Beyond the Beach: Things to Do in Lamu
From dhow sailing and snorkelling to a UNESCO stone town, the Lamu Archipelago rewards the curious.
The beach at The Majlis is reason enough to stay put — but Lamu is one of the most storied corners of the Indian Ocean, and the archipelago rewards those who venture beyond the sunlounger. Here is where to begin.
Sail on a Traditional Dhow
Nothing captures the rhythm of the coast like a dhow. Our hand-built Mozambique-style dhow carries you across the channel to hidden sandbars, mangrove creeks and snorkelling spots, whether for a lazy half-day or a full day with a beach barbecue. A sunset cruise, glass in hand as the sail fills, is the classic Lamu evening. Explore our boat excursions.
Snorkel the Reefs
The waters around Manda and Manda Toto shelter living coral gardens a short boat ride from the resort. With two speedboats dedicated to watersports, we can have you snorkelling over the reef within the hour — or trying kayaking, tubing, windsurfing and waterskiing from the beach. See what's on offer under watersports & snorkelling.
Step into Lamu Old Town
Across the water lies Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest, best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. Built in coral stone and mangrove timber, its narrow lanes wind past carved wooden doors, inner courtyards, the old fort and a working waterfront where dhows still load and unload. Go in the morning, when the markets are at their busiest, with a guide to bring the history alive. More under cultural excursions.
Trace Centuries of History
The archipelago is layered with ruins for those who like their beaches with a side of history — the Takwa settlement on Manda Island, founded around 1500, and the great sites of Pate Island, where Faza, Pate Town, Siyu Fort and the archaeological site of Shanga hold centuries of Swahili story. Each is a half or full-day excursion, planned around the tide.
Cast a Line, or Catch the Wind
From October to April the deep water off Lamu offers some of the finest game fishing on the coast, while Shela beach — ranked among the world's most beautiful — is a world-class kite-surfing spot, with steady 12–20 knot winds for much of the year. Whether you fish, ride or simply watch, there is a version of the day for everyone.
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