Lamu and Watamu are among Kenya&rsquo;s South coast islands endowed with gorgeous palm-lined beaches along a coral fringe and pristine sky-blue waters.&nbsp;
The two islands have a rustic, quaint atmosphere, ideal for laid-back days. So, make the best of your travel to Lamu and Watamu by including the activities below in your itinerary.
<h2>Lamu</h2>
<img src="https://museums.or.ke/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/016b-Lamu-seafront--1024x676.jpg" alt="Lamu" width="1024" height="676" />
Image Source: <a href="https://museums.or.ke/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/016b-Lamu-seafront--1024x676.jpg">National Museums of Kenya</a>
Established in the 12th century by Bantu communities, Lamu is the oldest settlement along the Kenyan coast. The coastal Bantus interacted with traders and sailors from the eastern world, giving rise to Swahili culture. You can only explore Lamu&rsquo;s narrow winding streets on foot or using donkeys, and below its must-visit places.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Shela</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://whc.unesco.org/uploads/thumbs/site_1055_0002-1000-672-20151105113631.jpg" alt="Shela" width="1000" height="672" />
Image Source:<a href="https://whc.unesco.org/uploads/thumbs/site_1055_0002-1000-672-20151105113631.jpg"> whc.unesco.org</a>
Shela village is a sleepy getaway two miles from the Old Town of Lamu and is accessible by taxi boats/dhows from Lamu&rsquo;s Manda airstrip. However, you can enjoy walking from Lamu to Shela along a demarcated seafront path. Shela offers unparalleled serenity and has the most stunning heritage-style hotels and boutique villas on Lamu island.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Old Town of Lamu Cultural Tour</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://whc.unesco.org/uploads/thumbs/site_1055_0012-1000-748-20151105113638.jpg" alt="Old Town of Lamu Cultural Tour" width="1000" height="748" />
Image Source: <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/uploads/thumbs/site_1055_0012-1000-748-20151105113638.jpg">whc.unesco.org</a>
The Old Town of Lamu is a UNESCO heritage site thanks to its status as the most well-preserved Swahili settlement. Remnants of Lamu&rsquo;s golden era during Omani reign include coral stone and mangrove timber architecture and ornately decorated doors. Moreover, Lamu Cultural Festival, held in late November, celebrates and promotes the Swahili cultural heritage.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Lamu Channel Dhow Ride</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://whc.unesco.org/uploads/thumbs/site_1055_0005-1000-665-20151105113633.jpg" alt="Lamu Channel Dhow Ride" width="1000" height="665" />
Image Source: <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/uploads/thumbs/site_1055_0005-1000-665-20151105113633.jpg">whc.unesco.org</a>
Dhows cruises along turquoise Lamu waters include delicious lunches prepared on the dhow. Most dhows have coolers to chill beverages, although you should bring beverages. You can make a pit stop at Matondoni village to witness dhow building and other Swahili artisan crafts like weaving.&nbsp;
<h2>Watamu</h2>
Watamu is a coastal town on Kenya&rsquo;s South coast, endowed with natural resources, including glistening white sandy beaches, off-shore coral, and barrier reefs. Watamu Beach ranks as the third-best beach in Africa; hence a trip to the island is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to enjoy the following activities.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Sundowners at LichtHaus Bar and Restaurant</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://eatout.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/163331358_936460570455263_7964715613559610284_n.jpg" alt="Sundowners at LichtHaus Bar and Restaurant" width="1080" height="1349" />
Image Source: <a href="https://eatout.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/163331358_936460570455263_7964715613559610284_n.jpg">Eatout.co.ke</a>
LichtHaus floating restaurant&rsquo;s strategic location on Mida creek in Watamu aligns with the sublime coastal Kenya sunset. The one-of-a-kind restaurant features the most chilled setting, including hammocks; you must make a reservation to book hammocks. It serves delicious food and delightful cocktails and has a respectable drink collection,&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Kitesurfing</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://scontent.fnbo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/205618675_5071335969562067_2034300428776701684_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=730e14&amp;_nc_eui2=AeGTS1teWBnQQm2a5GoGVi49nHJ_H1jC8j6ccn8fWMLyPtkIVK1rWa8kTOEvY6WHhow&amp;_nc_ohc=MnW1DOijtCkAX8yFr_X&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfBnkBK_Ey7dz6EUTRFeTrHVE0AeacB8kbHzHWb6IzPZYA&amp;oe=639AC0EE" alt="Kitesurfing " width="2048" height="1368" />
Image Source: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/h2oextremedianibeach/photos/pb.100041399297533.-2207520000./5071335936228737/?type=3">Facebook.com</a>
Thrill-seekers visiting Watamu can go Kitesurfing. Watamu has over ten kitesurfing sports and two wind seasons, one starting in December, when winds blow at speeds ranging from 20-30 knots. Moreover, multiple institutions on the island offer fun but safe kitesurfing lessons.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Swimming Among Mida Creek Mangroves</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ba24ff7fcf7fdb9d4c3e95e/550fc1c4-73ef-4c9e-84f7-fc1e45ca6b25/IMG_1124_Done.jpg?format=500w" alt="" width="500" height="334" />
Image Source: <a href="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ba24ff7fcf7fdb9d4c3e95e/550fc1c4-73ef-4c9e-84f7-fc1e45ca6b25/IMG_1124_Done.jpg?format=500w">Treehouse.co.ke</a>
Swimming is an epic way to explore Watamu&rsquo;s clear waters. The Mida Creek adventure swim through mangrove forests allows you to get close to Watamu&rsquo;s flora and fauna. The creek&rsquo;s mangroves are a habitat for crabs and birds.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Kayaking</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ba24ff7fcf7fdb9d4c3e95e/1648198544887-CHKWF5FVO2D9CXIJKZTC/Copy+of+037_Low_Res_Watamu_Treehouse_HandZaround_Feb_2018.jpeg?format=1500w" alt="Kayaking" width="1500" height="1124" />
Image Source: <a href="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ba24ff7fcf7fdb9d4c3e95e/1648198544887-CHKWF5FVO2D9CXIJKZTC/Copy+of+037_Low_Res_Watamu_Treehouse_HandZaround_Feb_2018.jpeg?format=1500w">Treehouse.co.ke</a>
Mida Creek is also the go-to place for kayaking in Watamu. Its tidal waterways, wave-generating corals, and winds are perfect for memorable kayaking expeditions.
