Getting to Lamu: Flights, Ferries, and Dhow Transfers Explained
Lamu Island is car-free and magical. Here's every way to get there — flights, ferries, dhows — with prices, times, and what to expect.
Lamu Island is one of the most unique destinations in Kenya — a car-free UNESCO World Heritage Site where donkeys carry goods, dhows sail across the channel, and the pace of life is measured in tea sips rather than minutes.
But getting there requires some planning. Here's every option.
Option 1: Flight from Nairobi
Air Strip
Airlines
- Safarilink: Daily flights from Wilson Airport, 1 hour
- Skyward Express: Daily flights, 1 hour
Prices
- Safarilink: KES 12,000-20,000 one-way
- Skyward Express: KES 10,000-18,000 one-way
What to Expect
- Flights land at Lamu Airport (LAU) on Manda Island
- From the airport, take a dhow or speedboat to Lamu Town (10-15 minutes, KES 200-500)
- The flight offers stunning views of the coast and islands
Tips
- Book at least 2 weeks in advance
- Morning flights have the best light for aerial photos
- Luggage is limited — pack light (15 kg checked + 7 kg carry-on)
Option 2: Flight from Mombasa
Airlines
- Safarilink: Daily flights from Moi International Airport, 30 minutes
- Skyward Express: Daily flights, 30 minutes
Prices
- Safarilink: KES 6,000-10,000 one-way
- Skyward Express: KES 5,000-8,000 one-way
Tips
- Faster and cheaper than flying from Nairobi
- Good option if you're already on the coast
Option 3: Bus + Boat from Mombasa
Tawakal Buss
The Route
- Take a bus from Mombasa to Mokowe Jetty (5-6 hours, KES 1,000-1,500)
- Take a dhow or speedboat from Mokowe to Lamu Town (30 minutes, KES 200-1,000)
Bus Operators
- Tawakal: KES 1,000-1,500
- Ena Coach: KES 1,000-1,200
Boat Options
- Public dhow: KES 200-300 (30-45 minutes, depends on wind)
- Speedboat: KES 500-1,000 (15-20 minutes)
- Private boat: KES 2,000-5,000 (on your schedule)
Total Time
6-7 hours
Total Cost
- Budget (dhow): KES 1,200-1,800
- Mid-range (speedboat): KES 1,500-2,500
Tips
- The bus journey is long but scenic
- Buses depart Mombasa early morning (6-7 AM)
- The dhow crossing is an experience — sit back and enjoy the views
- Speedboats are faster but bumpier
Option 4: Private Boat from Malindi
Yatch
The Route
Charter a boat from Malindi to Lamu (2-3 hours).
Cost
- Private charter: KES 15,000-30,000 for the boat
- Shared boat: KES 3,000-5,000 per person (if available)
Tips
- Only available during calm seas (October-March)
- Book through Malindi hotels or tour operators
- The journey is beautiful — you'll pass islands and mangrove channels
What to Expect on Arrival
Lamu Town
Lamu Town
- No cars — you'll walk everywhere or take a donkey taxi (KES 100-300)
- Narrow, winding streets — pack light (backpacks are better than suitcases)
- Beautiful Swahili architecture — take your time exploring
- The waterfront is the heart of the town
Transport on the Island
- Walking: Free, the best way to explore
- Donkey taxi: KES 100-300 per trip
- Bicycle rental: KES 500/day
- Boat between islands: KES 200-1,000
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Option | Time | Cost (one way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight from Nairobi | 1.5 hrs | KES 12,000-20,000 | Speed, convenience |
| Flight from Mombasa | 1 hr | KES 6,000-10,000 | Already on coast |
| Bus + boat | 6-7 hrs | KES 1,200-2,500 | Budget, adventure |
| Private boat from Malindi | 2-3 hrs | KES 15,000-30,000 | Luxury, scenic |
The Verdict
Best value: Bus + boat. It's an adventure, and at KES 1,200-2,500, it's incredibly cheap for the experience.
Fastest: Flight from Mombasa. If you're already on the coast, this is the way.
Most scenic: Private boat from Malindi. Expensive but unforgettable.
My recommendation: Fly from Mombasa if you can afford it. The 30-minute flight is quick, and the dhow transfer to Lamu Town is a magical introduction to the island.