Lamu Island Day Tours | Best Things to Do in Lamu Island | Top things to Do in Lamu
Lamu Island is a port, city, and island just off the shore of Kenya in the Indian Ocean, approximately 360km up the coast from Mombasa and a 10-minute boat ride from the mainland. The best way to reach Lamu is by plane.
Safarilink, Jambojet, Skyward Express, Fly540, and Hahn Air fly daily from Nairobi to Manda Airport on Manda Island. You can also fly directly from Mombasa or Malindi. From the airport, it’s a short boat ride over to Lamu Island.
We do organization and transfers to the hotel upon arrival. There are several great places to stay in Lamu, including the small village of Shela, Lamu Town, Manda Island, and Kipungani Beach.
The majority of the population lives in Lamu Town, one of the oldest living Swahili towns in East Africa. Streets are narrow, buildings are made of coral, doors are intricately designed, and there are only three cars.
Some motorcycles are starting to make an unwelcome appearance, but donkeys mostly still run the show. Below are our recommendations for things to do in Lamu.
Lamu Island Day Tours | Things to Do on Lamu Island
1. Cultural Heritage, Tours & Festivals
✓ Visit the Takwa Ruins in South Manda Island day tour
✓ Day trip to Matondoni village (a local fishing village and dhow building site located on the western side of Lamu Island, about 8 kms from Lamu Town
✓ Visit to the Lamu Museum (located in Lamu Old Town on Lamu Island, Kenya, situated on Faza Kenyatta Road, near the waterfront promenade, close to the donkey sanctuary)
✓ Attend One of Lamu’s Festivals is an annual event usually held in November, celebrating Swahili heritage with dhow races, donkey races, traditional music, poetry, and crafts, showcasing Lamu’s unique culture and boosting tourism.
✓ Take a Tour of Lamu Town (Lamu Old Town Walking Tour). Key places within Lamu old town to visit include: The Lamu Fort, Lamu museum, Swahili House Museum, Lamu market, and Riyadha mosque
✓ Pate Island full-day tour from Lamu: Pate Island is the largest island in the Lamu Archipelago, and it lies between the islands of Manda and Kiwayu. The main attractions on Pate Island are Faza Town, Pate Town, Siyu Fort, and the archaeological site of Shanga
✓ Lamu Donkey Racing Festival is a highlight of the annual Lamu Cultural Festival in Kenya, showcasing donkey races alongside dhow races, swimming, traditional music, and food, celebrating Lamu’s unique history and Swahili heritage as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with events drawing huge crowds of locals and tourists eager to witness the culturally significant and fun-filled competitions
✓ Shela Village Cultural Walk (Shela Village is 2 km south of Lamu town). A Shela Village walk offers scenic strolls along its expansive beach, connecting to Lamu Town (a 30-40 min walk, tide dependent) or exploring the village’s less crowded streets, with options for longer beach walks to Kipungani or exploring nearby Manda Island, providing a glimpse into Swahili culture amidst stunning dune and ocean views
✓ Lamu Dhow Racing Festival celebrates Lamu’s rich maritime heritage through exciting races of traditional wooden sailing boats (dhows), a key part of the larger Lamu Cultural Festival, featuring skilled local sailors navigating around the islands, blending sporting competition with cultural pride, often during the trade wind season or special holidays like New Year’s. These events showcase centuries-old traditions, attract many tourists, and involve vibrant cultural performances alongside the races, preserving vital seafaring skills for future generations
2. Ocean Adventures, Fishing & Water Sports
✓ Reef, river-creek, and fishing in the mangrove channels can be done with traditional hand lines (a half-day activity)
✓ Swim to Manda Island(at Ras Kitau, Manda’s long sandy beach looks across the channel to Shela and is a popular place to swim and sunbathe)
✓ Snorkeling & Scuba Diving Excursions In Lamu: Lamu offers excellent snorkeling and diving, with top spots like Manda Toto Reef, Kiniyka Island, and the Kiunga Marine National Reserve, known for coral reefs, turtles, and dolphins, accessible via daily boat trips with picnic lunches, especially great between November and March for clear waters.
