Ladies who love to travel and are cultural enthusiasts seeking to experience diverse cultures and immerse themselves in the local community. You get to explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic Lamu Island of Kenya and be a part of its iconic annual cultural festival. A unique opportunity to discover the Swahili culture in Kenya through an unforgettable experience.

Lamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili towns in East Africa. Lamu is a timeless island where centuries of Swahili history, culture, and tradition remain beautifully preserved. Its winding alleyways, coral-stone houses, bustling waterfront, and rich maritime heritage offer visitors an authentic glimpse into one of East Africa’s most historic and culturally significant towns.

You get to explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic Lamu Island of Kenya and be a part of its iconic annual cultural festival. The Lamu Cultural Festival includes traditional performances, dhow races, donkey races, and much more. A unique opportunity to discover the Swahili culture in Kenya in an enriching and unforgettable way with like-minded women.

Guests may choose to add an a safari and fully customise their itinerary with an exciting wildlife experience before or after the Lamu visit to include one night accommodation transit in Nairobi. You extend your journey conveniently to Nairobi National Park for one night, or to other safari ecosystems such as Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, or Mount Kenya for more days. Kenya is remarkably diverse, with ecosystems ranging from coastal islands and coral reefs to savannah plains, Rift Valley lakes, and snow-capped mountains, offering unforgettable wildlife experiences.

"Halal Safaris have given me one of the best experiences of my life so far!" - Rahma

"Halal safaris were truly incredible, professional, well organised and very knowledgable about everything LAMU, definitely the best people to book you next trip to LAMU with... the whole visit and experience was truly great. From Start to Finish." - Shukrinaz

"Amazing trip. Beautiful town knowledgeable tour guides, beautiful archeological sites. Well planned to visit all sites in a short time while still feeling like a vacation, at an affordable rate. Highly recommend and will definitely do it again!" - Moona

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Transfer from either JKIA or Wilson Airport in Nairobi, or from Mombasa to Manda Airport in Lamu.

Sail along between the mangroves of the Lamu Bay on a traditional wooden dhow and soak in the stunning sunsets, island views, and rich Swahili coastal heritage experience.

On the dhow, you will be served with traditional sundowners, i.e. coconut water and Swahili spiced coffee with traditional snacks.

You will stay at specially selected private villas in Lamu Town, ensuring a comfortable and intimate stay not far from the cultural events. The villas selected are intricately designed with traditional Swahili decor, reminiscent of the historic architecture of the East African Coast.

Breakfast will be served at your villa

Shela Village is a peaceful coastal settlement on Lamu Island known for white sand dunes, Swahili architecture, quiet charm, cultural heritage, and beach views scenery. It's surrounded by pristine beaches for a scenic walk along it's shore.

Join the local women for hands-on lessons on the iconic Swahili cuisine. Guests will learn about home-based traditions, including women’s prayer practices, and experience the community in an intimate setting.

Breakfast will be served at your villa

The Lamu Cultural Festival is an annual celebration held in Lamu Old Town on Lamu Island, Kenya, showcasing the rich heritage of the Swahili people. The festival brings together local communities and visitors from around the world to experience traditional music, dance, poetry, dhow sailing races, donkey races, henna painting, Swahili cuisine, and cultural exhibitions. It highlights the unique customs, architecture, and history of Lamu, one of East Africa's oldest continuously inhabited settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A tour of Lamu UNESCO Site and exploring the traditional events taking place during the festival such as the donkey and dhow races. You will have a private guide for your tour for the group.

Breakfast will be served at your villa

Enjoy a free day at your leisure or choose an optional visit to Kitau Beach on Manda Island, where you can unwind on pristine sands, swim in crystal clear waters and soak up the tranquil coastal atmosphere. You may also select to go for an extra tour or do an activity at your leisure. Other options include water sports, kayaking or having traditional henna applied; each offers a wonderful way to experience the vibrant cultural coastal lifestyle.

Ladies' Night is a vibrant celebration of Swahili culture during the festival, where women gather to showcase traditional fashion, intricate henna designs, music, dance, storytelling, and authentic coastal cuisine. The evening highlights the vital role of women in preserving Lamu's rich cultural heritage while offering visitors an unforgettable cultural and social experience.

Breakfast will be served at your villa

On your final day, after check-out, you will transfer to Nairobi for your onward flight or return home. If you wish to extend your journey, we can arrange extra nights in Lamu or add an optional Nairobi safari experience, allowing you to explore more of Kenya’s culture, wildlife, and landscapes.

Transfer to Airport via boat from Lamu to Manda Airport, onwards to either Nairobi or Mombasa.

Pate Island holds deep Islamic heritage, reflected in its ancient mosques, including the historic Mosque with two Qiblah and another with two Mihrab, associated with early Swahili scholarship and devotion. The island’s legacy includes handwritten Qur’an, traditional madrasa learning, and centuries of Islamic culture that shaped coastal East Africa’s spiritual and intellectual identity. For $150/person, you get a boat transfer to Pate Island, a guide and packed Swahili snacks and water for the tour to the historic towns on the island.

Extend your journey with an optional one-day add-on in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital where urban energy meets wildlife either before or after your trip to Lamu. Visit the iconic Nairobi National Park, a unique sanctuary where lions, giraffes, and rhinos roam against a city skyline. Continue to the famous Giraffe Centre for an up-close, ethical conservation experience feeding and learning about endangered Rothschild giraffes. Nairobi is the only city in the world with a National Park in within the city. This add-on offers a convenient blend of conservation and your heritage visit in Lamu. The package includes your accommodation in Nairobi, local airport pickups and drops offs, shared wildlife safari, and dinner at your hotel (park fees not included).

You can also extend your journey to other safari ecosystems that can be customised to your need such as Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, or Mount Kenya. Kenya is remarkably diverse, with ecosystems ranging from coastal islands and coral reefs to savannah plains, Rift Valley lakes, and snow-capped mountains, offering unforgettable wildlife experiences.