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Lamu Old Town Tour
Elabush Expeditions

Lamu Old Town Tour

Africa's Oldest Living Town & a UNESCO World Heritage Treasure

3–5 DaysLamu Island, Kenya Coast5.0 Rated
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About This Destination

Lamu Old Town Tour

Lamu is unlike anywhere else on earth. Founded in the 14th century, it is East Africa's oldest continuously inhabited town and one of the best-preserved Swahili settlements on the continent. There are no cars on Lamu — only donkeys, bicycles, and the narrow winding alleyways of a medieval island town. The architecture is extraordinary: intricately carved wooden doors, coral stone courtyards, and rooftop terraces that catch the Indian Ocean breeze. The food is a revelation — pilau rice, biryani, fresh tuna grilled with coconut, and cardamom-spiced chai served in tiny cups. Elabush handles the flights from Nairobi, the boat transfers between islands, and curates your experience with local guides who were born and raised in this magical place.
Safari Highlights
UNESCO World Heritage Site walking tour
Swahili architecture — carved wooden doors & coral stone buildings
Lamu Fort and the Museum of the Swahili Coast
Traditional dhow sailing at sunset
Donkey sanctuary visit (no cars on Lamu)
Swahili cooking class with a local family
Shela Beach — pristine, uncrowded, stunning

Bespoke Experience

Tailored to You

Every Elabush safari is custom-crafted around your dates, group size and travel style. Reach out for a personalised quote.

Duration

3–5 Days

Location

Lamu Island, Kenya Coast

Type

Cultural Tour

What's Included

  • Return flights Nairobi–Lamu (Wilson Airport)
  • All boat transfers on the island
  • Accommodation in a Swahili guesthouse
  • Daily breakfast
  • UNESCO heritage walking tour with local guide
  • Full-day dhow sailing with lunch on board
  • Swahili cooking class
  • Donkey sanctuary visit

Not Included

  • Lunch & dinner (except dhow day)
  • Personal shopping
  • Tips & gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • International flights to Nairobi
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Day by Day

Sample Itinerary

01

Day 1

Fly to Lamu & Arrive by Boat

Morning flight from Wilson Airport Nairobi to Lamu (1.5hrs). Transfer by motorboat to Lamu town — your first view of white-washed buildings rising from the sea is unforgettable. Check into your Swahili-style guesthouse. Afternoon orientation stroll through the old town's winding alleys. Rooftop sundowner with views of the dhow-filled harbour.

02

Day 2

Old Town Heritage Walk

Guided morning walk through Lamu Old Town with a UNESCO-registered local guide. Visit Lamu Fort (built 1813), the Swahili House Museum, the Friday Mosque, and the famous carved door gallery. Afternoon free to explore the market, buy spices, or simply sit in a café watching life move at Lamu's unhurried pace.

03

Day 3

Dhow Sailing & Shela Beach

Full day traditional dhow sailing excursion — stop at Manda Island ruins, swim in the turquoise channel, fresh seafood lunch on board. Afternoon at Shela Beach, one of Kenya's most beautiful and uncrowded stretches of sand. Evening: Swahili cooking class — learn to make pilau, coconut fish, and tamarind juice.

04

Day 4

Donkey Sanctuary & Departure

Morning visit to the Lamu Donkey Sanctuary (these animals are central to island life and deeply loved). Final stroll for last-minute shopping — Lamu is famous for hand-crafted furniture and silver jewellery. Boat transfer back to the airstrip, afternoon flight to Nairobi.

Itineraries are samples and are fully customised to your preferences, group size, and travel dates.

Perfect For

Who Is This Safari For?

History Buffs

Architecture Lovers

Culture Seekers

Swahili heritage and ancient coastal history

Couples

Romantic lodges and intimate bush dinners for two

Solo Travelers

Writers & Artists

Visual Journey

Gallery

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Let our team craft a personalised itinerary just for you — no two Elabush safaris are ever alike.

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