
11 interesting must visit places in Lamu Archipelago
11 interesting must visit places in Lamu Archipelago : Lamu Archipelago is a beautiful destination consisting of numerous islands extending for about 100 kilometers north of Lamu Island, the archipelago is located along the Kenyan coast and consists of historical gems, golden beaches and inhabits some of the most hosipitable people on earth.
Lamu Archipelago is a true deifination of paradise and it is an ideal destination to visit during your African safari, the archipelago has a number of places worth visiting. However, this article highlights the 11 interesting must visit places on the Archipelago.
Lamu Museum
Lamu Museum is one of the most interesting places to visit in Lamu Archipelago, the museum is located on the waterfront next to the town jetty. The museum is the second largest building in Lamu Old Town coming second to the Lamu Fort, the construction of and this building was completed in 1892 and the building was originally owned by Abdalla bin Kamed bin Said Al Busaid
Visiting the Lamu Museum will offer you an opportunity to learn about the past and the present of Lamu Archipelago, the museum also hosts fascinating collection of the Swahili, Pokomo, Orma, Boni and other various tribes inhabiting the Lamu Archipelago.

Lamu Fort
Lamu Fort is a spectacular massive multi-storied building with a central courtyard dating back to 1813, the Fort was built after Lamu’s victory over Pate and Mombasa in the “Battle of Shela”. Lamu Fort/Fortress was buily between 1813 and 1821with assistance of the Omani, the Fort initially provided a base from which the Omanis consolidated their control of the East African Coast but it later lost its economic importance.
During the British colonial period and after the independence of Kenya, the Lamu Fort was used as a prison. Today Lamu Fort, houses an environmental museum and library and it is often used to host community events.
Lamu Fort houses 3 sections of exhibits, a marine section, freshwater and terrestrial.
German Post Office Museum
The German Post Office Museum is a double storey building located, the was the first post office in East Africa underscoring the fame of Lamu and later as the center of the Marinetime trade with Europe and other nations. The building housing this museum was built at the 19th century as a private residence, later it was converted and used as the first German Post Office on the East African coast during the time when witu was a German Protectorate. The Office was established on November 22, 1888 by the Germans led by Clement Denhardt, an Architect and Geographer.
In 1993, the building was acquired by the National Museums of Kenya.
The Swahili House Museum
The Swahili House Museum is a unique museum in Lamu Town and about a 5 minute walk into the Old Town from the sea front, the house is an example of a 18th Century Swahili house and gives visitors a glimpse of a traditional set up of Swahili home architecture.
The Swahili House Museum features well-planned bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and living areas, furniture used throughout the rooms give the museum its authentic character.
Town Square
Town Square also known as Mkunguni ion Lamu Archipelago is an unmissable place during your visit the Archipelago, the square used to be a landing site for marine activities during the Swahili golden rage.
Shela town

Shela Town is a beautiful and sophisticated village located about two and a half kilometers south of Lamu Town, this fishing town is a peaceful paradise features 12 kilometers of golden sand flanked by sand dunes which is one of the reasons to why the town is flanked by thousands of visitors annual.
Matondoni Village
Matondoni village is a perfect place to visit on Lamu Archipelago if you are seeking to learn more about the culture of Lamu, the village famously known for traditional dhows and visiting the village you will be able to witness the making of these beautiful dhows using traditional methods thus 11 interesting must visit places in Lamu Archipelago.
For visitors who wish to purchase some of the best palm Mattas for walls and floors you can purchase them at Kipungani Village.
Takwa ruins
Takwa Ruins are remains of a thriving 16 century Swahili trading post located at Manda Island, Takwa ruins are one of the major attractions island. The ruins are a six meter high wall, unroofed rectangle on the east end, there is a unique Friday Mosque with a large pillar a top the qibla wall which is among the most notable features. The pill is believed to symbolized the burial of Sheikh below the wall.
Pate Island
Pate Island is a beautiful island in Indian Ocean close to the northern coast of Kenya and it belong to the Lamu Archipelago, the island was founded by Arab immigrants in the early years of Islam according to the chronicle of pate. In the 13 century a dispossessed group of Arab from Oman (the Nabhani) arrived in Pate Island. Pate Island has Siyu, Faza, Kizungitini and Mtangawanda as the main towns. Siyu is the best known town for its tradition as a center of Islamic learning, the town has Siyu Fort is the most strinking building on the island.
To get to Pate Island is done by dhow and a local passenger ferry service of about 4 hours.
Shanga Ruins
Shanga Ruins is an archeological site located in Pate Island, south of the Village of Siyu, the ruins are the oldest known settlement on the Kenyan Coast and Pate’s greatest historical site. The site is also the world’s most complete example of a medieval Swahili Town, Shanga Ruins dates back 200 years and was first settled between the 8th and 9th century.
Kiunga Marine National Reserve
Kiunga Marine national reserve is an enchanted underworld stretching about 60 kilometers along the coastline with coral reef and little Islands, the reserve lies in the confluence of the northern East Africa.
Kiunga Marine national park is located on Kiwuya Island and it is accessed by dhow or by speed boat.
The reserve is a famous habitat for the rare Dugong a marine fish with a tail like mermaid, this fish is believed to be the source of the Mermaid myth. Kiunga Marine national park is also the largest breeding grounds for the roseate terns and atleast 5 types of turtle and 9 types of Mangrove species.
Kiunga Marine National Reserve offers ideal opportunities for wind surfing, diving, snorkeling, water skiing and sunbathing.
