Old Town and Swahili Architecture

Lamu Old Town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 2001. Lamu has been continuously inhabited for more than 700 years. Stone Town in Lamu has more than 160 historic houses built in the traditional style. Their features include central courtyards, long, narrow galleries and flat, open roofs. Some historic houses have flat roofs shaded by protective coverings made of palm-frond thatch.

Most houses in Lamu have intricately carved wooden doors and elaborately decorated niches made of carved plaster inside. Painted ceilings, large niches (madaka), small niches (zidaka) and Chinese porcelain also characterize the interiors of traditional buildings. The well-preserved buildings reflect the development of Swahili building techniques, which use coral stone, lime and mangrove poles. Along the waterfront, arcades and open verandas characterize the buildings; when approaching from the sea, they give the town a unified appearance.

The Lamu Museum

The Lamu Museum is housed in a building classified as Grade 1, with a stone veranda, built in the early 20th century. Its first floor holds ethnographic collections from the Swahili, Boni, Sanye, Pokomo and Orma communities. The Pate Ivory Siwa is also on display there; the Maulidi and maritime galleries are on this floor as well. In addition to the town’s architecture, the museum features collections and exhibition areas on a range of cultural and maritime themes.

Getting around on foot and arriving by ferry

There are no motorized vehicles in Lamu; all transport is by handcart and donkey. The winding streets are best explored on foot and are no more than eight feet wide. Visitors spend long days strolling along the waterfront and exploring the town. A dhow ferry takes arriving passengers to Lamu Town or Shela. Check current ferry services before your trip.

Maulidi and other cultural events

The Maulidi celebrations span a month and culminate in a three-day festival organized by religious leaders and the National Museum of Kenya. Events include recitations of praise poetry, music, dancing, calligraphy and art exhibitions. The dates may vary.

The wider destination of Lamu hosts the annual Lamu Cultural Festival. The program includes traditional dances and performances, dhow, swimming and canoe races, and tastings of local food; dates may vary here too. Snorkeling and deep-sea diving are also listed as tourist activities in Lamu County. Their availability locally depends on providers and conditions.

Takwa nearby

Near Lamu, the ruins of Takwa lie on Manda Island. They are the remains of an important Swahili trading town from the 15th and 16th centuries, which was abandoned in the 17th century. The boat trip from Lamu Town takes 30 minutes. If you are considering a visit, check in advance whether it is currently possible.

Discover more destinations: Mkwiro, Lolgorien, Mara Simba, Ol Tukai, Shanzu, Gazi, Ukunda, Kibokoni

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