//
Photo: Yuma901, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Lamu or Lamu Town is a small town on Lamu Island, which in turn is a part of the Lamu Archipelago in Kenya on the continent of Africa. Situated 341 kilometres (212 mi) by road northeast of Mombasa that ends at Mokowe Jetty, from where the sea channel has to be crossed to reach Lamu Island, it is the headquarter of Lamu County and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Constructed between 1813 and 1821 by the sultans of Pate Island, with Omani assistance. It was used as a military fortress until 1910 when the British colonial government reorganized it as a prison. It remained a prison until 1984 when it was restored and reorganized into a library and a museum of environmental conservation.
Built in 1891, the Lamu Museum was the former residence of the British Governors during the colonial era. Here, you will experience and learn about the rich Swahili culture that is ever so evident in Lamu Town.
On the south end of the Lamu island is a beautiful stretch of white sand and tiny broken sea shells. The walk from main Lamu town is only about a mile and a half and well worth it due to the locals you meet on the way. Watch for the young boys selling homemade samosas on the beach. They are delicious!
Long, wide and quiet white sand beach. Ideal for walking, but also kitesurfing, snorkelling and other water sports offered. Popular for watching the sunset.
Takwa was founded around 1500 and probably abandoned around 1700. Twice a year the people of Shela come to the Pillar Tomb in Takwa to pray for rain. Only during high tide the ruins can be reached by boat trips from Shela at around KSh 5000 per boat (up to 4 people)
Long, lonely sandy beach on the island of Manda with the idyllic dune landscape.