Lamu Island Paradise

Introduction: Why Lamu?

Lamu is a small town in Kenya that has been very popular among tourists for its white sandy shores and clear blue water. Lamu is a small town in Kenya that has been very popular among tourists for its white sandy shores and clear blue water.

The place has been dubbed as the "Venice of the East" due to its mangrove swamps, canals, and network of alleyways. The island is also home to an ancient Swahili settlement, the Lamu Old Town which was built in the 19th century.

Lamu Old Town is a World Heritage Site consisting of mud and thatch houses, mosques, and other buildings. The town's Swahili architecture was built between 1845–1880. Its buildings are all made out of clay bricks.This particular style of construction became popular when the Omani state founded the port city in 1630 to compete with other prominent African ports.

The Old Town is located on a high sand dune and has a maximum elevation of . This gives it good protection from sea breezes and floods.It has been described as "the most impressive Swahili settlement" in East Africa by "Africa Geographic".

The town's walls largely survive, as do the fortifications on the north-eastern ramparts, which are thought to date back to the early 18th century.

Top Reasons to Visit Lamu Island Now

Lamu Island is a tourist destination in Kenya. It is known for its beaches and serene environment.

1) The Lamu Island environment is full of natural beauty and culture.

2) The island has a rich history that you can explore by visiting the Lamu Museum, where you can learn about the Swahili culture and see artifacts from the past.

3) You can enjoy shopping at the local markets or take a boat trip to visit other islands nearby including islands like Pate, Faza, Ndau and more.

4) There are plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and diving in Lamu, with many different species of fish, coral reef, and sea life to explore.

5) There are several places to stay on the island including hotels, guesthouses, camping sites, or even renting a houseboat.

6) One of the most famous attractions on Lamu Island is Shela Village - an ancient village with traditional houses built around a mosque which was founded in 1431 AD .

7) The cultural and historical significance of Lamu Island is a great reason to visit. , but there are plenty of other attractions to explore, too.

Planning Your Trip to Lamu Island

Lamu Island is a small island in the Indian Ocean. It is located about 50 kilometers from the Kenyan coast. The island is famous for its historic buildings, coral reefs and its rich marine life.

It has been said that Lamu Island was once the capital of a great empire and it's still home to some of the oldest Swahili structures in East Africa. The city has a centuries-old history and culture which you can explore with just one day on this beautiful island.

The Lamu archipelago includes three inhabited islands: Lamu, Pate and Manda – all of which are connected by boat. One day on these islands will allow you to explore the old town, visit an ancient mosque, take a stroll through a market or relax on white sand beaches with turquoise waters.

Essential Tips for First Time Visitors in Lamu

1. Make sure you get the right visa for your stay

2. Check the weather and dress accordingly

3. Get a map of the island and explore it on foot

4. Remember to take care of your belongings, especially in crowded places

5. Be aware of the local customs and culture and try not to offend anyone with your actions or words

6. Keep an eye out for wildlife; they are wild animals after all

7. Take advantage of all the free activities available on the island

8. Go to bars, restaurants, cafes, markets and other attractions that offer free entry

9. Make sure you know what kind of food is available on Lamu Island before you go.

5 Must-See Places on Lamu Island

Lamu is a small island off the coast of Kenya that has been turned into a popular tourist destination. It can be reached by boat from Mombasa or by plane from Nairobi.

1) Lamu Old Town

This is the historic part of Lamu town, which was once a thriving Swahili trading post. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few remaining examples of traditional architecture in East Africa.

2) Shela Village

Shela village is a short walk inland from Lamu town, on the way to Shela beach - it's a great place for some quiet time away from the crowds, with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching .

3) Shela Beach

Lamu has two beaches: Shela beach, which is lined with restaurants, bars and shops and smaller but less crowded and Manda island beach. There are also some small coral reefs close to the shore that are great for snorkeling.

4) Lamu Old Town Museum.

The museum is home to a range of artifacts from the Sultanate era. It's open from 9am-11am and 1pm-3pm, closing for one hour for lunch.

The Lamu Old Town Museum is housed in a building from the Sultanate era, as well as two other buildings nearby. It was established in 2009 and houses artifacts from the period before the building was constructed, up to the present day.

Some of these artifacts include traditional Swahili beadwork, agricultural and fishing tools, jewellery and glassware, pottery and stone tools for cooking food.

5) Mkunguni (Town square)

The town square used to be a landing site for marine activities from the sea during the Swahili old age.