Kenya · Coast · Lamu Island

Swahili houses on Lamu Island.

Kenya's most extraordinary destination. Lamu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — no cars, donkeys and dhows, 700-year-old coral stone Swahili architecture, rooftop terraces, and the most authentic East African island culture anywhere in the world.

KES 5,000–25,000typical / night
UNESCO World Heritageold town
No carsdonkeys & dhows
Shela Beachpristine white sand

Why Lamu is unlike anywhere else

Lamu Old Town was founded in the 14th century and is the best-preserved Swahili settlement on the East African coast. The town has no cars — goods and people move by donkey or wooden dhow. The architecture is coral stone with elaborate carved wooden doors, inner courtyards, and rooftop terraces catching the Indian Ocean breeze.

Staying in Lamu means staying in restored Swahili houses — many with rooftop sitting areas, antique Lamu furniture, and staff who have served the houses for generations.

Getting to Lamu

Manda Island airstrip has daily flights from Wilson Airport Nairobi and Mombasa via Safarilink and Airkenya — 1.5 hours from Nairobi. A short motorised dhow crossing takes you to Lamu town. Most stays include airport transfer.

Double room
KES 5,000–10,000
Guesthouse, shared rooftop
Swahili house
KES 12,000–25,000
Private rooftop, traditional interiors
Full villa
KES 25,000+
Exclusive whole-house rental

Typical nightly rates. Every listing on Cabana shows the host's exact price — that is what you pay at checkout. Zero commission added, ever.

Lamu: frequently asked

Is there a beach in Lamu?
Shela Beach — 30 minutes walk from Lamu town — is one of East Africa's most beautiful beaches: kilometres of white sand backed by dunes, very few people.
Do I need a ferry to get to Lamu town?
The airstrip is on Manda Island. A 5-minute motorised dhow crossing takes you to Lamu town. Most guesthouses arrange this for guests.
What makes Lamu special?
The oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. UNESCO World Heritage. No cars. 700+ years of continuous habitation. It is an experience with no equivalent in Kenya.

Find your stay in Lamu

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