Day 1 Itinerary
Places visited: Aérodrome de Manda - Andavelo House - Mwana Arafa Restaurant Gardens
Aérodrome de Manda
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).
Andavelo House
We fell in love with traditional Swahili architecture at Andavelo House. It’s absolutely beautiful. The House staff were amazing and very helpful.
Mwana Arafa Restaurant Gardens
We stumbled on this place on our evening walk around town and stopped by for a quick dinner.
Day 2 Itinerary
Places visited: Andavelo House - The majlis lamu hotel
Andavelo House
We started our second day, which was also Kewa’s birthday, with a yummy island style breakfast.
The majlis lamu hotel
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.
Places visited: Andavelo House - Lamu Island - Lamu Island - Lamu house Restaurant - Lamu House Hotel - Whispers Coffee
Andavelo House
Waiting for the rain to stop.
Old Town
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.
16th Century Doors
We loved the details on elaborately carved wooded doors from the 16th century that were still stunning to look at.
The Best Food in Lamu
We had the most amazing lunch at Lamu House Hotel’s Moonrise Restaurant on a Taco Tuesday!
Lamu House Hotel
Whispers Coffee
Whispers Coffee was our last stop in Lamu. We had smoothies in the garden and moved inside afterwards.
Day 4 Itinerary
Places visited: Lamu Island - Lamu Island - Lamu Island
Getting Around
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.
Egyptian Cats
Lamu cats are believed to be descendants of ancient cats of Egyptian Pharaohs.
Religion
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.