Is Lamu Safe in January 2026?

Self-appointed guides approach visitors at the ferry jetty or in the narrow lanes of the old town, offering free or low-cost orientation tours. The tour systematically visits craft shops and spice stalls where the guide receives a commission on anything purchased. Prices in these shops are inflated well above market rate to cover the commission.

How to avoid: Arrange guides through your guesthouse or a licensed tour operator. If you accept an offer of guidance, be aware that any shop visit is commission-driven and prices will be inflated. You are not obligated to buy anything.

Dhow boat operators on Lamu's waterfront quote prices verbally without a written agreement, then demand significantly more at the end of the trip—often claiming the original price was per person rather than for the whole boat, or adding fuel surcharges not mentioned upfront. Disputes at the dock with no witnesses put tourists at a disadvantage.

How to avoid: Get the full price in writing before boarding. Clarify whether the price is per person or for the whole boat. Pay only after the trip is complete and the boat has returned to the dock.

Some budget guesthouses in Lamu Old Town post photos online of renovated, well-lit rooms with sea views but assign arriving guests to dark, inferior rooms at the same rate. Given the island's remote location and limited accommodation, guests feel pressure to accept the room rather than search for alternatives after a long journey.

How to avoid: Book through reputable platforms with verified guest reviews. On arrival, insist on seeing the specific room before paying. If it does not match your booking, document the discrepancy and contact the booking platform.

Several fraudulent guesthouses are listed on booking platforms using photographs of legitimate heritage properties in Lamu's old town. On arrival, tourists find no property exists at the address, or the listing bears no resemblance to photos. A variant involves properties that collect full payment online then claim "the room was given away" and offer a much cheaper alternative.

How to avoid: Book only through properties with verified reviews on multiple platforms. Call the guesthouse directly using a number independently found (not the listing's listed number) to confirm availability. Pay by credit card rather than bank transfer so you can dispute charges.

The short motorized ferry crossing between Lamu mainland jetty (Mokowe) and Lamu island has a fixed government rate, but boatmen charge tourists significantly above the official fare. Private boat operators waiting at the jetty quote higher prices and claim the public ferry is not running.

How to avoid: Confirm the current official ferry fare with your accommodation in advance. Board the scheduled public ferry rather than a private boat. Have exact change ready at the standard rate.