Lamu Old Town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001.
The airport is only accessible by boat. It’s a short ride between the airport and Lamu Old Town (aka little paradise).
We fell in love with traditional Swahili architecture at Andavelo House. It’s absolutely beautiful. The House staff were amazing and very helpful.
We stumbled on this place on our evening walk around town and stopped by for a quick dinner.
We started our second day, which was also Kewa’s birthday, with a yummy island style breakfast.
We had lunch and spent the rest of the day at the Majlis Resort. Our boat trip to and from Old Town was organized by the resort and included in our lunch bill. The Majlis Resort has a Private beach entrance.
Waiting for the rain to stop.
After the rains we went exploring Old Town which is rich in history as a former trading post. We found an island overflowing with Swahili, Indian, Arabic, and Chinese influences. Thus making it a rare, unique, and historical living heritage.
Lamu is one of the oldest Swahili settlements in east Africa. It is believed to have been established in 1370. Unlike other Swahili settlements which have been abandoned along the East African coast, Lamu has continuously been inhabited for over 700 years.
We loved the details on elaborately carved wooded doors from the 16th century that were still stunning to look at.
We had the most amazing lunch at Lamu House Hotel’s Moonrise Restaurant on a Taco Tuesday!
Whispers Coffee was our last stop in Lamu. We had smoothies in the garden and moved inside afterwards.
Walking and Donkeys are the most popular modes of transport around Old Town because the streets are too narrow for cars. There’s a Donkey Sanctuary located by the waterfront. We preferred walking.
Lamu cats are believed to be descendants of ancient cats of Egyptian Pharaohs.
Lamu was on the main Arabian trading routes, and as a result, the population is largely Muslim. Lamu has over 30 Mosques. However, we also found a Catholic Church not too far away from a Mosque.