9 Best Things To Do In Lamu, Kenya

1. Learn about the Swahili culture at Lamu Museum

If you’re a culturally inclined traveler looking to discover the thrumming culture and fascinating history of Lamu and that of the archipelago, then a visit to Lamu Museum may be worth your while. Nesting in a grand Swahili warehouse just a stone’s throw from the waterfront, this wonderful house of history takes visitors on a journey through medieval times of the Kenyan coast. Boasting beautifully displayed exhibits that touch on different topics including ancient architecture, domestic life, and boat building, visitors get a chance to explore and learn a great deal about the city. Check out the traditional silver jewelry, and the siwa – a ceremonial side-blown horn made of brass and ivory.

Lamu Museum

Address: Faza Kenyatta Rd Lamu, East

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat: 8am -12pm (closed on Sun)

2. Explore narrow streets of Lamu Old Town

Spend some time walking through the wonderful maze of the narrow streets in Lamu’s Old Town. A Swahili town with rustic charms and friendly locals, Lamu Old Town epitomizes hundreds of years of history as most of its buildings and houses date from the 17th century. This charming city bears many similarities with Zanzibar’s Stone Town, both known for retaining the authentic ways of their culture and traditions by largely escaping gentrification. A beautiful medieval town where life moves at a slow pace and ubiquitous donkeys freely roam the bustling markets, it’s a no wonder why UNESCO recognized it as a world heritage site.

Website: Lamu Old Town

3. Immerse yourself in history at Lamu Fort

For keen history buffs and staunch poetry lovers, a visit to Lamu Fort is one you shouldn’t miss while in the area. Nestled in a central position in town, this iconic fort was originally located on the waterfront just about 70 meters (229.7 feet) from the main jetty on the shore. Built between 1813 and 1823 by the revered Sultan of Paté, this stunning monument was used as a base for establishing control over the Lucrative East African Coast. It also served as a prison under the British colonial administration right up to 1910, when it was declared a National Monument. Today, the fort houses a library with an inspiring collection of Swahili poetry and a gallery space for temporary exhibitions.

Lamu Fort

Address: Lamu

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

4. Go on a sightseeing tour with Halal Safaris

For those of you who prefer tailored luxury safaris, then plan your holiday tour to Lamu with Halal Safaris and get to discover the beautiful hidden gems of this magical destination. Known to offer the best travel experiences throughout Africa, Halal Safaris prides itself on being a comprehensive travel company where all your needs as a traveler are catered for but within the religious teachings of Islam. If you want to explore this ravishing archipelago with your family, then you should consider booking a tour with Halal Safaris. This exotic travel group also organizes exclusive group trips annually to shed light on key themes of Islamic heritage in different countries across Africa.

Website: Halal Safaris

5. Admire ancient architecture at Siyu Fort

If you are a lover of ancient architecture and beautiful historical structures, make your way to Siyu Fort and marvel at its brilliant architectural ingenuity. Found stark on the north coast of Paté island, this rustic fortress was constructed by one of the town’s local leaders (Bwana Mataka) to safeguard them from Omani domination. Unlike Lamu Fort in Lamu Town and Fort Jesus in Mombasa, this amazing fortress was entirely built by locals. Gazetted as a national monument in 1958, visitors to this interesting site also get to see rustic ruins of what used to be a fine stone mansion and a small mosque.

Siyu Fort

Address: Lamu

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

6. Discover Islam at Riyadha Mosque & Islamic Centre

Imbibe some spirituality and discover religious beliefs of Islamic teachings at Riyadha Mosque and Islamic Center. Beautifully tucked away in Faza, Riyadha Mosque is one of the longest continuously functioning and one of the most influential Islamic teaching institutions in the Swahili world. Established in the late 19th century the mosque is also a cultural heritage center known for hosting the annual Maulidi and cultural festival. Today, this unassuming institution aims at educating children from the entire East African Coast as well as the Lamu archipelago in its Muslim Academy, which offers regular madrasa classes.

Riyadha mosque & islamic centre

Address: Faza, Kenya

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat: 8am - 12pm (closed on Sun)

7. Enjoy a sundowner at Floating Bar

Treat yourself to a unique experience and enjoy a sundowner at Floating Bar and Restaurant. Nestled amid the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and at just a kilometer away from Shela and Lamu Towns, this gorgeous establishment offers a premium spot for fun-seekers who’d like to indulge in their favorite drinks while on the beautiful island. Constructed from coconut timber and basic makuti thatching lined with Swahili mats, this exquisite restaurant offers the perfect spot for visitors and locals alike. Feel the cool breeze and let the nourishing sun permeate your skin as you wind down your day by the ocean.

Floating Bar

Address: Kenyatta Rd, Lamu

8. Indulge in savory delights at Seafront Cafe

After a fun-filled day of exploration and thrilling discoveries, the next best thing to do is to indulge in delicious local fare. There’s no better place to enjoy this than at Seafront Café. As its name suggests, this small family-run business enjoys a convenient location right on the Seafront in Lamu’s Old Town. If you’re a lover of seafood and you’d like to get an authentic taste of freshly prepared Swahili seafood cuisines, this unpretentious spot is the place to be. Famed for its ridiculously delicious dishes and handcrafted juices, this lovely house of culinary delights is a must-visit.

Seafront Cafe

Address: Corniche Path, Lamu

Opening hours: 7am - 10:30pm (daily)

9. Shop for local souveniours at Baraka Gallery

If you are a shopaholic looking for a sumptuous place to relieve and scratch off your shopping urges, then a visit to Baraka Gallery would be ideal. Nesting conveniently along Lamu’s main street, this impressive gallery is one of the best places in Lamu town where you are guaranteed to find high-quality crafts from the African continent including inspiring collections of arts and crafts, sterling silver jewelry, interesting tribal masks, fabrics, and exquisite pieces of hand-carved furniture. A beautiful treasure trove for even the fussiest collector, Baraka Gallery is undoubtedly the place to shop for local gifts and antique souvenirs while on the island.

Baraka Gallery

Address: Lamu Kanaguli Next to Krystalline Convenience Store, Nairobi Central

Explore Lamu

With so much to do and a handful to unearth and discover, choose Lamu as your next destination. From a plethora of entertaining activities to keeping you on your feet, from authentic meals to magical attractions, Lamu is indeed the place to be.