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Yoga On Standup Paddles</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://scontent.fnbo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/48385427_947230838812069_4586519369793667072_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=a26aad&amp;_nc_eui2=AeEs9tWifA0sVQTpBYp-Pu0iSGNC85t2rvVIY0Lzm3au9a_V0KJ01Z5XtT6YavJu9O4&amp;_nc_ohc=IgJiAlzstEcAX-KpO7A&amp;_nc_oc=AQkHy5xQ17Xj4wPOLl9tnFShM-aro2UUUZUsiUrKPZOBuy8YzzhNf6dl4PwobhUtkzc&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfAwfsAmCgo5fKladVHPzN3zULcsh58FkqHcO2QcTgbz5A&amp;oe=639AF19A" alt="Yoga On Standup Paddles" width="759" height="507" />
Image Source: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watamukenyatreehouse/photos/pb.100063835261492.-2207520000./947230835478736/?type=3">Facebook.com</a>
Kenya is Africa&rsquo;s yoga capital, and Watamu&rsquo;s tranquil environment is idyllic for yoga. Mida Creek is the go-to location for stand-up paddle board (SUP) yoga sessions. Alternatively, you can enjoy SUP yoga sessions on Watamu&rsquo;s serene ocean waters.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Watamu TreeHouse Yoga And Wellness</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://scontent.fnbo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.18172-8/26840965_750157398519415_6046050206045819136_o.jpg?_nc_cat=108&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=9267fe&amp;_nc_eui2=AeEoUsiDTfaf255xOyc39521rwF0C1_ms5evAXQLX-azly1HjzZaNgrNjtHf2S0JWgI&amp;_nc_ohc=9b1J_7Er79kAX-6n8sP&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfD7qFBwWWUnFNpqINxVkNMEWxhOMt4DmdrdoZyhtJsXfg&amp;oe=639ACE15" alt="Watamu TreeHouse Yoga And Wellness" width="1080" height="718" />
Image Source: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watamukenyatreehouse/photos/pb.100063835261492.-2207520000./750157398519415/?type=3">Facebook.com</a>&nbsp;
Besides SUP yoga, you can still connect with nature and harness its healing power at the Watamu Treehouse Yoga and Wellness retreat center. The retreat center has yoga studios to accommodate group and individual yoga retreats. Moreover, it offers other mindfulness programs, including meditation and asana.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Wine and Dine</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://scontent.fnbo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/307318238_2888735904765139_8055739556148195673_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=8bfeb9&amp;_nc_eui2=AeHNL5ueYwFGspnKScqMe8K0I1tUjdMdYzYjW1SN0x1jNslSY6nmi5sKOOShUT-mklQ&amp;_nc_ohc=VaV1bQNl0oYAX8r3Ik8&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfCte1h-kAi1EDhYQbMvoJe_g0ohDtISOozNtETXAYbtmw&amp;oe=637863F8" alt="Wine and Dine" width="2048" height="1417" />
Image Source: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CrabShackDabaso/photos/2888735251431871">Facebook.com</a>
Hospitality is Watamu&rsquo;s top industry, with numerous restaurants serving seafood, Swahili cuisine, and diverse international menus. Visitors to this food haven can enjoy delicious meals at the Crab Shack restaurant or visit Pili Pan for sundowners and dinner. Moreover, Italian food lovers can visit Osteria and Kobe beachfront restaurants.
Kenya&rsquo;s South coast is a tropical coast oasis with a healthy balance of relaxation and recreation.&nbsp; Contact us to book a curated trip to <a href="https://www.winda.guide/trip?location=Lamu&amp;page=">Lamu</a> or a group trip to <a href="https://www.winda.guide/trip?location=Watamu&amp;page=">Watamu</a> for the experience of a lifetime.

Kenya’s South Coast Travel Guide: Epic Things To Do in Lamu and Watamu