Lamu is a peaceful tropical island where life is lived at a relaxed rhythm. A place whose history is as mysterious and fascinating as the winding streets of its medieval stone town.

The island itself is a beautiful place of rolling dunes and endless beaches, where tiny villages nestle among coconut and mango plantations, and lateen sailed dhows ply the waters. However, Lamuā€™s real attraction is the Old town.

The town of Lamu began life as a 14th-century Swahili settlement, but the island has seen many visitors and influences, including Portuguese explorers, Turkish traders and the Omani Arabs. All have left their mark, but Lamu has developed its own culture, with narrow streets remaining unchanged, and in the markets and squares around the fort, life moves at the same pace as it always has. There are no vehicles allowed here, the donkey and the dhow remain the dominant form of transport.

smiling white male wearing a backpack

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