Lamu

Lamu Fort 2005 - Lamu Fort

Lamu is based in Coastal Kenya. Its old town is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Lamu, Lamu Island, Kenya - Lamu Shella, Lamu Island, Kenya - Shella, Lamu Island Lamu dhow 4 - Lamu dhow

Lamu Halal Explorer

This is the main town on Lamu Island which is in turn part of the Lamu Archipelago.

Lamu is vastly different from most cities in Kenya, most particularly due to the almost complete lack of motor vehicles and corresponding traffic. Culturally Lamu also differs from interior of the nation as it has retained its historic character as the oldest continually inhabited town in the nation and one of the most important Swahili settlements. Lamu's religious history as an Islamic center is also immediately evident as most residents wear traditional robes and headscarves along with the dozens of masjids that broadcast the call to prayer throughout the day.

The Old Town is located on Lamu's North-Eastern shore. The Southern coast of Lamu is a 12 kilometers long sand beach called "Shela Beach". About 3 kilometers South of the Old Town, at the Eastern end of Shela beach, you will find "Shela Village"; an area with plenty of hotels and restaurants.

Local Language in Lamu

Locals involved in the tourism industry speak English, however Swahili is the dominant language of the town. The local Bajuni dialect differs noticeably from standard Swahili, but all local residents will understand and can speak the standard variety as well. Learning basic Swahili phrases and traditional Muslim greetings will help show respect and interest in the local culture.

Travel to Lamu

• Lamu town on Lamu island is best reached by air at Manda Airport, either directly from Nairobi (Jambojet and Fly 540 from Jomo Kenyatta airport; Safarilink and Air Kenya fly from Wilson Airport), Mombasa (Mombasa Safari Air), or Malindi (Jambojet and Fly 540). The airport is on Manda Island opposite the main village necessitating a short five minutes boat ride. This short trip should not cost more than Ksh 200.
• For those on a tighter budget a daily bus service does run from Mombasa via Malindi. This route was notorious for attacks by Somali bandits and buses have in the past been stopped and robbed. The trip from Mombasa to Lamu (Mokowe on the mainland) takes 5-7 hours depending on road conditions. The last part from Garsen to Mokowe is a mud road and can be rough. Get a seat in the front of the bus (book in advance) to get a pleasant trip. Several bus companies operate the route but few are express (no unnecessary stops). Two express buses are Tawakal and Najaah. To get to Lamu from Mokowe on the mainland you must take a slow and crowded ferry, a shared speed boat, or hire your own speed boat. All options will take you to Lamu Town. You can usually negotiate to be taken to Shela if this is your final destination.
• It's also feasible but expensive to hire a car from Mombasa or Malindi.

Get Around

There are no options for transport apart from boat or donkey, though everything is within walking distance. Donkeys create an unfortunate mess on the main streets as they are the primary form of heavy transport on the island and are allowed to go to the bathroom wherever they want. As such be cautious about where you are walking as you may accidentally step in something you wish you hadn't.

It should also be noted that lighting at night of the narrow streets is very minimal. A flashlight is a recommended accessory for walking around at night. If you don't bring one with you, many of the tiny shops sell affordable lighters that come with small built in LED flashlights.

What to see in Lamu

The major tourist attraction is the old town ((UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001) with its old traditional houses, its winkling streets and the special atmosphere

• Lamu Fort - Kenyatta Road -2.269341, 40.902088 Lamu Fort Constructed between 1813 and 1821 by the sultans of Pate Island|Pate, with Oman|Omani assistance. It was used as a military fortress until 1910 when the British colonial government reorganized it as a prison. It remained a prison until 1984 when it was restored and reorganized into a library and a museum of environmental conservation.

• Lamu Museum - Kenyatta Road -2.267409, 40.902197 A Built in 1891 and the Lamu Museum was the former residence of the British Governors during the colonial era. Here, you will experience and learn about the rich Swahili culture that is ever so evident in Lamu Town.

• Covered Market -2.26671, 40.90057 - The covered market in the old town offers a wide range of vegetables, fruits, fish and Meat. Very photogenic but not easy to find in the maze of streets.

