The town of Lamu began life as a 14th century Swahili settlement and by the 1500s, the island was a thriving port, exporting timber, ivory, amber, spices and slaves. The island has seen many visitors and influences, including Portuguese explorers, Turkish traders and the Omani Arabs. All left their mark, but Lamu developed its own particular culture, which has ultimately endured

Until the 19th century dawned, Lamu's economy was hinged on slave labour and with the abolition of slavery it declined rapidly. That is until the advent of tourists. In the 1960s Lamu was a hippy hangout and tourists have loved visiting the island.

There are no vehicles on this island; the donkey and the dhow remain the main means of transport.

The island is a beautiful place of rolling dunes and endless beaches, where tiny villages nestle among coconut and mango plantations. But Lamu’s real attraction is its Old town. The narrow streets remain unchanged, and in the markets and squares around the fort life moves at the same pace as it always has.

The island is famous for its intricately carved wooden doors and lintels and long narrow streets. Most houses have a rooftops used as a patio indicative of a society where ‘hanging back’ and ‘catching the breeze’ is important. To visit Lamu is to enter another world! Life slows down and long days are spent strolling along the waterfront, exploring the town or relaxing on the beaches.

Lamu is strictly Islamic, and the people are great believers in tradition and custom. This is a strong society built on a respect for the past.

Dhow safaris can take you beyond Lamu into the surrounding archipelago, where isolated villages, ancient ruins and a few luxurious and exclusive resorts lie hidden among the islands of Manda, Siyu, Pate and Kiwayu.

This idyllic island speaks to the heart and soul, and a trip to Lamu is a romantic experience that can become a life long affair.