Visiting Lamu

Lamu is one of the last remaining bastions of traditional Swahili culture. This island is reachable only by a short airstrip or ferry. Many of the islands in the archipelago have ruins dating back to the 14th century and Lamu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. Wander down the narrow dusty streets, marvel at the tremendous stone buildings, and be transported back to a time of spice markets and sultans. The beaches here are a great place to dive and snorkel and you may find yourself coming face to face with the rare manatee, tortoises, and hundreds of bright tropical fish.