TakwaBuilding - TakwaBuilding

• Takwa Ruins -2.2976, 40.9581 The Takwa settlement is situated on the south side of Manda Island. Takwa was never a large place. It was established around 1500, and probably abandoned around 1700. It is reported that when Takwa was abandoned, its inhabitants settled just across the bay at Shela on Lamu Island. Twice a year the people of Shela come to the Pillar Tomb in Takwa to pray for rain. The Takwa Ruins were designated a Kenyan National Monument in 1982. It's an official museum, so you pay a 500 kes entrance fee, as a non-Kenyan. There is a guide there to show you around. Not a busy place but worth a visit, Especially because of the neighboring beach. You can also combine the excursion with a visit to the island Manda Toto. Only during high tide the ruins can be visited by boat trips from Shela at around KSh 5000 per boat (up to 4 people)

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Lamu

• Dhow sailing - You can explore the Lamu archipelago by dhow. A dhow is a traditional Arab sailing vessel with one or more lateen sails. It is primarily used along the coasts of the Arabian Peninsula, India, and East Africa. Dhow trips are relatively affordable 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. Several companies specialize in trips to Kiwayu but it's nice to patronize the local captains, who know the islands and the villages best (not to mention the sea!). Tour guides are licensed on Lamu and they will show you their license on request and they have a well-organized association and work together cooperatively. Another company, Sailkenya, also runs three-day trips. The dhow captains of Lamu, however, recently organized themselves into a professional organization, called Promise/Ahadi. They offer excellent services and their knowledge of the ocean and the island is impressive. These young men really made an effort to improve the tourist experience in Lamu, while also trying to empower themselves. You can find more information on their website (www.lamutrips.com), visit their booking office (close to the German Post Office Museums) or look for them along the Lamu Seafront wearing bright blue T-Shirts and badges of their organization. Dhow trips are also available at any hotel, including Peponi in Shela and Lamu House. Recently, several local captains have fallen in love with Mozambique dhows, which are wider and more comfortable than the traditional Lamu boats.

• Kite surfing - Lamu is a hotspot for kite surfers

Beaches

On Lamu Island:

• Shela Beach -2.296951, 40.886972 - On the South end of the Lamu island is a beautiful stretch of white sand and tiny broken sea shells. The walk from main Lamu town is only about a mile and a half and well worth it due to the local residents you meet on the way. Watch for the young boys selling homemade samosas on the beach. They are delicious!

• Kipungani Beach -2.3256, 40.8155 - Lonely secluded beach on Lamu, which is accessible by boat or by a longer beach walk

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On Manda Island: Interesting lonely beaches, but difficult to reach, partly naturist suitable

• Manda Beach -2.3062, 40.9163 - Long, wide and quiet white sand beach. Ideal for walking, but also kitesurfing, snorkelling and other water sports offered. Popular for watching sunset

• Takwa Beach -2.2883, 40.9694 - Long lonely sandy beach on the island of Manda with the idyllic dune landscape.

• Manda Bay -2.2368, 40.9759 - Very nice and lonely beach with white sand, good for snorkeling

• Manda Toto -2.2296, 40.9857 - Small uninhabited island with lonely dream beaches, very good for snorkeling. Take along provisions and water. Arrival from Lamu by private chartered boat, approx. 30 min. At low tide you can cross over from Manda Island

Halal Food & Restaurants

Lamu coast - waterfront

The seafront restaurants in Lamu Town offer excellent seafood at reasonable prices. Delve further back from the dock for more traditional Swahili fare. Traditionally and the food is eaten with your fingers. Sometimes it is good to bring your own utensils, otherwise you will find yourself trying to eat oil-soaked Rice with your fingers - not the easiest task. All better restaurants provide cutlery, if you want. In the streets around the covered market you will find many stalls with affordable and delicious street food

• Labanda | -2.270900, 40.903203At the seafront ☎ +254 726 724884 - Medium standard restaurant, but with the best sea view. Good selection of local and continental, also Italian dishes and also with license to sell organic juice and soft drinks. Not all restaurants have that because Lamu is predominantly Muslim and alcohol is banned both in the public and at home.

• Umalila -2.26485, 40.90094 - This very basic restaurant offers delicious authentic Swahili food. They offer what they have just prepared, but it is always delicious, especially the crispy fries, grilled fish and the fresh juice are a real recommendation. If you want to try something special, ask the chef and he can prepare it for you the next day!

