture. Buy souvenirs, try different foods, take walks and interact with the friendly and welcoming locals. Other places to enjoy food are : Baitil Aman, Ali Samosa , Whispers Café, Abuhakar’s Halva Centre, and Diamond Beach Village.
Lamu is the best destination for your next vacation! A place you never visit once, you just want to keep going back! Did you know that the great Naomi Campbell owns a villa in Lamu?! Thought you should know. Book with us for the best experience at affordable prices.
