Getting Around Lamu Island. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation Overview

There are no conventional public transit systems like metros or buses. Donkeys are the backbone of land transport within Lamu Old Town and for connecting to nearby areas like Shela or the Mokowe mainland jetty. They transport both goods and people through the labyrinthine alleys.

The Lamu Donkey Sanctuary works to care for these working animals. Traditional wooden sailing boats (dhows) are the lifeblood of water transport. They for inter-island travel, airport transfers from Manda, and local transport between Lamu Town, Shela, Manda Island, and other parts of the archipelago. Dhows vary in size, from small water taxis to larger vessels for excursions.

Modes of Transport

Donkeys: main land transport for people and goods.
Dhows: Essential for water transport, inter-island travel, and airport transfers.
Walking: The best way to explore Lamu Old Town's atmosphere.
No formal route maps; navigation relies on landmarks and local knowledge.

Fares & Payment

Donkey fares negotiated directly with owner/rider. Local shared dhows have consistent, set fares per person. Private dhows negotiated for entire boat and duration. Payment almost always cash (KES). Carry small denominations.

Operating Hours

Donkeys operate throughout day and evening. Local dhows frequently operate during daylight hours. After dark, shared dhows less frequent; charter a private dhow if traveling late.

Important Hubs

Lamu Old Town: Main hub for donkey traffic and local dhow departures. Main jetties along waterfront central points. Shela Beach: Jetties pick-up/drop-off for dhows.

Accessibility & Navigation Tips

Accessibility Challenges

Lamu Old Town's narrow, winding alleys are uneven, unpaved, and contain many steps, making them largely unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Donkeys not universally accessible for all disabilities.

Navigation Advice

Walk: Best way to immerse in atmosphere, discover architecture. Wear comfortable, durable sandals.
Learn Basic Swahili Phrases: "Asante" (thank you), "Jambo" (hello) appreciated.
Negotiate Fairly: Polite and respectful bargaining common practice for donkey rides/private dhows.

Rental Options & Specialized Transport

Car Rentals

Not applicable for Lamu Island; cars prohibited.

Motorcycle Rentals

Not available or used by tourists; alleys not suitable.

Bicycle Rentals

Limited in Old Town; some Shela guesthouses offer bikes for local rides.

Donkey & Dhow Rentals

Donkeys can be 'rented' for longer periods. Private dhows common for excursions.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

The concept of 'taxi' in Lamu differs from conventional cities due to the absence of cars.

Lamu 'Taxis'

No car taxis on Lamu Island.
A 'taxi' refers to a private dhow boat for water transport, or a donkey for land transport.
Hailing a Dhow: Go to main jetties; captains approach you. Negotiate price or ask for shared dhow.
Hailing a Donkey: Readily available in Lamu Town, especially near main square or jetties. Approach rider or they may offer.

Fares & Safety

Donkey Taxi: KES 50-200 for short rides. Dhow Taxi (Lamu to Shela): KES 100-300 per person (shared).
Payment almost always cash (KES). Useful to carry small denominations.
No ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft operate on Lamu Island.
Dhow Safety: Ensure it looks seaworthy; confirm life jackets are on board, especially for children. Confirm experienced captain.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian Zones

Lamu Old Town: Entire town a pedestrian-friendly zone (with donkeys). Best way to immerse in atmosphere.

Shela Beach: Ideal for long, leisurely walks along beachfront.

Cycling Limitations

Very limited bicycle infrastructure. Not recommended in Old Town due to narrow, crowded, uneven alleys.

Some Shela guesthouses offer bikes for local rides.

Guided Tours

Guided Walking Tours: Highly recommended for Lamu Old Town.

Local, licensed guides offer valuable insights into history, culture, and hidden courtyards.

Specialized Transport & Access

Water Transportation

Dhows ubiquitous boat taxis, connecting Lamu Town to Shela, Manda Island (and its airport), and other archipelago points.
Chartered for day trips, snorkeling, fishing, and sunset cruises. Main means of moving between islands.
No large international ferry service or deep-water cruise ship port.

Accessibility Services

Lamu Island's infrastructure significant challenges for travelers with mobility impairments.
No widely available specialized accessibility services or infrastructure.
Travelers with mobility needs communicate directly with accommodation to understand premises accessibility.

No-Go Areas & Safety Tips

Nighttime: Avoid very dark, deserted alleys in Lamu Old Town at night, especially if alone.
Stick to well-lit main paths where people are present.
Security Concerns: Always heed current local advice or travel advisories concerning any areas with security concerns.
Road Conditions (Mainland): The road to Mokowe has historically been a security concern, many prefer flying.

Tour Buses & Hop-on/Hop-off: Not available on Lamu Island.
Cable Cars, Funiculars: None exist on Lamu.
Immigration at Seaports: No specific immigration procedures for international arrivals in Lamu.
Domestic transfers from Manda Airport or Mokowe are internal movements within Kenya.

Embrace the Pace

Lamu's transport unique. Embrace walking, donkeys, and dhows to experience island life fully. Allow extra time for island pace.

Getting Around Lamu Island