Marine park
Heritage town · UNESCO World Heritage Site
Lamu Old Town
East Africa's oldest living Swahili town, with no cars.
- North Coast
- Best: Aug–Oct, Dec–Mar
- World Heritage Site since 2001
Overview
- UNESCO listing
- 2001
- Transport
- On foot, donkey or boat — no cars
- Airport
- Manda (MYD), then by boat
Lamu Old Town is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, inscribed by UNESCO in 2001. It has been continuously inhabited for more than 700 years.
Narrow streets wind between coral-stone houses with carved wooden doors; there are no cars, and donkeys and dhows are still the main transport.
The Lamu Museum, Lamu Fort, Swahili House and German Post Office tell the island's history, and the Lamu Cultural Festival celebrates Swahili music, dhow races and crafts.
- Old Town streets
Carved doors, mosques and rooftop terraces.
- Dhow sailing
Sunset dhow trips around the archipelago.
- Shela Beach
Dunes and a long beach a short walk or boat ride away.
Things to do
- Museums combined ticketUS$40
Lamu Museum, Fort, Swahili House and German Post Office.
- Dhow trips
Arranged with local captains.
- Walking tours
With local guides.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
When to go
Best December–March and July–October; the long rains fall in April–June.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Best
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Wetter
- Jul: Good
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Good
- Dec: Best
Fees and permits
Official rates from the National Museums of Kenya (Heritage admission fees from 7 May 2026 (Legal Notice 79 of 2025)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamu Fort, Museum, Swahili House or German Post Office (adult)per siteChildren: KES 100 / US$3 / US$4. | US$10 | US$6 | US$6 | KES 200 |
| Combined package (all four sites, adult)per personChildren: KES 400 / US$12 / US$16. | US$40 | US$24 | US$24 | KES 750 |
- Lamu Fort, Museum, Swahili House or German Post Office (adult)per site
- Foreign non-resident
- US$10
- Foreign resident
- US$6
- Rest of Africa
- US$6
- East African citizen
- KES 200
Children: KES 100 / US$3 / US$4.
- Combined package (all four sites, adult)per person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$40
- Foreign resident
- US$24
- Rest of Africa
- US$24
- East African citizen
- KES 750
Children: KES 400 / US$12 / US$16.
- National Museums of Kenya charges residents and other African visitors the same rate.
Getting there
- By airFrom Nairobi or MombasaAbout 1–2 hours
Flights to Manda airport, then a short boat ride to Lamu.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Official UK advice warns against all travel to Lamu County except Lamu Island and Manda Island; fly in rather than drive, and check current advice.
- Lamu is conservative; dress modestly away from the beach.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lamu safe to visit?
UK government advice excludes Lamu Island and Manda Island from its warning against travel to Lamu County. Most visitors fly into Manda. Check the latest official advice before you book.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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Marine park
Beach