Lamu Island: Kenya's Secret Paradise for Honeymooners

Discover the enchanting allure of Lamu Island, Kenya's best-kept secret for couples seeking romance, culture, and unparalleled privacy.

Introduction

When Houston-based newlyweds ask me about truly distinctive honeymoon destinations, I often find myself whispering two magical words: "Lamu Island." This enchanting Kenyan archipelago remains one of Africa's most captivating yet overlooked treasures, especially for American travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary.

Lamu isn't just a destination; it's a journey through time. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited Swahili settlements in East Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage site, this car-free paradise offers an intoxicating blend of Arabic, Indian, European, and African influences that have mingled here for centuries.

Getting There: The Journey to Paradise

The journey to Lamu is part of its mystique – and worth every moment of travel.

From Houston:

1. Depart from George Bush International Airport (IAH) to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Qatar Airways and Emirates offer excellent connections with a single stopover.

2. Overnight in Nairobi at the elegant Giraffe Manor or Hemingways Nairobi.

3. The next morning, catch a domestic flight to Malindi Airport (approximately 1 hour).

4. From Malindi, take a pre-arranged shuttle to Lamu Jetty (about 2.5 hours).

5. Finally, embark on a magical 30-minute boat ride to your accommodation.

Where to Stay: Cabanas Lamu

Nestled on the pristine shores of Shela Beach, Cabanas Lamu represents the perfect honeymoon haven. This intimate property masterfully blends traditional Swahili architecture with contemporary luxury.

Beach view of the Cabanas Lamu, Kenya

What makes Cabanas Lamu special:

• Private beachfront villas with traditional makuti (palm leaf) roofs

• Open-air living spaces that welcome the gentle ocean breeze

• Personalized service with a dedicated butler

• Freshly prepared Swahili cuisine using local ingredients

• No TVs or distractions – just the sound of ocean waves

For honeymooners, I specifically recommend their Ocean Suite, featuring a private plunge pool on a secluded veranda overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Cultural Immersion: Exploring Lamu Old Town

Just a short boat ride from your accommodations lies Lamu Old Town, the archipelago's cultural heart. This living museum offers narrow, winding streets where donkeys remain the primary mode of transportation.

Must-Experience Activities:

• Walking Tour: Engage a local guide (I recommend Hassan, a Lamu native with encyclopedic knowledge) for a morning exploration of the town's architectural marvels.

• Lamu Fort: Visit this 19th-century fortress that now houses a cultural center and museum.

• Swahili House Museum: Step inside a perfectly preserved traditional home to understand the island's unique architectural style.

• Artisan Workshops: Watch master craftsmen create the intricate carved doors Lamu is famous for.

Cultural Tip: Women should dress modestly when visiting Lamu Old Town, as the island maintains traditional Muslim customs. Lightweight scarves and loose-fitting clothing are recommended.

Ocean Adventures: Embracing the Turquoise Waters

The waters surrounding Lamu offer endless opportunities for aquatic exploration and romance.

Romantic Water Experiences:

• Sunset Dhow Cruise: Sail aboard a traditional wooden vessel as the sun melts into the horizon. Your captain can arrange a champagne toast and fresh seafood appetizers.

• Snorkeling Expedition: Explore the vibrant coral gardens around Manda Toto, spotting colorful fish and perhaps even dolphins.

• Kayaking Adventure: Navigate through the mysterious mangrove forests that line Lamu's shores, home to diverse birdlife.

• Private Island Picnic: Arrange a day trip to Kiwayu, a deserted island with powder-white beaches where your only company will be nesting sea turtles.

The Making of the Mojito Drink by the Bar man During the Sunset Dhow Cruise

Culinary Delights: Savoring Swahili Cuisine

Lamu's food scene reflects its multicultural heritage, with strong influences from Arabia, India, and coastal African traditions.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Samaki wa Kupaka: Fresh fish grilled and smothered in a rich coconut curry sauce

• Biryani: Fragrant rice dish infused with spices and served with meat or seafood

• Mandazi: Lightly sweetened fried bread, perfect with morning coffee

• Fresh Seafood: Caught daily and prepared simply to preserve its natural flavors

Dining Experiences:

• Cooking Class: Learn to prepare traditional Swahili dishes with local spices at Diamond Beach Village

• Rooftop Dinner: Arrange a private meal atop one of Lamu's historic buildings with 360-degree views

• Beach Dinner: Experience a torch-lit dinner for two directly on the beach, with your feet in the sand and stars overhead

Romantic Moments: Creating Lifetime Memories

Beyond the activities and sights, Lamu excels at providing settings for intimate connection and romance.

 Special Experiences for Honeymooners:

• Sunrise Breakfast Sail: Depart before dawn on a traditional dhow for breakfast as the sun rises over the Indian Ocean

• Couples Massage: Experience side-by-side treatments in an open-air pavilion using traditional ylang-ylang oil

• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, Lamu's night skies offer spectacular celestial viewing

• Full Moon Beach Walk: Time your visit with the full moon for an otherworldly nighttime beach experience

Practical Information: Before You Go

When to Visit: The ideal times to visit Lamu are January-February and July-October, during the dry seasons when temperatures are pleasant, and humidity is lower.

Health and Safety:

• Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Kenya

• Malaria prophylaxis is recommended

• Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly advised

• Drink only bottled or purified water

Packing Essentials:

• Lightweight, modest clothing (linen and cotton work best)

• Reef-safe sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Comfortable sandals for walking on sand

• Small gifts for guides and staff (Houston-themed items are always appreciated!)

Why Choose Lamu for Your Honeymoon?

In a world of increasingly commercialized honeymoon destinations, Lamu stands apart as a genuine, unspoiled paradise. Here, life moves at the gentle pace of the tides, allowing couples to truly connect with each other and the extraordinary surroundings.

The combination of cultural richness, natural beauty, and the absence of crowds creates a honeymoon experience that feels both exotic and deeply intimate. For couples from Houston seeking something beyond the ordinary – a place where traditional values meet timeless romance – Lamu Island represents the perfect beginning to married life.

Ready to experience the magic of Lamu for your honeymoon? Contact our specialized East Africa team to begin crafting your personalized journey to this extraordinary destination.

This blog post was prepared by our senior travel advisor specializing in East African honeymoons. All recommendations are based on personal experience and detailed knowledge of the destination. Some images are obtained from www.tripadvisor.com