Lamu is the best known of a number of islands in the beautiful Lamu archipelago off the coast of northern Kenya.

Lying just south of the Equator, the Lamu Archipelago is a chain of islands separated from the mainland by a narrow channel bordered with dense mangrove forest and protected from the Indian Ocean by large sand dunes and thriving coral reefs. Lamu is Kenya’s oldest living settlement, and was once a trading post between Arabia, India and the West. The rich history of inter-culture commerce has created a vibrant heritage unique to the coastal Swahili people. Lamu is the most perfect example of an historical Swahili city in the world, with a warren of rounded houses, airy courtyards shaded by palm trees, and street cafes serving up steaming chapattis and cups of milky tea.

Today a tailor made Lamu beach holiday on this quiet part of the Kenya coast is a peaceful destination, with long stretches of sand and a good range of accommodation. There are still no cars on Lamu, and all transport on the island is by foot, donkey or dhow. Indeed one of the signature adventures here is to take a dhow boat cruise into the sunset. A luxury Lamu holiday is all about relaxing, and enjoying the exotic and often romantic simplicity of island life.

Other islands in the Lamu archipelago include Manda, the smaller Manda Toto, Pate and Kiwayu. Surrounded by rich marine life, many of these islands have Swahili ruins dating back to the 14th century, as well as some remote and exclusive ‘Robinson Crusoe’ style hideaway beach lodges.

Lamu is easy to fall in love with and hard to leave, and one of our favourite places to visit in Kenya.