How to get to Lamu from Mombasa?
Travelling to Lamu from Mombasa is a thrilling experience that takes you through the beautiful coast of Kenya with an opportunity to experience contemporary city life, as well as Swahili culture. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Lamu is rich in history, has magnificently beautiful beaches, and offers a peaceful atmosphere. The road trip between Mombasa and Lamu can be made by road, by air, or even by sea, as each of them has its own twist.
By Air:
Flying is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Lamu from Mombasa. The direct flight takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. This means that it is a good flight choice in case of limited time. There are approximately 7 flights per week between Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa and Lamu, which fly into the Manda Airstrip (LAU).
Several domestic airlines such as Safarilink and Air Kenya offer scheduled flights to Lamu. The flight is sufficiently affordable, but its price may depend on the time of booking and demand. After reaching Manda Airstrip, the following is a boat ride to Lamu Island. Since the town has no motor vehicles, boat transport is the primary means of getting around
By Road:
Affordable road transport is also available by traveling between Mombasa and Lamu, with the journey takes about 7–8 hours by private car, and 8–10 hours by bus, depending on stops and road conditions. In addition, there is a bus service from Mombasa to Lamu that takes around 6 hours and 10 minutes, with a fare of about $9.
The trip provides scenic views of the Kenyan coast and the countryside, and there is no better way of experiencing the local culture. Here’s a guide to the road route:
- From Mombasa, take the B8 coastal highway northwards through Malindi and Garsen. From Garsen, continue on the road to Mokowe, the mainland town opposite Lamu Island. From Mokowe, a 20–30 minute boat ride takes you across the channel to Lamu.
- The condition of roads may change even in rainy seasons. Part of the road is paved, but it can be rough and bumpy towards the outskirts of Lamu, so a 4x4 vehicle would be preferred on this leg of the journey.
- You pass through Tana River County, which is quite an underdeveloped region, with not many sights except several small towns and villages on the way. To have refreshment, stop at Garsen or Hola before getting to the final stretch of the journey.
- Getting to Lamu: Upon arrival at Mokowe, the nearest town to Lamu by road, you can then board a boat across the Lamu Channel up to Lamu Island. Depending on the group, that may vary by about 20-30 minutes.
By Sea:
Traveling by sea between Mombasa and Lamu is not a common or feasible option. Mombasa and Lamu are not connected by direct public ferries as the distance along the coast is more than 300 kilometers. Although it is sometimes possible to charter the traditional dhows or private boats for the voyage, this is very rare, it is expensive and highly dependent on weather conditions. As these journeys tend to be time-consuming (8-12 hours or more), they are not practical means of transportation to most individuals.
The more common sea leg of the journey is the short boat ride of just 20-30 minutes between Mokowe on the mainland to Lamu Island that is taken by virtually all visitors. This transport is common, affordable and offers a scenic route to the island.
By Private Transfer or Safari:
To those who are willing to pay extra fees and get a more luxurious experience, private transfers or safari tours between Mombasa and Lamu are available. Most of the tour operators also provide the whole package, inclusive of travel, accommodation, and guided tours. These transfers are usually done by road and boat travel, which forms an easy and stress-free means of transportation to Lamu.
Tips for the Journey:
- Weather: Lamu and the coastal region remain warm all year round, but it is prudent to avoid travelling during the rainy season (April to June), since some roads may become impassable and ferries may not work as regularly scheduled.
- What to pack: Light, breathable clothes, sunscreen, and a lot of water, especially if traveling by road. Bring along a light jacket in case you are going on a boat ride, as the breeze of the sea is chilly.
- Money: It is a good idea to have some cash, as some far-flung places do not have ATMs. Most of the small businesses in Lamu will prefer to receive cash payments.
Conclusion:
Whether by air, road, or sea, the journey to Lamu is an action-packed adventure by itself. The most convenient and fast way is flying, but driving/getting a boat is a chance to experience the variety of the landscape on the Kenyan coastline. Whichever way you prefer, the route to Lamu will present the background of the unforgettable experience in one of the most historic and beautiful islands of Kenya.
NEED HELP 24/7
United States 
United Kingdom 
