Lamu, Kenya
Ivan & Nandi
Karibu - Welcome.
We're getting married, and we'd love you to come! We chose Lamu because it's a place we love - an old Swahili island off the Kenyan coast where there are no cars, only sailboats and donkeys.
07 January 2027
Start here
A celebration on an island needs a little planning.
No cars
Dhow sails
Stone alleys
Warm nights
Lamu is small, beautiful, and remote in the best possible way: a Swahili island of narrow lanes, old coral-stone houses, sea breeze, sailboats, donkeys, and slow afternoons. January is high season in Kenya, so flights and accommodation can fill quickly.
Please book early, stay in the Shela village area, and RSVP through the Google Form by the deadline. Please fill out the form even if you are not coming, so we can keep everything organized.
We are connecting you with travel agents who can help with domestic flights, accommodation ideas, transfers, safaris, sightseeing, and any Kenya questions that are easier to solve with someone on the ground.
Tentative schedule
A few days in paradise
Exact times and activities will be confirmed closer to the wedding.
06.01
Wednesday
Sunset Dhow sail boat trip (optional)
Afternoon, time to follow
If you arrive in Lamu by Wednesday, join us for a relaxed sunset sail on traditional dhows. There will be a few 10-person boats for our group, and we will sail alongside each other through the Lamu channel at sunset. This is optional, but everyone is welcome.
07.01
Thursday
Wedding day at The Fort
Ceremony, dinner, drinks, and dancing
The main celebration will take place at The Fort in Shela. Expect ocean air, candlelight, dinner, music, and a long warm evening with the people we love most.
Venue
The Fort, Shela.
The Fort sits on Shela Beach, between sand dunes, coral-stone architecture, palms, and the Indian Ocean. It is private, sculptural, and wonderfully Lamu: grand enough for a wedding, relaxed enough for bare feet nearby.
Venue photos via The Fort Shela official gallery. See more from the venue on Instagram @thefortshela.
Lamu Island
A UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lamu Old Town is one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa, recognized by UNESCO for its architecture, living culture, and long history of exchange across the Indian Ocean.
Travel
How to get to Lamu.
Lamu is an island in the Lamu Archipelago on Kenya's northern coast. The usual route is international flight to Nairobi, domestic flight to Lamu/Manda Airport, then a short boat transfer to Shela.
Fly to Nairobi
Most international guests arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. If your international flight arrives late, plan one night in Nairobi before continuing to Lamu.
Connect to Lamu
Domestic flights to Lamu usually leave from Nairobi's Wilson Airport or JKIA, depending on the airline. Leave enough time if you need to change airports.
Boat to Shela
Lamu/Manda Airport is across the water from Lamu Island. Your hotel, villa, or travel agent can arrange the boat transfer from the airport to Shela.
Where to stay
Book your stay in Shela, not Lamu Town.
Shela is the village closest to The Fort and the easiest base for the wedding. Lamu Town is fascinating for a visit, but it is less convenient for late evenings, beach time, and wedding logistics.
Look for
Shela village, Shela beach, Manda-facing villas, boutique guesthouses, and small hotels within walking distance of the beach.
Ask before booking
Airport boat transfer, air conditioning or strong fans, generator or backup power, breakfast, and whether the property can help arrange local boats.
Good to know
Villas can be ideal for groups. If you are traveling solo or as a couple, small hotels and guesthouses may be easier and more social.
Travel concierge and support
Travel agents can help you plan.
We are connecting you with travel agents who can help you book safaris, trips, transport, sightseeing, airport transfers, and practical Kenya logistics. Please reach out early, especially if you want safari options, a beach extension, or help choosing where to stay in Shela.
The Safari Company
thesafaricoltd.com safaris@thesafaricoltd.comHarveet — Road Trippin
WhatsApp: +254 713 254777They can advise on domestic flights, accommodation, boat transfers, Nairobi stopovers, safari extensions, transport, sightseeing, and practical questions before you travel.
Kenya guide
Before you travel.
This is the practical section. Please check official guidance before booking and speak with a travel doctor about your own itinerary.
Entry
Visitors need a Kenya Travel Authorization (eTA) before travel. Apply through the official Kenya eTA website and keep a copy of your approval with your travel documents.
Health
Please speak to your doctor for an official medical recommendation, that takes into consideration your whole Kenyan trip. Do not drink the tap water and generally it is not recommended to brush your teeth with tap water.
Weather
January in Lamu is hot, humid, and usually relatively dry. Expect warm days around 24-31C, strong sun, sea breeze, and warm evenings.
Money
Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling, KES. Cards work in many hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is king for boats, tips, markets, and smaller purchases. Please note that tipping 10% is appropriate.
Connectivity
WhatsApp is the easiest way to coordinate. Consider an eSIM or local SIM if you are staying longer. Safaricom coverage is generally the most useful in Kenya.
Pack
Bring sunscreen (high spf... the sun on the equator is no joke!), mosquito repellent, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, light fabrics (including long clothing for the evenings), flat sandals, any personal medication, and a Type G plug adapter.
Go on safari!
Explore Kenya and make the most of your trip.
If you are already coming all this way, Kenya is worth a few extra days. The travel agents can help choose what makes sense for your route, budget, and travel style.
Safari
Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Laikipia, Tsavo
Classic wildlife, open landscapes, conservation lodges, elephants, big cats, and different styles of safari depending on how much time you have.
Coast
More Lamu, Watamu, Kilifi, Diani
Add beach days before or after the wedding. Lamu is atmospheric and slow; Watamu and Diani are easier for resort-style beach time.
Nairobi
One smart stopover
Use Nairobi for a soft landing, restaurants, Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, museums, galleries, and a buffer before international flights.
FAQ
Small things that make the trip easier.
Can I bring a plus one?
Please check your invitation. If your invitation includes a guest, their name will appear on the invite.
Are children invited?
While we adore your little ones, our budget/venue is limited. Please check your invitation, or message us if you are unsure. If you are planning your Kenya trip with your children, please know that there are options for babysitters on the island.
Do I really need to stay in Shela?
Yes, we strongly recommend it. Shela will make wedding transport, beach time, and evenings much smoother than staying in Lamu Town.
What should I wear?
For the wedding, the dress code is relaxed elegance, beach formal. Think beautiful, breathable, and comfortable by the ocean. Elegant flat sandals, block heels, loafers, and shoes that can handle sand or uneven paths are best.
When you are walking through the narrow stone alleys of Lamu Town or Shela Village, think "shoulders to knees." These are living communities and centers of faith. Covering up is a gesture of respect for the local culture and ensures you'll receive the warmest welcome from residents.
A light cotton t-shirt, a sundress that is not too short, or a sarong wrapped over your shoulders or waist works perfectly. It is also a great excuse to buy a local Kikoy, a traditional woven cloth, to wrap around yourself.
Once your feet hit the sand and you are away from the main village centers, you can let loose. Bikinis and swimwear are perfectly fine on the beaches.
Should I get travel insurance?
Yes. Please arrange travel insurance that covers medical care, delays, cancellations, and any safari or water activities you plan to do.
Do you have a registry?
Your presence in Lamu is the gift. We know this is a big trip.
RSVP
Please reply through the Google Form.
Even if you have already told us informally, please complete the form!
Please RSVP as soon as your plans are firm. Earlier is better for Lamu.
Some photos of us
A few photos from the road here.
We wanted the website to feel like us before it became a travel checklist. The real wedding backdrop will be Lamu, but the reason everyone is coming is right here.
