Lamu, Kenya 🇰🇪
#386 -2.267539, 40.901064

Nomad Score: 59%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Lamu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa, known for its rich history and unique architecture.
👥 Population Approximately 25,000 residents.
💻 Internet Speed Average speed is around 15-20 Mbps, with some cafes and coworking spaces offering higher speeds.
💸 Currency & Banking The Kenyan Shilling (KES). 1 USD ≈ 145 KES.
🚰 Tap Water Generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended.
🔌 Power 240V, 50Hz, with Type G sockets commonly used.
📶 SIM Card Safaricom and Airtel are the main providers, offering good coverage.
💳 Banking for Expats Equity Bank and KCB Bank are widely accepted; mobile money services like M-Pesa are popular.
🛌 Accommodation Options include guesthouses, Airbnb, and boutique hotels. Popular areas are Lamu Town and Shela.
💳 Cashless Friendly Yes, mobile payments are widely accepted via M-Pesa, but cash is still commonly used.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Available on platforms like Airbnb and local websites; prices range from $40 to $150 per night depending on the area and amenities.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Guest houses like Jua House offer budget-friendly prices starting around $20 per night.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Lamu Coworking Hub, located in Lamu Town, provides decent facilities for remote work.
☕ Best Cafe for Work The ArtCafe is popular for its ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi.
💼 Networking Events Check local Facebook groups or community boards for expat meetups and networking opportunities.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Regular gatherings at venues like The Swahili Room, where expats can socialize.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Uber is available but limited; local tuk-tuks and boda-bodas are common for short trips.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Available from local shops; renting costs around $10 per day.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Shela Beach, known for its beauty and tranquility, is just a short boat ride away.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Airkenya offers domestic flights to Lamu from Nairobi.
✈️ Top International Airline Kenya Airways provides connections to Lamu via Nairobi.
🛣️ Highway Access Lamu is accessible via roads from the mainland, but most transport is done by boat.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub There's no train service to Lamu; access is primarily by air or sea.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Public transport is informal; matatus (shared minibuses) operate on the mainland.
✈️ Regional Travel Ferries are the main method for reaching Lamu from the mainland; expect about 30 minutes transit time.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Lamu County Referral Hospital provides basic healthcare services.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Lamu Yoga offers classes and wellness activities in a tranquil setting.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Limited options; some hotels offer basic gym facilities.
🧺 Laundry Services Available at many guesthouses and local laundromats; prices around $5 per load.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Jumia Food is the leading option for food delivery in Lamu.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Zanzibar pizza and seafood dishes are must-try local delicacies.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options The Corner Cafe offers a range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Maisha Restaurant serves delicious cakes and pastries.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Lamu Market is the best place for local produce and snacks.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Kilimall and Jumia are popular for online shopping in Kenya.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Limited; local shops provide basic grocery options, but larger stores may require in-person shopping.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Lamu Town offers several bars where locals and expats gather, such as The Lamu Social.
🍻 Local Brewery Limited locally brewed beers available; imported beers at bars.
🍷 Wine Bars No dedicated wine bars; some restaurants have good selections.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Try local fish and meat skewers from vendors in Lamu Town.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Several restaurants offer Indian, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine in Lamu Town.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Lamu Fort and the Old Town are historical sites showcasing Swahili architecture.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues The Lamu Museum highlights the area's rich history and culture.
🏰 Historical Sites Visit the Swahili House Museum for insights into the local heritage.
🕍 Religious Sites The Riyadha Mosque is renowned for its architecture and community importance.
🎉 Annual Events The Lamu Cultural Festival, celebrated every November, showcases local traditions.
🎨 Cultural Districts Explore the narrow alleys of Lamu Old Town for a glimpse of Swahili life.
🎭 Theater Venues Local theaters often host traditional performances; check community boards.
🛍️ Local Markets Lamu Market is a bustling place to buy local crafts and produce.
🎼 Music Scene Traditional Taarab music is popular; live performances can be found in local venues.
🎨 Street Art Street art is limited but can be found around Lamu Town.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Various local chefs offer cooking classes focusing on Swahili cuisine.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Lamu Art Gallery exhibits local artwork and crafts.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Explore the many old Swahili houses scattered throughout Lamu Town.
🏴 Local Heritage The Swahili culture, history, and distinct architecture form the backbone of Lamu's heritage.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Visit Kiwayu Island for stunning beaches and wildlife.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby The nearby Boni National Reserve is great for nature enthusiasts.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Scenic trails along the coast are ideal for walking or biking.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints The viewpoint at Shela Beach offers breathtaking sunset views.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Boni Forest is known for its diverse bird species.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Designated areas at Shela Beach are perfect for bonfires.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Local post offices handle parcel delivery; DHL also services Lamu.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Limited; some local shops may offer basic device repairs.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Local guesthouses may have recreational activities available.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Local language schools offer Swahili lessons; inquire at community centers.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots The Lamu Public Library offers a quiet place to read and study.
🏘️ Community Centers Several cultural centers often host workshops and events.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Limited gaming options; some cafes may have consoles available.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls No casinos in Lamu; the area focuses on cultural and historical experiences.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000).
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $30,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $52,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $36,000).
💼 Corporate Tax 30% for Kenyan businesses.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 5% for resident companies, 10% for non-resident companies.
🏦 Tax System Residents are taxed on worldwide income.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket 30% for income above KES 2,000,000.
🧾 VAT The standard VAT rate is 16%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Kenya has specific CFC rules for tax on foreign income.
🏠 Property Tax Yes, property tax is based on rental income; varies by location.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax The property transaction tax is 2% for property buyers.