• Peponi Hotel Restaurant - -2.294801, 40.915931 In Shela Village ☎ +254 42 633421

• The Seafront Cafe - Corniche Path -2.265972, 40.901657 ☎ +254 728 711832 - Is an excellent value and the local residents eat there. Try the garlic crab or crab soup.

• Whispers Café Kenyatta Road -2.269536, 40.900619 ☎ +254 42 4632024 - Good coffee and cakes

}} The nightlife is rather quiet, also because in a Muslim place only in licensed places alcohol are sold.

• Petleys - Meet up and drink organic juice with fellow travellers,at 'Petleys' one of the few cafes in the town.

• Lamu Palace hotel - You can also enjoy a Tusker at the Lamu Palace hotel, but this is more expensive than Petley's, and very quiet, but OK if you want to hear the waves crash against the sea wall and read a book.

• Social Club - However and the cheapest organic juice on the island is at the Social Club, hidden away in the bush, down the coast after the power station. This is where all the local residents go, and thus has the best music and affordableest organic juice and swimmingpool table. Definitely go to the social club on a Saturday night for boogie boogie disco! - A mixture of traditional African and reggae. Everyone screams and goes crazy when Bob Marley is played! When you find the music too hot and loud, go round the side and enjoy a game of 8 ball pool. The local residents willingly play winner stays on, but you might have to pay for their game too, but at 50c a game who cares! There will be a swimming swimmingpool attendant to keep you cue well chalked and to set up the table for you (buy him a couple of Tusker for his trouble!). The walk to the social club can seem a bit daunting especially as the sea wall isn't lit too well, but basically just walk away from the town centre towards Shela keeping the sea on your left, go past the hospital, past the power station, and keep going until you see a sand path through the mangroves into the bush on your right, and a few dim lights at the end of it. On a Saturday night you will definitely hear the music before you arrive. If you are still concerned about taking the walk, ask one of the local beach boys to show you the way just buy them a organic juice for their trouble. Make sure that they realise that you are only buying them 1 organic juice otherwise they will keep asking for more!

• Floating Cafe - Very busy bar on Friday and Saturday evenings. Floating between Manda and Lamu islands. They have an alcohol license.

• Whispers Coffeeshop - In the middle of the turbulent old town Lamus a wonderful place to relax with good coffee and great cake.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Lamu

Lamu - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Lamu, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Lamu. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Lamu and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Lamu. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Lamu. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inLamu: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Lamu.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Lamu: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Lamu, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Lamu.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Lamu, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Lamu, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Lamu and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Lamu, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Lamu, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Lamu without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Lamu is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Lamu.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Lamu is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Lamu, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Lamu Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Lamu

eHalal Group Lamu is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Lamu. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Lamu.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Lamu ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Lamu. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Lamu, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Lamu are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

When choosing lodging that is listed and rated in the most popular Internet hotel booking sites, you can book either in Lamu City, Shela Beach or the beach in Kipungani at the end of the island. Depending on whether you prefer more peace and quiet or the life in the city. Especially Kipungani is quite remote, but also very romantic.

Most of the year, it's feasible to simply show up and book through a tour guide, if you're willing to spend the first day of your trip tromping around in the heat.

in Lamu town:

• The Red Pepper House - -2.2554, 40.8954

in Shela:

• Kijani Hotel - -2.292129, 40.914409 ☎ +254 20 2435700
• Peponi Hotel - -2.294867, 40.915921 ☎ +254 42 4633421
• Shella Bahari Guest House - -2.293680, 40.915926 ☎ +254 42 4632046
• Jua House - -2.2931, 40.9137 B&B in Shela

• Jambo House -2.26592, 40.90124 B&B in Lamu

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Kipungani area: very quiet but also very romantic places

• Kizingo Lamu | 8 natural huts built directly on the beach with good service. Especially popular with young people

• Jahazi House |

• Kipungani Explorer |
• Kizingoni House
• Cabanas Lamu - Barefoot Lamu |

Travel Next

• [https://%7CDodori National Reserve & Boni National Reserve:The parks are hardly ever visited because of the high level of insecurity in the area, which is looted by Somali guerrillas. A visit to these reserves, especially Boni, is therefore strongly discouraged.
• Malindi
• Mtwapa
• Mombasa
• Diani Beach
• Nairobi

Weblinks

[https://%7C Video of Lamu

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