LAMU TAMU: My First Solo Travel Experience

2020 was many many things, including the year I decided to take my first solo trip. Lamu was an easy choice given its charm, ancient and mesmerizing Swahili architecture and culture. No surprise that it’s been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also very well documented on social media and the internet, so it helped with the planning and consequently, my nerves (God knows I needed it). For context, Lamu is made up of several tiny islands; main Lamu island (the old town), Shela island (tourist island) and Manda island(airport and another tourist island)

Here are some tips on how to make the most of your time on the island:

1. Explore the old city and museum tour with a local

Lamu old city is surrounded by narrow streets, beautifully decorated doors and old Swahili architecture. I’d recommend dedicating half a day to exploring the old city and culminating your tour with a visit to the museum and fort where you will learn about the history and wonders of Lamu. You may also get to see the donkey hospital (yes, it exists) and makes sense given vehicles are prohibited on the island, therefore donkeys are a popular mode of transport.

#LamuOldtown #UNESCOWorldHeritageCity #SoloTraveller

Cost: KES 1,000

2. Get some Hena done by a local

I also decided to get my henna done at Lamu old town, as it is cheaper than getting it done at Shela where I was staying. Shela is known to be the ‘touristy’ area, reflected by the high prices charged for accommodation and activities. It was also a great opportunity to visit the resident's homes and learn more about Lamu and its culture from the women!

#Henna #LamuTown

Cost: KES 600 per hand

3. Visit the floating bar for evening drinks

Every time I mentioned my visit to Lamu to anyone, they would recommend the floating bar. As the name suggests, it is a floating bar requiring a Lamu uber(a boat) to get you there and back. It was the most alive and vibrant place to be in the evening. For all my party people, this is the place to be in the evening!

#FloatingBar #LamuUber

Cost: 1000 for the uber and approx. 350 for a beer

4. Join a fishing excursion with lunch on the boat

Probably the highlight of my trip was spending half a day in the ocean fishing and chatting with the captain of the boat. Not only was I successful in my first attempt at fishing but the captain prepared the most delicious fish I have ever had. Part of the experience was a swim and time on the beautiful Manda beaches.

#Fishing #MandaIsland #LuckyfirstAttempt

#BestFishEver #MealOnABoat

#Mandabeach #Lamu

Cost: 10,000 (the more people you are the cheaper it is)

5. Enjoy a Sunset cruise

Another activity you cannot miss is the sunset cruise. Lasting about 2 hours the experience involves riding through the mangroves, going round the island and catching a beautiful view of the sunset. It was quite frankly a very dreamy and surreal experience.

#SunsetDhow #SkyInPrettyColours

Cost: 7,000 (the more people you are the cheaper it is)

6. Join other travellers on a bonfire at Manda Bay

I was lucky on the first night and met a group of other travelers. I joined them for a bonfire on Manda beach, full of drinks, food and new connections.

#Bonfire #SoloTravelAdventures #NightatMandaBay

Cost: 1,000 for food, BYOB and 1000 for the uber

What to wear on Lamu island

It is no secret that Lamu is a very conservative town therefore it is imperative that one respects the culture by dressing appropriately. Appropriate in this case is a dress below the knees and minimal cleavage. This is especially important if you visit the main town.

Where to stay

I stayed at Banana house in Shela. They had good and cheaper options for solo travellers and had yoga sessions in the morning.

#BananaHouse #Shela

Cost: KES 4,000 a night. I would recommend booking directly than using third parties such as Airbnb or Booking.com

How to get there

Flight is the best way to get there given the long-distance and security issues.

Cost: KES 13,900 Round trip on Skyward Express

Total cost of trip: KES 45,000