| According to the Sunday Times, Lamu is "Kenya's | | | | Century.They have heavy carved, wooden front |
| secret paradise island and a mini Zanzibar". | | | | doors that have iron studs, with inner courtyards that |
| Lamu is Kenya's oldest living town and is located just | | | | offer much needed shade. The doors are very |
| south of the Equator. It is found on Lamu island and | | | | elaborate as they indicate the owner's status and |
| was one of the original Swahili settlements along the | | | | wealth. |
| coast of Eastern Africa. | | | | Lamu is not really a tourist area so you won't find |
| Lamu was founded in the fourteenth century, and | | | | many souvenir shops and most shops are geared |
| has numerous examples of Swahili architecture, and is | | | | towards the local inhabitants. One of the best |
| also described on the UNESCO World Heritage List as | | | | beaches is about a 30 minute walk north of the town |
| "the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in | | | | and is called Shela Beach and has a lovely white |
| East Africa" and is thus protected. | | | | sandy beach and clear turquoise sea. |
| Lamu Island has been a port of call for traders for | | | | Lamu offers accommodation to suit all pockets. |
| centuries and was also on the main Arabian trading | | | | Transport by road to Lamu is fairly safe although it is |
| routes. It has a dark and tortured past as it was | | | | becoming less so as time goes on. It is however long |
| once a centre for the slave trade (until its abolition). | | | | and very tiring as the roads are not great. The |
| Lamu's population as a result is largely Muslim and | | | | journey from Mombasa takes about seven hours and |
| ethnically diverse. | | | | includes the boat ride to Lamu Island. Flights are also |
| It is still a port and its waterfront is busy and bustling | | | | readily available. |
| with dhows. The streets of Lamu town are very | | | | You won't find the latest conveniences here,except |
| narrow and cool and the people laid back. Due to the | | | | at the hotels and it does sometimes feels like you've |
| narrowness of the streets, cars, lorries etc are not | | | | been transported back in time. But it's history, charm, |
| allowed. Donkeys are the main form of transport and | | | | and hospitality, when combined with all the natural |
| bicycles are used too. | | | | beauty of its tropical setting, make Lamu a wonderful |
| The streets are enclosed by unique stone | | | | and welcoming place, well worth a visit. |
| townhouses which date back to the early 18th | | | | |