Lamu Island

Lamu Island, an enchanting island off Kenya’s northern coast, beckons with its rich history, vibrant culture, and idyllic beaches. It is an ideal each destination for relaxation, adventure, or a deep dive into Swahili culture, Lamu has something for everyone. Here’s a detailed account of my unforgettable journey from Nairobi to Lamu, offering tips and highlights to inspire your own adventure.

Lamu being an Island is accessible by air, and the flight from Nairobi takes 1 hour. I caught my flight from Jomo Kenyatta National Airport to Manda Airport –the main airport in Lamu. The flight was so smooth and I enjoyed my window seat with magnificent views. The flight was not full.

On landing I got time to take to the pilots who were jovial, happy and engaging – discussing, for a few minutes, how they enjoy their job. I headed to the luggage bay where I picked my suitcase full of clothes for the whole week I was to spend in Lamu. I later walked out of the airport where my airport greeter was waiting for me with my name on a placard. He introduced himself and helped me with my luggage towards the boat which we were using for the transfer to the Lamu Island.

The transfer Boat was a shared one and I met with some ladies who were also on holiday. We got to dock area and we alighted after making the transport payment. My guide carried my luggage and we went straight to the hotel. On check in, I refreshed and headed out for lunch. The host is well informed of Lamu Island with a list of local restaurants where I had my meals during my stay. After the late lunch, I walked around the small town and headed back to the hotel through the narrow streets.

On the next day, I took part in a Lamu  Old Town Tour – this includes a visit to the;
– UNESCO heritage site tour,
– Donkey Sanctuary – a place where injured donkeys kept and taken care of. They do not charge any entry fees but accept donations for donkeys.
– Lamu Museum – where the rich Swahili Culture of Lamu people is preserved.
– Lamu art galleries – a collection of beadwork, art crafts and talent of the Lamu people, showcased for sale and as souvenirs.
– Lamu fort – where locals used to hide from colonials.

In the evening, our host organized for a sunset cruise which was breathtaking. We got to the dock by 4pm and boarded the Cruise, we cruised through the mangroves upto around 6pm when the sun begun to set. We captured the sunset on the sea. After the sunset we were served with delicious Swahili snacks and drinks are we set back to the shore. We then headed out for dinner before getting to the hotel.

Here are some on the activities I also took part in;
– Shela Beach walk and Swimming – Shela is well known to have most hotels and a touristic town. In Shela I also visited various art galleries and of course Gelato a famous place with a variety of ice cream specialties – for an ice cream in the middle of the night.
– I got to an Indian friend who we interacted and visit the Manda Island together, we enjoyed our lunch at The Majlis Hotel and later relaxed in their sunbeds for the amazing Sunset
– My Indian friend and I also visited the floating bar for drinks and local food. On another day we visited the floating restaurant for lunch. They say, travel and make new friends – I made one.
– During my stay, there was a Lamu mini-cultural festival that I got to attend that was held at the Lamu Fort, learn the Lamu songs and dances, appreciate the role of girls and the children in preserving their culture.
– The Lamu Sand dunes are also a great place to visit, walking up the sand dunes gives you a view of the Lamu Old Town, the Manda Island and Manda airport. The dunes meet the Ocean at the base.
– A donkey ride is a MUST do activity while in Lamu, since this is the main means of transport in the town. With the guide, you climb on a donkey…tap it to where you want to go.

To crown my holiday, I took a massage from the best and it helped relax my busy activities schedule. Accommodation in Lamu is affordable and suits all people.

The last day is always the sad day, but I got my guide who helped with my luggage to the Airport. I arrived 1 hour before the flight time, relaxed at the lounge and took lots of photos. Time to Board –I got to the Plane and again I got a window seat. But this time, after exchanging places since the seats were not occupied. This was one of my best solo trips I did. I got back to Nairobi and headed home to relax and reflect about my holiday..I already miss Lamu.

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