Island in Lamu County, Kenya
Getting around Lamu
How to get around Lamu
There are no cars on Lamu Island: walk, take a donkey, or board a dhow or speedboat. Arrive by plane to Manda airport or bus and boat from the mainland.
Ways to get around Lamu
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | Free | The old town is compact; Shela is a 40-minute beach walk |
| Water taxi / dhow | About 200–500 KES per trip | Between Lamu Town, Shela and Manda; agree the price first |
| Donkey transport | About 200–500 KES | Used for luggage; agree the price |
Taxis in Lamu
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No cars or ride apps; boats and donkeys are priced by negotiation. Guesthouses arrange transfers.
Arriving in Lamu
Manda Airport (LAU)
Flights from Nairobi and Mombasa (Safarilink, Jambojet); a 5-minute speedboat to Lamu jetty costs about 500–1,000 KES.
Via Mokowe jetty (bus from Mombasa)
Overnight bus from Mombasa then a boat to the island, about 8–12 h; the road has security risks, so most visitors fly.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the left. Foreign licences in English work for up to 3 months; carry an IDP for longer stays or non-English licences.
- Onward travel in Kenya: The Madaraka Express train links Nairobi and Mombasa in about 5 hours; Kenya Airways, Jambojet and Safarilink fly to the coast and parks. Buses are cheap; matatus are risky.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Lamu?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No cars or ride apps; boats and donkeys are priced by negotiation. Guesthouses arrange transfers.
What's the best way to get around Lamu?
There are no cars on Lamu Island: walk, take a donkey, or board a dhow or speedboat. Arrive by plane to Manda airport or bus and boat from the mainland.
How do I get from the airport to Lamu?
Flights from Nairobi and Mombasa (Safarilink, Jambojet); a 5-minute speedboat to Lamu jetty costs about 500–1,000 KES.
Is Lamu walkable?
Very walkable.
More about Lamu
Going to Lamu solo?
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Sources
- Madaraka Express e-tickets (Kenya Railways)
- Kenya Railways
- Kenya Airports Authority
- UK FCDO travel advice: Kenya
- Lamu Old Town (UNESCO)
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.