Lamu Island
Lamu is an island with a main town characterised by narrow streets and Swahili architecture; tall houses of white-washed coral block built around a shaded central courtyard and often with a flat roof from which one can enjoy the sea-breeze. Read more?
Shela village is a half hour walk from Lamu town and possesses a more intimate feel. It's quieter, and you're likely to see the odd familiar face wondering the windy streets once you have been there for a few days. While Lamu's bustling and lively, Shela is a bit more sleepy with the added bonus of being only a few minutes walk from a broad, sweeping beach.
Almost all the old Swahili family homes have now been bought by Europeans who have converted them into private residences or boutique hotels, so the village is more up-market and less the scruffy, informal place that it was. However, despite this and aside from the odd conspicuous mansion on the edge of the village, it has managed to retain it's original style.
Lamu itself is more of a harbour with no beach and looks directly onto the channel. Consequently, for a swim you need to get a boat for the short hop across to Manda Island or walk to the Shela beach. The town has a great deal of charm though and even if you're not staying here, you should spend a day wondering around. Lamu is an experience in itself and you should come here expecting to relax and soak in it's unique atmosphere, enjoying long walks and swims in the warm sea, fresh seafood and trips on the traditional wooden 'dhows'.
After a day or two, you'll find that you no longer feel that lying on a "lamu bed" reading a book seems like a cop out...this is what Lamu is all about. There are no really big hotels here and much of the accommodation is in guest houses or self-contained villas or houses which give you freedom to relax and feel completely at home.
Lamu is a Muslim town and it's worth remembering that alcohol is not readily available here. You can have a drink on the terrace of Peponi in Shela and one or two other places, but most guest houses and hotels don't actually serve alcohol. You can however bring your own with you.
Lamu is a pleasant combination of beach and culture and suits those that are less happy about lying on a beach all day but still want to feel the sand between their toes and be part of life outside a big resort.
Recommended Places to Stay
Beach House Lamu - Beach House is one of the most breathtaking in Lamu, with a location directly overlooking the channel, a horizon pool that makes you wonder where the water ends and the view of the sea begins. Read more...
Kizingo - Most people visiting Lamu tend to stay within Lamu town or Shela village, but there is certainly something to be said for the location of this small property owned by Mary Jo and Louis Van Aardt. Read more...
Peponi Hotel - Peponi was started by the Korschen family in 1967 and is still run by Lars, Carol and Niels to this day. Read more...
Show more places?
Good Places to Stay
Garden House Lamu - Garden House is an intimate little pad in Shela Village, set on the edge of a walled garden. Read more...
Jasmine House - Located in Shela Village in the traditional Swahili style, with multiple levels, narrow stairways and courtyards that catch angled shadows across the smooth white-washed walls, Jasmine House is quite enchanting. Read more...
Lamu Palace Hotel - A small mid-range hotel in Lamu town. Read more...
Palm House Lamu - In the sleepy village of Shela, five minutes walk from the beach, Palm House is a characteristically Swahili style house built around a central leafy courtyard. Read more...
Show fewer places
More articles that you might find helpful
What is there to see in South Luangwa?
Tanzania visa requirements
Walking Safaris in Tanzania
When's the best time to visit Tanzania?
More
For videos, articles, ideas and news from Africa:
Have a look at our blog at safarigeek.com
1747 898 104Do you need some help with this?
At Natural High, we've all lived and worked in Africa, so our knowledge is born of
hands-on experience rather than simply visiting on holiday. We can't over-stress how
worthwhile it is to take a few minutes to call us. We're not in the business churning
out thousands of packages so if you'd like to discuss things in detail, take a few
minutes and call Catherine, Fiona, Vanessa or Alex on 1747 898104.close
