Lamu is Kenya’s oldest continuously inhabited town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a medieval Swahili island where there are no cars, narrow stone-paved streets, and traditional wooden dhows still working the harbour. Getting there is part of the experience: almost all visitors fly, landing at Manda Island Airport and crossing to Lamu town by boat.
This guide is part of our Lamu travel guide; for the rest of your planning, see our guide to where to stay in Lamu.
By Domestic Flight from Nairobi
Flying is the standard and recommended way to reach Lamu. Manda Island Airport (IATA: LAU) is on the small island of Manda, directly across the channel from Lamu town. The airport ferry (approximately 10–15 minutes) connects the two - this is included in the logistics of every flight arrival.
Air Kenya, Safarilink, and Skyward Express operate the Nairobi–Lamu route from Wilson Airport (WIL). Many services are routed via Malindi, stopping briefly before continuing to Lamu - check whether your booking is direct or via Malindi when comparing options. Total flight time is approximately 1 hour 20–40 minutes.
Fares from Wilson Airport to Lamu start at around USD 100 one way and rise significantly on peak dates (December–January, August). Book 2–4 weeks in advance for the best prices.
Wilson Airport is 6km south of Nairobi’s CBD. Taxis and Uber/Bolt cover the transfer - allow 30–45 minutes from the city centre.
From Mombasa by Air
Air Kenya and Safarilink both operate Mombasa–Lamu flights, sometimes as direct services and sometimes as part of a Mombasa–Malindi–Lamu routing. Flight time Mombasa–Lamu is approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes.
Fares from Mombasa are often slightly lower than from Nairobi. Check both departure points if you are already on the coast - flying from Mombasa to Lamu is a convenient option if you are spending time on the South Coast or Mombasa before heading to the archipelago.
The Airport Ferry to Lamu Town
On landing at Manda Island, a short walk takes you to the waterfront, where motorised boats ferry passengers across to Lamu town. The crossing takes approximately 10–15 minutes and costs around KES 200 per person for the public boat. Most arriving passengers are met by accommodation hosts or hotel boats - confirm arrangements with your guesthouse in advance, especially for late arrivals.
Your luggage comes across on the same boat. There are no vehicles on Lamu island (a few tractors handle heavy loads, but that’s all), so all onward movement from the jetty is on foot or by donkey.
By Road to Mokowe (Overland Option)
There is a mainland overland route to Lamu via the town of Mokowe, which sits directly across the channel. However, this route is long, rough, and not commonly used by independent travellers.
From Malindi, the road north through Garsen to Mokowe is approximately 130km but includes stretches of unpaved road and can be slow in wet conditions. Journey time from Malindi to Mokowe is approximately 3–4 hours depending on road conditions. From Nairobi to Mokowe overland is a full-day journey via Garissa or via Malindi.
From Mokowe, public boats cross to Lamu town for approximately KES 150–200 (10 minutes). If you do arrive at Mokowe - for example, on a private drive from the Tana River area - this is the crossing you’ll use.
This route is not recommended for first-time visitors or those on a time budget. Flying is faster, simpler, and comparable in total cost once ground transport is factored in.
What to Expect on Arrival
Lamu town has no cars. From the jetty, all movement is on foot through narrow alleyways or by donkey for heavy loads. Your accommodation will likely be 5–15 minutes on foot from the main jetty - most guesthouses will tell you the exact route in advance.
Money: Bring cash. There is an Equity Bank ATM and a KCB ATM in Lamu town but they occasionally run out of cash or have connectivity issues. Withdraw what you need in Nairobi or Mombasa before flying.
Power cuts are common on Lamu - most guesthouses have backup power for essential services but bring a power bank.
Luggage: Soft bags are easier than hard suitcases for narrow Lamu streets. Keep bags manageable enough to carry on foot.
For things to do on Lamu, see our Lamu things-to-do guide. For where to eat, see our Lamu food guide.
Where to Stay in Lamu
Arriving after a long journey is easier with a bed already booked. Compare hotels in Lamu on Booking.com and check recent guest reviews before you travel.