Situated along Kenya’s northern coast, Lamu borders the Indian Ocean and lies near the Somalia border. Its neighboring areas include Tana River County to the southwest, Garissa County to the north, Somalia to the northeast, and the Indian Ocean to the south and east.
Lamu Town sits on Lamu Island, one of the main islands in the Lamu Archipelago, alongside Manda, Pate and Kiwayu.
Covering both mainland territory and more than 65 islands, Lamu County forms part of Kenya’s far northern coastal region.
Flights to Lamu
Flights to Lamu arrive at Manda Airport (IATA: LAU), located on Manda Island across the channel from Lamu Town.
No scheduled international flights go directly to Manda Airport, so international travelers generally connect through Nairobi.
Travelers from Nairobi can fly to Lamu from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), with Jambojet advertising a daily service.
Direct scheduled flights from Wilson Airport are also commonly available through airlines such as Safarilink and Skyward Express, depending on the timetable.
From the Coast, direct flights to Lamu may also be available from Moi International Airport in Mombasa, with Skyward Express operating selected services.
Travelers from Malindi can also find domestic flight options to Manda Airport through airlines including Safarilink and Skyward Express, depending on the available schedule.
After landing at Manda Airport, travelers take a short boat transfer across the channel to reach Lamu Town, Shela, and other destinations within the archipelago.
Flight schedules, aircraft availability, baggage limits, and fares can change frequently, so travelers should confirm the latest details directly with their airline before traveling.
Hotels in Lamu
Lamu offers accommodation across several areas, with hotels and lodges suited to different travel preferences and budgets.
Visitors can stay in Lamu Old Town for access to the historic center and harbor, while Shela offers beachside properties and a quieter setting.
For a more secluded coastal experience, travelers can consider properties around Kipungani and other remote parts of the archipelago.
The table below highlights selected accommodation options in Lamu, their locations, suitability, and notable features.
| Area | Hotel / Property | Best Suited For | Noted Features |
| Lamu Old Town | Lamu House | Heritage and waterfront stay | Seafront property with 10 individually designed rooms, pools, courtyards and terraces |
| Lamu Old Town | Sunsail Hotel | Budget-conscious visitors | The Lamu Tourism Association lists 17 en-suite rooms |
| Lamu Old Town | New Lamu Palace Hotel | Central town location | Near Lamu Harbor, with Wi-Fi listed by the Lamu Tourism Association |
| Shela | Kijani Hotel | Boutique beach stay | Seafront hotel in Shela, close to the beach |
| Shela | Banana House & Wellness Center | Wellness-focused stay | Boutique hotel and wellness center in Shela |
| Shela | Jannataan Hotel | Mid-range beach accommodation | Offers rooms, a swimming pool, meals and beach access |
| Kipungani | Kizingo Beach Eco Lodge | Remote beach and eco-lodge experience | Four-star lodge near Kipungani Beach, with a garden, bar and fitness center |
| Shela | Msafini Hotel | Beach access with town proximity | About a two-minute walk from Shela Beach; listed with a pool and restaurant |
How to Reach Dangote’s New Refinery Site
Dangote’s proposed East Africa Oil Refinery site is located in Magogoni, near Lamu Port, within the LAPSSET Special Economic Zone in Lamu County.
The closest public airport is Manda Airport (LAU) on Manda Island. Travelers from Nairobi can fly to Manda via Jambojet from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) or airlines such as Safarilink and Skyward Express from Wilson Airport, while direct domestic services from Mombasa and Malindi may also be available depending on the flight schedule.
After landing at Manda Airport, travelers can take a boat to Lamu Town or the Mokowe side of the mainland, then arrange onward transport to Lamu Port and Magogoni.
Travelers arriving by road can head to Mokowe on the Lamu mainland from Malindi via Garsen and the Lamu–Mokowe road. From Mokowe, boats provide access across the channel to Lamu Island.
From Lamu Town or Shela, travelers can arrange a boat transfer to the mainland near Lamu Port, then continue by local transport to Magogoni and the LAPSSET Special Economic Zone.
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