Island in Lamu County, Kenya
Lamu for solo travelers
Is Lamu good for solo travel?
Car-free Swahili island town of narrow lanes, donkeys and dhows, with some of East Africa's best-preserved old architecture. Slow, hot and modest; reaching it needs a flight or boat, and security is an issue on the mainland.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Widely spoken |
| Safety | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Solo women | Dress modestly (cover knees and shoulders). Solo women are respected, but expect staring and touts; avoid empty beaches alone. |
How to meet people in Lamu
Guesthouses and dhow trips, cultural tours of Lamu Old Town, a small community of long-stay visitors in Shela, and walking groups around the museum and Swahili festivals.
Good things to do alone
- Walk Lamu Old Town's alleys at dawn
- Sail a sunset dhow trip around Manda
- Climb to the Lamu Fort for views
- Walk Shela beach at low tide
- Visit the Lamu Museum and donkey sanctuary
Where to stay in Lamu
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Lamu Town (waterfront) | Dhow views, restaurants, guesthouses in restored Swahili houses |
| Shela | Quiet beach village with upscale villas, 3 km along the shore |
| Manda Island | Isolated beach lodges, airport and boat trips |
Solo travel across Kenya
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Diani Beach | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Lamu | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Watamu | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Maasai Mara | 3/5 | Widely spoken |
| Mombasa | 3/5 | Widely spoken |
| Naivasha | 3/5 | Widely spoken |
| Malindi | 3/5 | Widely spoken |
Quick answers
Is Lamu good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Car-free Swahili island town of narrow lanes, donkeys and dhows, with some of East Africa's best-preserved old architecture.
How do you meet people in Lamu?
Guesthouses and dhow trips, cultural tours of Lamu Old Town, a small community of long-stay visitors in Shela, and walking groups around the museum and Swahili festivals. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Lamu?
Widely spoken.
Is Lamu safe for solo female travelers?
Dress modestly (cover knees and shoulders). Solo women are respected, but expect staring and touts; avoid empty beaches alone.
More about Lamu
Going to Lamu solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Lamu meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.