✓ Active Water Sport Activities in Lamu: Lamu offers thrilling water sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding, especially in Manda Bay and Takwa Creek, catering to all levels with lessons available. Other popular activities include dhow sailing, kayaking through mangroves, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, dolphin watching, and paddleboarding, utilizing its clear waters and mangrove channels
✓ Walk Along the 12km Beach and Take a Sunrise Swim: Shela Beach begins near the famous Peponi Hotel and stretches endlessly for about 12km toward Kizingo Eco Lodge. The water is lovely to swim in – warm, with no waves – and it is also perfect for watching the sunrise in Lamu. For the best views of the sun coming up, walk towards Shela Fort and watch the light slowly wash across the coastline
✓ Lamu Deep-sea fishing in the Lamu archipelago waters. (requires 24 hours’ notice). Enjoy a full day (8 hours), half day (5 hours), or tailor-made multiple-day fishing experience in Lamu. Explore a wide variety of angling in the most incredible fishing sites in the country. From shallow water reefs to deep drop-offs. Lamu offers exceptional opportunities for angling. Feel the joy of catching a GT, green job fish, grouper, or aim for other species. Fishing in Lamu is seasonal, with some of the best deep-sea fishing from October to April. December through the end of January can be very windy due to the North-East Monsoon (Kaskazi), so it’s good to check beforehand
3. Nature, Wildlife & Scenic Excursions
✓ Visit Kiwayu Island (located about 51km away from Lamu Island, and it’s part of the Kiunga Marine National Reserve
✓ Watch the Sunset from the Sand Dunes: To watch the sunset from the sand dunes in Lamu, head to the large sand dunes at Shela Beach. The dunes are located at one end of Shela Beach. They offer an elevated vantage point with spectacular views of the ocean channel, Manda Island, and the historic Lamu Old Town in the distance as the sun sets
✓ Kiunga Marine National Reserve Trip: Take a speedboat for a scenic journey through the Lamu Archipelago, taking around 2 hours, and enjoy water sports, relaxation, and exploring the untouched beaches of Kiunga Marine National Reserve. Kiunga is home to the Dugong, the most threatened marine mammal. Also present are the sea turtles (olive ridley and leatherback). Birdlife includes a host of seabirds in large nesting colonies, as well as internationally significant numbers of Crab Plover and Roseate Tern. Enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, sunbathing, water skiing, and mangrove tours.
✓ Lamu Witu Forest Butterfly Sanctuary Guided Tour: Discover the butterfly sanctuary in Witu on a guided tour. Learn about the butterfly life cycle, how the sanctuary breeds threatened species, and the importance of forest conservation. The highlights include immersing yourself in a netted dome filled with colorful butterflies, learn about the butterfly life cycle from egg to adult, discovering how the sanctuary breeds threatened species native to Kenya, finding out how butterflies are released into protected areas of Witu Forest, and gaining insight into community-based conservation effort
4. Dhow Sailing & Boat Experiences
✓ Traditional Dhow Sailing & Cultural Fishing Experience
✓ Spend an evening at the Floating bar & restaurant located about 1km from Lamu
✓ Visit the donkey sanctuary: Donkeys are a big part of Lamu; there are about 2,200 of them on the island. The sanctuary opened its doors in July 1987 and provides free treatment to all donkeys
✓ Lamu Sunset Sailing Tour on a Traditional Dhow: A Lamu sunset sailing tour on a traditional dhow offers a magical, peaceful experience gliding across Manda Bay, viewing mangrove channels, enjoying Swahili snacks, and watching the sky transform as the sun sets, highlighting Lamu’s rich culture and serene coastal beauty. These tours provide a classic Swahili experience with gentle breezes, birdlife, and stunning golden hour views, often including local refreshments and cultural insights
5. Wellness, Dining & Leisure
✓ Get a Treatment at Natural Lamu Beauty Spa (in Shela)
✓ Sampling the Swahili Cuisine at the Lamu House Moonrise Restaurant
✓ Take a Yoga Class (at Fatuma’s Tower and at “Banana House and Wellness Centre)
✓ Lamu Scenic flights in small planes can fly over beautiful stretches of undisturbed beaches, thick mangrove forests, remote islands, or the bush, where wildlife can be spotted
✓ Have a Swahili Dinner at Banana House: Enjoy a memorable Swahili dinner at Banana House in Lamu, Kenya, as it’s a renowned boutique hotel famous for its authentic cultural experiences, beautiful decor, and delicious, often fresh-market sourced, Swahili cuisine served in charming settings like balconies or gardens
✓ Watch a Movie & Have Pizza at Diamond Beach: Diamond Beach Village frequently hosts pizza and movie nights, typically on a specific evening each week, often a Friday or Thursday. The beachfront restaurant features a pizza oven and offers a variety of international dishes. Getting there: A ferry service is typically available from Shela jetty on Lamu Island to Diamond Beach Village on event nights
Lamu Island Day Tours
Dhow Race Festival Experience in Lamu Day Tour
Dhow Race Festival Experience in Lamu Day Tour takes place in the Shela shores of Lamu where more than 15 racing dhows compete as residents and tourists gather on the shoreline to cheer for their preferred captain. This takes place during the last week of November where the old town of Lamu holds an annual festival intended to showcase the rich Swahili culture of the Lamu Archipelago. Other activities include traditional dances, musical performances, henna competitions, donkey races etc.
