No cars, just donkeys, dhows and the oldest living Swahili town in East Africa.
Lamu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously inhabited Swahili town in East Africa. There are almost no cars on the island: donkeys and dhows are still the main way to get around, and life moves at the pace of the tides.
Narrow stone streets, carved wooden doors, rooftop terraces and the call to prayer make Lamu feel like stepping back centuries. With sunset dhow sails and the endless beach at Shela, it's one of the most romantic places in Africa.
Best time to goNovember to March and July to October.
Great forCouples, culture lovers, photographers, slow travellers.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Fly to LamuFly from Nairobi or Mombasa to Manda airstrip and cross to Lamu by boat. Evening stroll along the seafront.
- Lamu Old TownGuided walk through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, Lamu Fort and museum, then a sunset dhow sail with fresh fish grilled on board.
- Shela and Manda IslandRelax on Shela's long beach and dunes, or visit the Takwa ruins on Manda Island by boat.
- DepartureBoat to Manda and fly back.
Every Afritrek trip is private, so you can start on any date, add extra nights, and change any part of this plan.
What's included
Included
- Boat trips, park fees and guided visits listed in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking guide for excursions
- Accommodation and meals as quoted
- All park and marine park fees on the itinerary
- Airport or station transfers
Not included
- International flights and visas
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, boat crews and hotel staff
- Optional activities not listed, such as diving courses
- Drinks at hotels and lodges
