Luxury Travel to the Lamu Archipelago made for you
Kenya
Fabulously laid-back old town and miles of beaches
Authentic yet beautifully exclusive, luxury Lamu Archipelago tours are the undisputed choice for seasoned travellers who wish to experience the off the tourist radar Kenyan coastline.
Sitting idyllically off the coast in aqua marine Indian Ocean waters, a string of pristine islands and islets including the four main islands of Lamu, Manda, Pate and Kiwayu offer an unspoilt and hushed up alternative for a Kenyan beach vacation.
Relaxed islanders enjoy vast stretches of soft sand here, while stepping off Kiwayu provides wonderful snorkelling among coral reefs and Manda plays host to a number of water sports from sailing to deep sea fishing.
What’s more, the islands are steeped in history with Lamu’s Old Town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A historic trading post rooted in its Swahili past, Lamu boasts a wealth of age-old sites and a unique fusion of Swahili, Arabic, Persian, Indian and European building styles. Narrow, non-motorized streets can lead to an impressive mosque or the nineteenth century fort, while the rhythm of island life can be soaked up at the bustling waterfront, donkey, dhow or foot being the main mode of transport.
From our experts
Experiences picked by our Lamu Archipelago specialists
Stroll Lamu Old Town with a private guide
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Lamu Old Town, which is east Africa’s oldest and best preserved Swahili settlement, with a private local guide
Snorkel the reefs off Kiwayu
Enjoy a guided snorkelling tour around the marine reserve and coral reefs off Kiwayu, learning about each species you spot
Sail the archipelago at sunset by dhow
Sail across the tranquil waters on a sunset dhow cruise, or charter a yacht to explore the waves by day
Set off on a Kenyan safari
Combine beachside relaxation with days on safari in one of Kenya’s wildlife-rich national parks and reserves
Catch and cook your own deep-sea fish
Savour a delicious meal of freshly cooked seafood after catching your own fish on a deep-sea fishing trip
Luxury accommodation in Lamu Archipelago
There are many incredible places to stay in Lamu Archipelago. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
-
Safari expertise
Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.
-
Unforgettable guides
We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.
-
Positive impact
By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.
Meet your Africa team
-
Angela Thomas
Client Experience Manager for Africa
-
Charlie Cottar
Travel Designer
-
Chloe Ainscow
Travel designer
-
David Drayton
Travel Designer
-
Ellie Smith
Travel Designer
-
Emily Wallington
Senior Travel Designer
-
Jacob Maahs
Senior Travel Designer
-
Jamey Lowis
Senior Travel Designer
-
Jess Thompson
Travel Designer
-
Jody van Merode
Senior Travel Designer
-
Kamogelo Dolo
Africa concierge
-
Kit Wong
Senior Travel Designer
-
Robynne Trueman
Africa Concierge
-
Sara Bellemore
Travel Designer
-
Tor Saner
Senior Travel Designer
When to visit the Lamu Archipelago
The best time to visit the Lamu Archipelago is during one of Kenya’s two dry seasons. The dry season from January to February is hot and sunny, ideal for enjoying the beach or diving in the calm waters. Expect average daytime temperatures around 31°C (88°F). The dry season from June to October is cooler, with excellent conditions for kitesurfing. Average daytime temperatures are between 23°C–28°C (73°F–83°F).
Dry season
January–February, June–October
Rainy season
March–May, November–December
When Is the Best Time to Visit Kenya?
Don't take our word for it
“We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada…”
We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada and it surely won't be our last! Every detail and moment of our trip was perfectly planned. We were met every step of the way with courteous and knowledgeable drivers and guides. We really appreciated the local guides and the commitment they had to make every day special. Thank you Jacada for the…
“heavenly honeymoon”
My wife and I used Jacada to plan our honeymoon to French Polynesia. Working with the Jacada team was fantastic and effortless. Every question was quickly answered. Every hiccup was quickly addressed. We felt like we were in the hands of experts who are equally passionate about travel, and who were committed to helping us have the trip of a…
“Jacada Travel has been outstanding”
We enjoy traveling and we have used Jacada Travel for some wonderful trips over several years. We have never been disappointed. In 2024 we took a Safari in Botswana Africa and walked with the gorillas in Rwanda planned by Jacada and the itinerary was amazing. In 2025 we had planned a trip to Antartica ( with another company ) but…
“Communication and organization were…”
Communication and organization were excellent. The Jacada team was helpful and genuinely interested in our experience. The guides were personable, knowledgeable, and clearly enjoy their work. Vehicles were spotless, timely, and coordinators managed our every need brilliantly. I will recommend Jacada to friends and family. The only way to travel!
“Iceland 8 Days”
We had a wonderful trip planned through Jacada. We enjoyed the venues and the excursions. This is a beautiful place we'd recommend to anyone who wants to go on a new adventure.
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.