Donkey Race Festival Experience in Lamu Day Tour
Dhow Race Festival Experience in Lamu Day Tour takes place in the Shela shores of Lamu where more than 15 racing dhows compete as residents and tourists gather on the shoreline to cheer for their preferred captain. This takes place during the last week of November where the old town of Lamu holds an annual festival intended to showcase the rich Swahili culture of the Lamu Archipelago. Other activities include traditional dances, musical performances, henna competitions, donkey races etc.
Kipungani Village 1 Day Boat Tour from Lamu Island
Kipungani village 1 Day Tour from Lamu Island. Kipungani villagers are mainly fishermen, some of who still build the traditional dhow fishing boats. The women weave the coconut mats makeka and thatching makuti for the Kizingoni houses and grow coconuts and mangoes in their shambas at the back. Visit and see the community work at the clinic and primary school as well as seeing boat-builders and repairers at work. The village is very attractive — an unspoilt example of coastal rural life.
Kiunga Marine National Reserve Day Trip from Lamu Island
Kiunga Marine National Reserve is situated along the Indian Ocean coast of Lamu District, Coast Province, Kenya. It is about 150 kms north-east of Lamu. You can choose a variety of activities to do which include snorkeling, diving and swimming. The Reserve offers migratory birds that nest on the islands, as well as one of the world's greatest coral reefs that is teeming with fish, sea turtle, sea star, sea urchin and many other marine species. The park borders Boni and Dodori National Reserves.
Kiwayu Island Day Boat Tour from Lamu Island
Kiwayu Island Day excursion by boat from Lamu Island. Kiwayu is a small island in the north eastern part of the Lamu Archipelago, situated in the Kiunga Marine Reserve. The main attraction on Kiwayu is the tidal pools and snorkeling/ diving pools located on the eastern side of the island. We can organize a boat trip to the island with picnic lunch. This is a full day trip and it takes about 1½ Hours one way by boat. Fishing can also be organized on the way to Kiwayu.
Lake Kenyatta Half Day Game Drive Safari from Lamu Island
Lake Kenyatta Half Day Game Drive Safari from Lamu Island. Across from Lamu Island, on the mainland, lies Lake Kenyatta, an area of pristine indigenous bush, rich in wildlife, including zebra, topi, hippo, waterbuck, buffalo, warthog, elephant and other seasonal game. Departure is from Lamu by boat to reach Kenya’s mainland (15-30 minutes depending on the tide level) and then by Jeep (15 – 40 minutes) to reach Lake Kenyatta and the wildlife area.
Lamu Island Full Day Boat Trip (6 to 7 Hours)
Lamu Island Full Day Boat Trip is a day excursion around Lamu Island. The tour can be arranged from the open sea or by following the channel between the mainland and Lamu Island. The boat will stop on the beach of Kizingo point. On the way back, there is an option to visit the Matondoni or Kipungani villages. The trip is typically organized by speed boat but dhow sailing boats can also be used. This is a full day trip. A barbeque lunch can also be arranged at your request.
