No cars, just dhows and donkeys · Lamu County, north coast
Lamu is a car-free island and the oldest living Swahili town in East Africa, and Lamu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Donkeys and dhows are still the main transport, and life moves at an island pace.
A short walk or boat ride from town, Shela village has a long empty beach and some of Kenya’s most beautiful private houses. Over Christmas and New Year, a whole house for your family or friends is the classic way to do Lamu.
Fly from Nairobi or Mombasa to Manda Island airport (about 1.5 hours from Nairobi), then a 10-minute boat to Lamu or Shela.
December–March is the main season; avoid the long rains in May–June.
Boutique hotels for couples and whole Swahili houses for families and friends in Lamu and Shela. Prices are for the whole stay, not per person.
Walking tour of Lamu Old Town, Lamu Fort and the museum.
Sunset dhow sails and day trips around the archipelago.
Snorkeling trips to Manda Toto island.
Hotel, transport, park fees and activities in one price. No booking fees.