Lamu

Lamu is a place like no other, a peaceful tropical island where life is lived at its own relaxed rhythm, but with a history as mysterious and fascinating as the winding streets of its medieval stone town.

Lamu has seen many visitors and influences including Portuguese explorers, Turkish traders and the Omani Arabs. All have left their mark, and Lamu has its own particular culture, which draws many visitors today including the rich and famous. When the Oman Sultan left Lamu for Zanzibar, the island was caught in a time warp for over three hundred years. There are still no cars on the island – the donkey and the dhow remain the dominant form of transport – the narrow streets of the old town are very much as they were and in the markets and squares around the fort, life moves at the same pace as it always has.

The rest of the island is a beautiful oasis of rolling dunes and endless beaches, where tiny villages nestle among coconut and mango plantations and sailing dhows fill the enticing waters. 

Did you know?

• There are lovely beach retreats here, hidden totally away from the world. Dhow safaris can take you beyond Lamu into the surrounding archipelago, where isolated villages, ancient ruins and a few luxurious and exclusive resorts lie hidden among the islands of Manda, Siyu, Pate and Kiwayu.
• There are plenty of lovely beach retreats away from the bustle of the old town and even on other islands.
• There are some beautiful private houses you can rent, with your own cook/house keeper. It’s fun to go the market and buy delicious seafood from the fishermen.
• If you want to immerse yourself in the culture, the village of Shela is a quieter place to stay then in Lamu town itself.
• You can explore the islands in a traditional wooden dhow.
• There is great shopping, locally made clothes and artefacts and some ingenious recycled goods such as animals made from flip flops that have been picked up off beaches. See oceansoleonline.com