Lamu Island Deep Sea Fishing 1 Day Tour
Lamu Island Deep Sea Fishing 1 Day Tour. Fishermen come to Lamu, Kenya from around the world to enjoy some of the best deep-sea fishing in Africa. Species often caught include sailfish, kingfish, barracuda, ‘kole kole’, jacks, snappers and tuna. The turn of the monsoon in October/ November initiates the sailfish run and the ‘boiling pots’ of smaller fish attract yellow fin tuna and other pelagic species. This is a half or full-day deep sea angling trip.
Lamu Island Fishing Dhow + Barbeque 1 Day Tour
Lamu Island Fishing Dhow + Barbeque 1 Day Tour. Lamu Island Day Tours Fishing Dhow Excursion Barbeque; Lamu Fishing and Barbeque day trip is a 6 hour trip in Lamu Island. At 0900 Hours; you will be picked at your hotel after breakfast for a half day sailing, fishing and swimming at Manda beach. The boats are state of the art fishing boats, fully equipped with all the tools for fantastic days out fishing the deep Indian Ocean.
Lamu Island 1 Day Tour to Manda Toto Reef Snorkeling Trip
Lamu Island 1 Day Tour Manda Toto Reef Snorkeling Trip; Snorkeling and swimming with 'Africa's friendliest dolphins' on the reefs of Manda Toto and Kinyika – the two famous reefs around Lamu. Kiniyka Island is located 30 minutes south – east of Lamu and Manda Toto Island is located 40 minutes north of Manda Island. The two are the two most highly recommended sites for Snorkeling.
Lamu Old Town Guided Tour (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Enjoy a City Tour of Lamu Old Town accompanied by a professional tour guideas they offer you the exciting history of Lamu from traditional times through recent modernization. The tour includes: Lamu Fort, Swahili House Museum & Lamu Museum, Lamu Market, Germany post office (the first post office in Lamu), Furniture stores, Kikoy Stores, Art galleries and the Donkey Sanctuary.
Lamu Scenic Flight 1 Day Trip over the Ocean, Reserves and Beaches
Lamu Scenic Flight 1 Day Trip over the Ocean, Reserves and Beaches. Early morning or late evening scenic flights with air Lamu in a five seated Cessna or a two-seated super cub is the true way to spoil yourself. This is an ultimate experience. Flying low over beaches and crystal clear seas and into the Dadori and Boni reserves buzzing over huge herds of buffalo or a pool of hippo whilst listening to music through your earphones will give you that “out of Africa” memory.
Manda Island Full Day Boat Trip from Lamu Island
Manda Island Full Day Boat Trip from Lamu Island. This is a full day trip on the other side of Lamu island with stop – over in Manda Toto, a small island made up of sand off Manda Island. Access to the other side of Manda Island is possible by navigating into a narrow mangrove channel on the west coast of the island. The excursion can be organized with a speed boat or by dhow. A barbeque lunch can also be arranged at your request.
Matondoni Village Half Day Trip on Lamu Island
Matondoni Village Half Day Trip on Lamu Island. Matondoni is a local fishing village and dhow building site. The village is located on the western side of Lamu Island, about 8 kms from Lamu Town. The village is famous for traditional handicrafts such as weaving straw mats of palm leaves and making ropes of coconut. The excursion canbe done by motor – boat or on our traditional Mozambique – style dhow sailing boat. This trip can be combined with a visit to Lamu Town.
Pate Island 1 Day Trip from Lamu Island
Pate Island 1 Day Trip from Lamu Island. Pate Island is the largest island in the Lamu Archipelago and it lies between the island of Manda and Kiwayu. Main attractions in Pate Island are Faza Town, Pate Town, Siyu Fort and the archeological site of Shanga. Faza is now a modern Town and the central administrative center for Pate Island. Pate Town; Agriculture and fishing are the main economic activities of the day.
