Home · Lamu Island
The island around us.
Lamu is not the backdrop. It is the experience.
001 · East African coast · Kenya
A thousand years of Swahili coast — coral mosques, carved doors, donkeys instead of cars, and the Indian Ocean breathing in and out.
002 · Lamu Old Town · UNESCO
Authentic Lamu
Lamu Town is the oldest continuously inhabited Swahili settlement in East Africa. UNESCO-listed since 2001. Coral-stone alleys too narrow for cars, donkeys carrying everything, the call to prayer.
Take the boat over for a morning tour and experience its authenticity.
003 · Shela Village
A boutique tourist village.
Shella is a charming, tranquil village located on the southeastern corner of Lamu Island, about two miles south of Lamu Town. Known as a bustling tourist destination, with cafes, restaurants, and a few boutique shops.
004 · Kipungani Village
The village that built our dhow.
At the southern tip of Lamu Island, Kipungani is a quiet fishing village of palm-thatched homes and woven mats. The hands here build the dhows, dry the makuti, and weave the mkeka found in the bedrooms. Our own boat, Kilindini, was born here.
The Cabanas also supports Kipungani Primary School, a quiet effort, ongoing for years.
See the Foundation