Discover the Timeless Charm of Lamu Town

• HelloShikamo
  [shee-kah-moh]
• GoodbyeKwaheri
  [kwah-heh-ree]
• YesNdio
  [nn-dee-oh]
• NoHapana
  [ha-pah-nah]
• Please/You're welcomeTafadhali
  [ta-fah-dha-lee]
• Thank youAsante
  [ah-san-teh]
• Excuse me/SorrySamahani
  [sah-mah-hah-nee]
• How are you?U hali gani?
  [oo hah-lee gah-nee]
• Fine. And you?Salama. Na wewe?
  [sah-lah-mah. nah weh-weh]
• Do you speak English?Unasema Kiingereza?
  [oo-nah-seh-mah keen-geh-reh-zah]
• I don't understandSieelewi
  [see-eh-leh-wee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNapenda kuitazama menyu, tafadhali
  [nah-pen-dah kwee-tah-zah-mah meh-nyoo, tah-fah-dha-lee]
• I don't eat meatSi kula nyama
  [see koo-lah nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Afya!
  [ah-fyah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNapenda kulipa, tafadhali
  [nah-pen-dah koo-lee-pah, tah-fah-dha-lee]

• Help!Msaada!
  [msah-ah-dah]
• Go away!Nenda zako!
  [nen-dah zah-koh]
• Call the Police!Piga polisi!
  [pee-gah poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Piga daktari!
  [pee-gah dahk-tah-ree]
• I'm lostNimepotea
  [nee-meh-poh-teh-ah]
• I'm illNinaumwa
  [nee-nah-oom-wah]

• I'd like to buy...Napenda kununua...
  [nah-pen-dah koo-noo-noo-ah]
• I'm just lookingNatafuta tu
  [nah-tah-foo-tah too]
• How much is it?Bei ni ngapi?
  [bay nee ngah-pee]
• That's too expensiveHii ni ghali sana
  [hee nee gah-lee sah-nah]
• Can you lower the price?Unaweza kupunguza bei?
  [oo-nah-weh-zah koo-poon-goo-zah bay]

• What time is it?Saa ngapi?
  [sah ngah-pee]
• It's one o'clockSaa moja
  [sah moh-jah]
• Half past (10)Nusu ya kumi
  [noo-soo yah koo-mee]
• MorningAsubuhi
  [ah-soo-boo-hee]
• AfternoonMchana
  [m-chah-nah]
• EveningJioni
  [joh-nee]
• YesterdayJana
  [jah-nah]
• TodayLeo
  [leh-oh]
• TomorrowKesho
  [keh-shoh]
• 1Moja
  [moh-jah]
• 2Mbili
  [m-bee-lee]
• 3Tatu
  [tah-too]
• 4Nne
  [n-neh]
• 5Tano
  [tah-noh]
• 6Sita
  [see-tah]
• 7Saba
  [sah-bah]
• 8Nane
  [nah-neh]
• 9Tisa
  [tee-sah]
• 10Kumi
  [koo-mee]

• Where's a/the...?Iko wapi...?
  [ee-koh wah-pee]
• What's the address?Ni anwani gani?
  [nee ahn-wah-nee gah-nee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Unaweza kunionyesha (kwenye ramani)?
  [oo-nah-weh-zah koo-nee-oh-nyeh-shah kweh-neh rah-mah-nee]
• When's the next (bus)?Basi la pili ni saa ngapi?
  [bah-see lah pee-lee nee sah ngah-pee]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (kwenda ....)
  [tee-keh-tee kwen-dah]

Lamu Town is believed to have been founded in the 14th century, making it one of the oldest settlements along the East African coast. Its strategic position on the Indian Ocean made it an essential stop for trade routes connecting the Arabian Peninsula, Persia, and the Indian subcontinent. The town's architecture and culture reflect the influences of these early trade connections, evident in the Swahili style of its buildings.

By the 15th century, Lamu had become a prominent center of Swahili culture, characterized by a unique blend of African, Arab, and Persian influences. The town's inhabitants engaged in trade, agriculture, and fishing, leading to an affluent society. The establishment of Islam in the region further shaped the cultural landscape, with the construction of mosques and the introduction of Islamic practices.

In the late 15th century, Portuguese explorers arrived in Lamu, seeking to control the lucrative trade in spices and gold. This incursion led to conflicts with local rulers. By the 17th century, the Omanis began to assert their dominance over the region, eventually establishing control over Lamu and promoting the growth of trade in slaves, ivory, and textiles, which solidified Lamu's status as a trading hub.

In the late 19th century, the British established their protectorate over the East African coast. Lamu, like other coastal towns, experienced changes in governance and trade practices. The British influence brought new infrastructure, including the construction of roads and the establishment of a postal service. However, traditional Swahili culture continued to thrive, with Lamu maintaining its identity amidst colonial changes.

Following Kenya's independence in 1963, Lamu faced challenges related to modernization and economic shifts. However, the town's rich heritage garnered attention, leading to efforts for preservation. In 2001, Lamu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical significance and unique architecture, including intricately carved doors and narrow streets, which attract visitors and foster cultural tourism.

Lamu Town is accessible via air and sea. The nearest airport is Lamu Airport (LAU), which has flights from Nairobi and other major cities. From Lamu Airport, you can take a taxi or a boat to Lamu Town, which is approximately 15 minutes away by boat. Alternatively, you can reach Lamu Town by taking a bus or a shared taxi from Mombasa to Mokowe, followed by a boat ride to Lamu Island.

Lamu Town is primarily pedestrian-friendly, as vehicles are not allowed within the town's narrow streets. You can explore the town on foot, or hire a dhow (traditional wooden boat) for trips along the coast or to nearby islands. For longer distances, consider renting a bicycle or hiring a local guide on a donkey, which is a common mode of transport in the area.

Lamu Town is generally safe for tourists, but standard travel precautions should be followed. Avoid walking alone at night in quiet areas and keep your belongings secure. While the majority of the town is safe, be cautious in less frequented places, especially after dark. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur, so stay vigilant in crowded areas.

In case of an emergency, contact local authorities by dialing 999 for police, or go to the nearest hospital. Lamu has a few healthcare facilities, but for serious medical emergencies, evacuation to Mombasa may be necessary. It is highly advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and ensure you carry a basic first-aid kit.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious sites; women should wear long skirts or dresses, and men should avoid shorts. Religion: Do respect local customs; always remove shoes before entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be polite and greet drivers; don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet with 'Jambo' or 'Sijambo' and a handshake; don't take too long to engage in conversation. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like Swahili biryani; don't eat in public during Ramadan if it is observed.

To experience Lamu Town like a local, visit the bustling Lamu Market early in the morning for fresh produce and spices. Engage with local artisans and consider taking a Swahili cooking class to learn about the cuisine. Don't miss the chance to explore the hidden alleys and discover local crafts. Attend cultural festivals, such as the Lamu Cultural Festival, to immerse yourself in the local traditions and music.

The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). While some establishments accept credit cards, cash is preferred, especially in markets and smaller shops. ATMs are available but may have limited hours. It's advisable to carry enough cash for daily expenses, including food and transport.

Understanding local customs is vital for a respectful experience. Do use your right hand for giving and receiving items, as the left hand is considered unclean. Be mindful of personal space, and avoid public displays of affection. When invited to a local home, it is polite to bring a small gift such as fruits or sweets.