Shela dominates the southeast corner of Lamu Island and might just be the Kenya Coast beach destination of your dreams.
The vast majority of visitor to UNESCO World Heritage designated Lamu Island tend to overlook laid back Shela, which seems to suit this laid back and artsy little hamlet-by-the-sea.
If you’re planning a trip to the island, you may be wondering where to base yourself out of – Shela or Lamu Old Town. However, the answer might not be as straightforward as you may think.
Lamu, being an island with no air strip, can only be accessed by boat, either from the air strip pier on Manda Island or, if arriving by bus or taxi, from the pier at Kikoni.
Shela Village can be reached by ferry service from Old Town, private hire boat service from Lamu-Manda air strip, or via two walking paths from Old Town.
The main walking route between the two communities traces the Corniche Path heading south out of Old Town along the water.
If you are beach-bound, the “highway” path behind town is a more direct route. Head toward Mkomani Primary School and follow the walking path due south.