Takwa Ruins (on Manda Island) Half Day Trip from Lamu Island
Takwa Ruins Half Day Trip from Lamu Island. The Takwa settlement is situated on the south side of Manda Island, in the Lamu District. It was founded around year 1500, and abandoned around 1700. The Great Mosque at Takwa is relatively well preserved. The other structure remaining of importance is the Pillar Tomb, which has an inscription with the date of 1681 – 1682. It is reported that when Takwa was abandoned, it’s in habitants settled just across the bay at Shela on Lamu Island.
Tana River Delta 1 Day Boat Trip from Lamu Island
Tana River Delta 1 Day Boat Trip from Lamu Island. The Tana River starts on the slopes of Mt Kenya and meets the Indian Ocean just south of Lamu in a magnificent River Delta, teeming with birdlife and game. This rich environment is a haven for elephant, lion, buffalo, crocodile and over 800 hippos. By boat trip to the River Delta takes 1½ hours one way) and includes fishing, bird and animal watching with a qualified guide and a visit to the historical Town of Kipini.
Tusitiri Enasoit Dhow Private Sailing Day Trips From Lamu Island
Tusitiri Enasoit Dhow Half day or Full Day Sailing Trips are offered from Lamu Island. This is a day excursion around Lamu Island is booked on an exclusive basis, and is tailor-made for each booking depending on guests interests as well as the seasons and the tides. Tusitiri Dhow accommodates up to 10 guests. Rates include local boat transfers, full board accommodation and drinks, all available activities.
Lamu Island Day Tours Information
Lamu Island Day Tours; Lamu Island is located on the Indian Ocean along the northern coast of Kenya. Lamu is the most-visited area of the archipelago, which lies between Lamu in the south and Kiunga in the north.
The largest of the islands are Pate Island, Manda Island, and Lamu Island. The smaller islands include Kiwayu and Manda Toto. Today, the largest town in the archipelago is Lamu Town, on Lamu Island.
The Swahili people who inhabit the islands are merchants, fishermen, dhow builders, and sailors, many of whom still follow these age-old trades.
Lamu Island Day Tours | What to Do and See in Lamu Island
Shopping: Lamu’s bustling main street and in Shela’s quiet lanes, local shops and up-market boutiques sell a wide range of clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts.
Food: The town offers exotic flavors that dominate Swahili cuisine, combined with fresh seafood, rice, and local tropical fruits.
Cultural Events: The island has many festivals, including Lamu Cultural Festival, Lamu Food Festival, Idd ul Fitr, Shela Hat Contest, Maulidi, Shela NYD Dhow Race, and Lamu Yoga Festival.
Fishing: Fishermen come to Lamu from all over the world to enjoy some of the best deep-sea fishing in Africa. Species often caught include sailfish, kingfish, barracuda, ‘kole’, jacks, snappers, and tuna.
Fitness, cardio & wellness; Lamu is a great place to restore body and soul. Already well known for its yoga retreats, Shela held its first yoga festival in 2014, which is now an annual event.
Boat Excursions: Most visitors enjoy a day trip on a local boat to one of a couple of nearby snorkeling spots, often combining this with a beach barbecue or a simple Swahili meal cooked on board by the captain and his crew.
Sailing is popular, either in a local dhow for a sunset cruise or in an exhilarating dhow race at one of the festivals.
Water sports, Snorkeling & Diving; Scuba diving is good – especially up in Kiwayu if you are lucky enough to be going up there.
The seasonal winds and wide beaches are perfect for kite- and windsurfing. Kayaking in the creeks and channels, water skiing, and wakeboarding can all be arranged.
Mainland Safaris: Amu Ranch and the Manda Bay Conservancy, both accessible from Lamu by boat, offer opportunities to view wildlife.
Scenic Flights; AIR LAMU offers scenic flights – with music in your ears, fly low over the vast plains of the Dodori, circle around the ancient ruins on Pate, skim over great herds of buffalo, and along river beds to spot pods of hippos.
The flight heads out over the turquoise ocean, landing on a wide, empty beach to have a quick dip before heading back.
Historical Sites: Lamu Town has museums and exhibits well worth a visit.
Nearby Islands have archaeological/ historical sites of great importance, such as Takwa and Manda Town (both on Manda Island) and Shanga (on Pate Island).
Booking & Reservations, Lamu Island Day Tours, Contact
Mobile: +254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com