Lamu is Kenya’s oldest living town, is found on Lamu island and was one of the original Swahili settlements along coastal East Africa. It is located 2 degrees to the south of the Equator.
Lamu was founded in the 14th century and it contains many fine examples of Swahili architecture. The old city is inscribed on the World Heritage List as “the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa”.
Lamu Island has been a port of call for travellers for centuries and it’s many historical sites are proof of the area’s long and rich history.
Once a center for the slave trade (until its abolition in 1907), the population of Lamu is ethnically diverse. Lamu was on the main Arabian trading routes, and as a result, the population is largely Muslim
The streets of Lamu town are narrow, cool and quiet and due to the narrowness of the streets, cars, lorries etc are not allowed. Donkeys are the main form of transport and bicycles are used too. They are surprisingly intimate spaces enclosed by massive stone buildings whose thick coral rag walls give the town its distinct colour and texture.
It’s history and charm, when combined with all the natural attraction of its tropical setting, make Lamu a wonderful place to visit.
