Lamu, Kenya's oldest living town, was one of the original Swahili settlements along coastal East Africa. There are some other accounts that mention Chinese ships of Zheng He's fleet sinking near Lamu Island in Kenya in 1415. Survivors settled on the island and married local women.This has been proven recently …
Lamu Island is popular with backpackers, who come for its pretty beaches and cheap accommodation. The town itself has an old fort, a donkey sanctuary (and lots of donkeys--but no cars), and many mosques. The population is primarily Muslim, so dress accordingly.
Travis KatzMenlo Park, California, USA
11/01/2011
Lamu is a beautiful island off the coast of Kenya. The old town, which dates back more than 500 years, oozes history - with narrow winding streets and a laid back atmosphere - is now a UNESCO world heritage site. The beaches are nice as well.
Carol DriverLondon, UK
01/12/2013
As part of the Lamu Archipelago of Kenya, Lamu is the country's oldest living town. It's remote, boasts the best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa - and, until recently, used only donkeys as transport, which is a top reason to visit.
Don PoissonVancouver, Canada
17/06/2012
Warm, friendly and peaceful. The streets are too narrow for cars, and cats and donkeys roam freely. There are a couple of great, inexpensive seafood restaurants along the waterfront. Hire a dhow for a day of sailing and a little fishing.
Lamu Island is popular with backpackers, who come for its pretty beaches and cheap accommodation. The town itself has an old fort, a donkey sanctuary (and lots of donkeys--but no cars), and many mosques. The population is primarily Muslim, so dress accordingly.
Lamu is a beautiful island off the coast of Kenya. The old town, which dates back more than 500 years, oozes history - with narrow winding streets and a laid back atmosphere - is now a UNESCO world heritage site. The beaches are nice as well.
As part of the Lamu Archipelago of Kenya, Lamu is the country's oldest living town. It's remote, boasts the best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa - and, until recently, used only donkeys as transport, which is a top reason to visit.
Warm, friendly and peaceful. The streets are too narrow for cars, and cats and donkeys roam freely. There are a couple of great, inexpensive seafood restaurants along the waterfront. Hire a dhow for a day of sailing and a little fishing.