Lamu, Town, Island and Archipelago, all of the same name, lie 2 degrees below the Equator along Kenya's coast. The Lamu Archipelago is a chain of islands separated from the mainland by a narrow channel bordered with dense mangrove forest and protected from the Indian Ocean by coral reefs and large sand dunes.

Kijani House Hotel Coordinate 2° 17' 41,12" South - 40° 54' 39,18" East

The many historical sites are proof of the area's long and rich history which, when combined with all the natural attractions of its tropical setting, make Lamu a wonderful place to visit.

The naturally protected harbour on its northeast side led to the founding of Lamu Town which became a centre of coastal commerce.Today, Lamu economy is still dominated by maritime activities: shipping, fishing, mangrove cutting and shipbuildig.

The people of Lamu are devout followers af Islam and the town is a place of religious pilgrimage where Muslims from all over eastern Africa gather every year to celebrate Maulidi, the Prophet's birthday. Lamu is remote even by Kenyan standards. There are no cars on the Lamu island and a way life from an earlier age is still intact.

More about Lamu

Except from "Lamu - map and guide to the Archipelago, the Island, and the Town"
Copyrigth 1989 The Lamu Society