LAMU ISLAND
Lamu is a product of a long and often troubled history of Arab, Portuguese and Swahili influences. Visitors can lose themselves in the fragrant labyrinth of tiny streets full of Omani and Swahili doorways, or walking along a peaceful beaches in Shela village,
Best time to visit Lamu Island is December - January and June - October. In early June, most hotels and restaurants are closed as it's tourism low season. During Ramadan month the island will be partly stopped.
​Lamu Festival, (in November) a Swahili culture celebration with dhows races, donkeys race, concerts and other activities.
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Get to Lamu
By plane from Naitobi (150 USD - 1.30 hours) in airlines such as Fly540 or Silverstone.
From airport you must take a taxi boat to cross the bay (150-400 KES),
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Accommodation in Lamu
Lamu Holidays homes. Rent a beautiful Swahili townhouse for a fair price.
Jamala Guesthouse In the middle of the town you can enjoy a small oasis to rest. Price: 4.300 KES two bed room with breakfast.
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What to do in Lamu Island
Dhow trip to see sunset. It is included a dinner with fresh local fish, salad and fruit onboard. You can also visit Manda town to know how make the large coral blocks used for houses in Lamu. Price: 10.000 KES /4 people with dinner (fish, salad, fruit).
A tour in Lamu town (visit Lamu Museum, Donkey Sanctuary, Lamu Fort or the Central Market).
Walk from Lamu town to Shela town by the shore.
Walk along Diamond Beach in Manda Island and see sunset of Lamu.
Afrikable Project in Lamu. Meet the Spanish volunteers and their activities against gender-based violence or the environment protection. They also have a volunteer holidays programme. Ask in their offices in Lamu town.
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Restaurants in Lamu
Floating Bar. Have some beers in the pub in the middle of the bay.
Lamu House.One of the best restaurants in Lamu town, they have live music at nights. Try local fish from 1.600 KES
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Accommodation in Shela
Bislet House. Entire a coy Swahili house for 4 people from 150 USD.
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Restaurant in Shela
Peponi’s. Famous Italian restaurant in the island. It's closed in low season.
Stop Over Restaurant. Near Shela port.
Msafini Hotel. One of few restaurants in Shela opened in low season. They have a pole pole service. Great seafood from 1.400 KES.
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Restaurant in Manda
The Majlis Resort. Enjoy this paradise with a tropical juice and a home-made pizza meanwhile swim in the pool. Price from 2.500 USD.
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Note: The prevalence of malaria among the residents of the Lake Victoria basin remains high, therefore bring enough mosquito repellent.
This region is one of the poorest regions in Kenya due to the high unemployment, therefore there is serious social issues such as alcoholism and drug addiction among young people.
As other Kenya's region, it's not advisable to walk in the darkness.
