Lamu Museum
About
Sprawling open-air market serving Dagoretti and beyond with everything from fresh vegetables to household goods. It's chaotic, crowded, and where locals shop when they want bulk prices and negotiable rates. Go prepared to haggle.
Highlights
- Wheelchair accessible
HoursOpen now
Google reviews
- Rashid S.Google review · 16 Dec 2025
This experience offers a remarkable journey back in time to the era of the sultans, providing deep insight into their culture, lifestyle, and values. Through real archaeological excavations and well-preserved original artefacts, visitors gain an authentic understanding of the historical period. The traditional dressing, detailed house setups, and thoughtfully designed living spaces—including the layout of the living rooms and bedrooms—illustrate how daily life was organized. Particularly striking is the bathroom, which highlights a strong emphasis on hygiene and reflects the influence of Islamic culture in everyday living. Overall, the experience is highly educational, leaving one with a sense that there is so much to learn, even within a limited amount of time.
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- Jaime R.Google review · 14 Dec 2025
Nice place, very interesting about Lamu history and Swahili culture. I would like that there were a single ticket to enter all the Lamu cultural places (Fort, museum, Swahili house) bc there are many spots and you have to choose which one you want to pay for, but the museum is very interesting, I think it's the best one if you have to choose only one.
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- Justin L.Google review · 30 Oct 2025
It cost 550 KES (to get in) and it’s probably a 4 star overall. The second floor is about OMAN (who gave them money to update the space) and less about Kenya. You’ll spend about 1-2 hours. I think it is worth it to learn about some history. It’s better than Lamu Fort, which is dirtier and less organized, but it is cool to see the fort for 450 KES. If you want to learn, it’s a 3.5 star out of 5. You’ll need maybe an hour to read/glance.
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- Sanada N.Google review · 2 Apr 2025
Lamu Museum: A Must-See in Lamu! I had a fantastic experience at the Lamu Museum. The museum offers a great insight into the rich history and culture of Lamu. I visited on a weekend and was pleased that there was no wait to enter, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I highly recommend visiting this museum when you're in Lamu! 🏝️💯
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- Mwaniki N.Google review · 17 Oct 2024
Lamu Museum is arguably the most contemporary museum in the country and definitely the only one in Lamu. Recently renovated with help from the Sultanate of Oman, the museum takes on a monochrome theme as one journeys through Swahili culture, from origins, birth, social order, worship, living and death. It's the easiest place to get a good definition of who the Swahili are, or aren't. The Omanis have taken up the entirety of the first floor to showcase their Sultanate's history, its interaction with the East African coast before and during colonialism, and what present day Oman has to offer. To be frank, one can see a clear difference between the amount of research, synthesis, story, and art direction that went into the Swahili vs Omani showcases. Despite this being the best for now, I feel the National Museums of Kenya should use it as a springboard to inject more modernity, flair, and detail into all its heritage sites.
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Location
Faza Kenyatta Rd Lamu
Lamu
