Lamu County

Lamu County lies on Kenya’s northern coast and includes an archipelago of islands and mainland settlements. Lamu Old Town is a UNESCO-listed Swahili settlement known for coral-stone houses, carved doors and narrow streets where donkeys and handcarts remain common transport. Lamu Museum and Lamu Fort explain the archipelago’s maritime culture and trading history. Shela offers a long beach and access to dhow sailing, while Manda and Pate islands hold quieter villages and archaeological sites. Annual cultural and religious festivals animate the town. Travel here is slower-paced, centred on Swahili heritage, ocean journeys, local food and pedestrian lanes.