The Island Story

Thanks to its location along the great Monsoon Wind trade route of the Indian ocean, Lamu Island has been a melting pot of African, Arab, Persian, and Indian Ocean cultures for the last seven centuries creating the distinct Swahili culture

UNESCO World Heritage Site — Lamu Town
Living history in coral stone

Lamu Old Town is the oldest and best-preserved continuously inhabited Swahili settlement in East Africa. Its bustling narrow streets, built only for donkey traffic, wind between houses that have sheltered families for generations.

Lamu Town is full of wonderfully preserved treasures such as the Portuguese Fort in the centre of town, the Swahili House Museum in the heart of the UNESCO site, to the famous Riyadh Mosque, the home of the Maulid Festival.

The magic of Lamu happens behind closed doors and down winding alleys, so we always recommend taking a guide with you for your first visit to make sure you can see behind the coral walls.

Shela Village
Where the ocean meets ancient culture

Located on the tip of Lamu Island, next to one of the great ‘Mlango” to the open ocean, Shela village offers a more peaceful rhythm. Here, pristine beaches stretch for miles, narrow streets are filled with exclusive villas and boutiques, while the call to prayer echoes throughout.

This is where you’ll find Wimbi House, perfectly located in the heart of Shela Village.