Checklist
A list of essentials for travel to Kenya:
Kenya Tourist Visa
Travel Insurance
Flying Doctors
Connecting flight to Lamu
Accommodation
Kenyan Shilling for tips, groceries if your staying in a house and anything else you might buy while on the island
Medicine: electrolytes, paracetamol, throat and stomach meds, sunscreen, etc.
There is no supermarket or ATM in Shela, though you can buy some very basic supplies.
Travel
Lamu Manda is a tiny airport with no International flights.
Most people will want to fly into Nairobi and take a domestic flight into Lamu Manda. There are also flights from Mombasa and Malindi.
CAREFUL: There are multiple airports in Nairobi, make sure you leave enough time to travel between them.
There are several airlines to choose from: Jambojet, Fly540, Skyward Express and Safari Link.
Shela is a short boat ride from Lamu Manda airport, most hotels and houses will organise a boat and there are plenty of boat taxis available when you arrive.
Do book flights ASAP as March is very busy and flights get booked out months in advanced.
VISA
You need to purchase a single entry visa on evisa.go.ke. On arrival you'll also need to show proof of vaccination.
Travel Insurance & Flying Doctor
Part of the charm of Lamu is that it's a small and undeveloped island. However, this means there are limited healthcare facilities.
There's a good local doctor but for serious emergencies you'd need to go to Nairobi. Travel insurance is essential and we'd also really recommend paying for Flying Doctors! It's the easiest and fastest way to get to a good hospital in Nairobi and might be the best 10 bucks you’ve ever spent!
Where to Stay?
We strongly recommend staying in Shela or on Manda (which is right opposite Shela). There are other places to stay on the island but they're inconvenient for the wedding and there are no cars.
There are lots of options for accommodation, you can either stay in a rental house or hotel. Places book up fast, so book as soon as possible!
High-end houses
The Fort (Single friends - slide in our dm's and share the gossip after!)
Matonga House
The Moon Houses
Lamu 360 (Stuard Herds House)
Shela Houses
Kasbah
Kilele House
Kilamawingu
Dhow House
Honey Moon House (6 day bookings only)
Forodhani House
Waridi House
Uzio House
Mid-range houses
Jasmine
Jaha
Zahir
La Joya
Shela Royal house
Mnarani
Tunusuru
Pumbao
Hotels
The Majlis (£££)
Peponi (£££)
Kijani (££)
Banana House (££)
Jua House (££)
Msafini (£)
Alternatively, check Airbnb!
CASH
Take some cash out at an ATM in Nairobi! You will need it to tip staff, small taxi boats and to buy some things at the market! There is no ATM in Shela, only in Lamu town.