Lamu Old Town
Lamu Island, Lamu Archipelago, Kenya
What happened
Lamu is a small town on an island off the northern coast of Kenya, thought to have been founded around 1370. It grew into one of the most important trading towns on the East African coast, with ships sailing across the Indian Ocean. Its houses are built from coral stone and mangrove wood, with carved wooden doors and shady courtyards.
Why it matters
Lamu is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili town in East Africa, and people have lived there for more than 700 years. It shows how Swahili culture grew through trade between Africa, Arabia, Persia and India.
What came next
Lamu became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Today, traditional sailing boats called dhows still sail from its harbour, and dhow races are part of its yearly Maulidi festival.
Did you know?
There are no cars on Lamu Island, so about 3,000 donkeys carry people and goods through its narrow streets.
Timeline
- c. 1370Lamu Town is thought to have been founded.
- Early 1500sThe Portuguese blockade and tax the town.
- 1652Oman helps Lamu resist Portuguese control.
- 1987A donkey sanctuary opens to care for the island's donkeys.
- 2001Lamu Old Town becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site.