"The most characterful port on the East African coast is Lamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose architectural cohesion and old-world pace of life lend it a cultural integrity unmatched by any other Swahili settlement of comparable vintage, Zanzibar included. The laidback old town is the centrepiece of the Lamu Archipelago, a cluster of thinly-populated offshore islands whose palm-shaded beaches and pristine coral reefs are serviced by a handful of isolated lodges that embody the concept of barefoot luxury. ”
- Philip Briggs
Lamu Archipelago
Essentially a fly-in destination, the remote Lamu Archipelago is liberally endowed with idyllic swimming beaches and sheltered offshore reefs. But the main attraction is time-warped Lamu Town, a labyrinthine mediaeval port of cobbled alleys where old men sit chatting and smoking on the pavement, women in all-black bui-bui veils slink silently past, and lethargic donkeys remain the main form of transportation.
Rising in isolation from the surrounding coastal scrub, this unique enclave of traditional Swahili architecture is characterised by white-washed multi-storey houses with shady inner courtyards, elaborately carved wooden doors, and breeze-cooled rooftop verandas. Nineteenth-century landmarks include a waterfront museum housed in a former governor’s residence and a double-storey fort built by the Sultan of Oman.
At once rather anachronistic and oddly cosmopolitan in mood, Lamu is a delightfully relaxed place to settle into a for a few days. It also offers plenty of opportunities for further exploration, whether it be a gentle stroll to the sandy vista of Shela beach, a donkey-back trip across the island, snorkelling on the uninhabited coral islet of Manda Toto, or visiting a plethora of old ruins that include the Swahili Coast’s oldest-known Islamic structure (dated to the 8th century AD).
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
This period is the driest in the year, with blue skies the majority of the month. An ideal time to visit the region.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Lamu has a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 30°C or 86°F through the majority of the year. Mornings average a pleasant at 24°C or 75°F on average.
While rainfall is possible throughout the year the vast majority of this falls during the wet season, from April through to July.
DRY SEASON
This period is the driest in the year, with blue skies the majority of the month. An ideal time to visit the region.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Lamu has a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 30°C or 86°F through the majority of the year. Mornings average a pleasant at 24°C or 75°F on average.
While rainfall is possible throughout the year the vast majority of this falls during the wet season, from April through to July.
DRY SEASON
This period is the driest in the year, with blue skies the majority of the month. An ideal time to visit the region.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Lamu has a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 30°C or 86°F through the majority of the year. Mornings average a pleasant at 24°C or 75°F on average.
While rainfall is possible throughout the year the vast majority of this falls during the wet season, from April through to July.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year, with at time significant rainfall amounts. Between the showers and thunderstorms there is still a good amount of sunshine to enjoy, so potentially a good time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Lamu has a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 30°C or 86°F through the majority of the year. Mornings average a pleasant at 24°C or 75°F on average.
While rainfall is possible throughout the year the vast majority of this falls during the wet season, from April through to July.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year, with at time significant rainfall amounts. Between the showers and thunderstorms there is still a good amount of sunshine to enjoy, so potentially a good time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Lamu has a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 30°C or 86°F through the majority of the year. Mornings average a pleasant at 24°C or 75°F on average.
While rainfall is possible throughout the year the vast majority of this falls during the wet season, from April through to July.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year, with at time significant rainfall amounts. Between the showers and thunderstorms there is still a good amount of sunshine to enjoy, so potentially a good time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Lamu has a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 30°C or 86°F through the majority of the year. Mornings average a pleasant at 24°C or 75°F on average.
While rainfall is possible throughout the year the vast majority of this falls during the wet season, from April through to July.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year, with at time significant rainfall amounts. Between the showers and thunderstorms there is still a good amount of sunshine to enjoy, so potentially a good time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Lamu has a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 30°C or 86°F through the majority of the year. Mornings average a pleasant at 24°C or 75°F on average.
While rainfall is possible throughout the year the vast majority of this falls during the wet season, from April through to July.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. There can be the occasional shower, but these are few and far between. All in all a great time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Lamu has a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 30°C or 86°F through the majority of the year. Mornings average a pleasant at 24°C or 75°F on average.
While rainfall is possible throughout the year the vast majority of this falls during the wet season, from April through to July.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. There can be the occasional shower, but these are few and far between. All in all a great time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Lamu has a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 30°C or 86°F through the majority of the year. Mornings average a pleasant at 24°C or 75°F on average.
While rainfall is possible throughout the year the vast majority of this falls during the wet season, from April through to July.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. There can be the occasional shower, but these are few and far between. All in all a great time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Lamu has a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 30°C or 86°F through the majority of the year. Mornings average a pleasant at 24°C or 75°F on average.
While rainfall is possible throughout the year the vast majority of this falls during the wet season, from April through to July.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. There can be the occasional shower, but these are few and far between. All in all a great time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Lamu has a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 30°C or 86°F through the majority of the year. Mornings average a pleasant at 24°C or 75°F on average.
While rainfall is possible throughout the year the vast majority of this falls during the wet season, from April through to July.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. There can be the occasional shower, but these are few and far between. All in all a great time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Lamu has a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 30°C or 86°F through the majority of the year. Mornings average a pleasant at 24°C or 75°F on average.
While rainfall is possible throughout the year the vast majority of this falls during the wet season, from April through to July.
Experiences
Explore Lamu Archipelago Properties
Manda Bay Lodge
Manda Bay Lodge
Manda Bay is a boutique lodge on an idyllic island offering the ultimate seaside escape. Indulging guests in barefoot luxury, this lodge is perfect for travellers looking to experience a true island paradise, immersed in the ..
Peponi Hotel
Peponi Hotel
Peponi is a family run, boutique hotel on the beaches of Lamu Island. This relaxed, tranquil property is the oldest on the island and retains charm, character and an intimate atmosphere. Perfect for travellers who want to get away ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
