Lamu is one of the best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa — a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. The island has been a trading hub for over 700 years, and its architecture, culture, and way of life reflect that extraordinary layered history.
Shela Village
Shela is a 20-minute boat ride from Lamu town — quieter, more residential, and flanked by the most beautiful stretch of beach on the island. The village has no cars, no motorbikes. Life moves at the pace of foot traffic and the tide.
The Beach
12 kilometres of uninterrupted Indian Ocean coastline. Powdery white sand, clear warm water, and almost no crowds outside of peak season. One of the last truly undeveloped beaches in East Africa.
Getting Here
Fly to Lamu (LAU) via Nairobi (1h15) or Mombasa (45min). Kenya Airways, Jambojet, and Skyward Express operate daily flights. From the airport on Manda Island, a 5-minute boat transfers you to Lamu town, and another 10 minutes by speedboat reaches Shela. We coordinate all transfers.
What to Do
