- Dhow sailing. You can explore the Lamu archipelago by dhow, a traditional Arab sailing vessel with one or more lateen sails. Dhow trips are relatively inexpensive and you can go as far as Manda Island, Takwa Ruins or Matondoni. Kiwayu is the most pristine of the islands and it is in a biosphere reserve. Prices start at Ksh 3000 for a 2-hour sunset trip with no food, and increases from there. (updated Apr 2024)
- Kite surfing. Lamu is a hotspot for kite surfers (updated Jan 2019)
- Wind surfing. There is a shed next to Peponi Hotel where an instructor will teach you for Ksh 3000 per hour.
Lamu travel guide
Plan a trip to Lamu, Kenya — things to do, where to stay, food, transport, and local tips. Start with Lamu Fort, Kenyatta Rd, Lamu Museum, Kenyatta Rd, Takwa Ruins, Masjid Riyadha.
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Stays in Lamu
Hotellook
Compare hotels and apartments in Lamu — neighbourhood vibe, price, and walkability in one search.
- Stay near a metro line if you plan museum-hopping days.
- Read recent reviews for noise — central streets can be loud at night.
- Flexible cancellation helps when flight times shift.
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Flights in Lamu
Aviasales
Find flights into Lamu and compare fares across airlines in one place.
- Compare nearby airports — sometimes a short train ride beats a pricey hub.
- Midweek departures are often cheaper than Friday/Sunday peaks.
- Set a flexible ±3 day search when your dates can move.
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Experiences in Lamu
Klook
Tours, food walks, day trips and city activities around Lamu — book ahead and skip the guesswork.
- Book popular tours early in peak season — small-group slots go first.
- Day trips often include hotel pickup; check the meeting point.
- Look for free-cancellation options if the weather looks unstable.
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Tickets in Lamu
Tiqets
Skip lines and grab attraction tickets for Lamu — museums, landmarks, and city passes.
- Book popular museums and towers ahead — timed slots sell out on weekends.
- Mobile tickets are usually scanned at the gate; keep offline screenshots as backup.
- Combo passes can be cheaper when you plan 2–3 big sights in one day.
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Transfers in Lamu
Kiwitaxi
Private airport and city transfers for Lamu — fixed price, driver waiting for you.
- Pre-book airport transfers when landing late or with heavy luggage.
- Meet-and-greet at arrivals beats hunting taxis after a long flight.
- Confirm child seats / extra stops when you reserve.
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Cars in Lamu
GetRentacar
Rent a car around Lamu for day trips and countryside — flexible pickup options.
- Compare full-to-full fuel policies — they save hassle at return.
- Check congestion / limited-traffic zones before driving into historic centres.
- Book early for weekends and holidays; automatic cars go first.
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eSIM in Lamu
Yesim
Travel eSIM data for visiting Lamu — online as soon as you land, no kiosk queues.
- Install the eSIM before you fly; activate on landing.
- Confirm your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible.
- Keep a small local SIM as backup if you need a local number for calls.