Historic Towns in Lamu

Old Town Faza: The Mythical Ampaza

Originally known as Ampaza, at the northeastern corner of Pate Island, the 14th century settlement of Faza has a deep-rooted history of tragedy and loss. More importantly, it also has a history of rebuilding itself from the brink of extinction time and time again. Faza entered written history with its support of the Turkish Mirale Ali Bey in 1586, for which action the town was wrecked by the Portuguese the following year. Subsequently, Faza became an ally of the Portuguese, in an truce mainly directed against Pate. During the 19th century it served as a base of operations of the Zanzibaris against Siyu. There were a Portuguese chapel and a fort at Faza, but their remains are not known. Ruins at Faza include three mosques, some tombs, and the musalla of the Mosque of Shala Fatani. South of Shala Fatani Mosque is a second mosque, broken down, which used to have south ablution. North of this ruin is a cemetery, and east of this is another modest ruined mosque. Faza Village lies about 15 km west of Pate Town. If the object is to tour only Faza, it is served by a working jetty. Due to its remoteness, the landscape around Faza has changed little over time composed almost entirely of Bajuni-styled makuti houses.

Historic towns around the world offer a glimpse into the past, preserving architecture, culture, and stories from different eras. In Kenya, some of the oldest towns are found along the coast, where medieval trade put on the map long before developments in the hinterland. Among these is Lamu town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its Swahili architecture and cultural traditions.

Index of Relic & Historic Towns Around Kenya

Baringo County - Tambach , Homa Bay County - Old Kendu Bay Town , Isiolo County - Isiolo Town , Garba Tula , Kilifi County - Old Town Takaungu , Mambrui , Kwale County - Old Town Vanga , Vumba Kuu, Kwale , Lamu County - Lamu Old Town, Witu , Shela, Faza , Manda, Mandera County - El Wak, Migori County - Awendo-Sori , Mombasa County - Old Town Mombasa , Nyandarua County - Njabini town , Samburu County - Archer's Post , Tana River County - Old Town Kipini , Wajir County - Old Town Wajir

Lamu County is one of Kenya’s most unique and enchanting regions, known for its rich Swahili culture, pristine beaches, and UNESCO-listed heritage. Located on the northern coast of Kenya, it consists of a group of islands (Lamu, Manda, Pate, and Kiwayu) and a stretch of mainland coastline. Lamu Island in particular is more than just a destination—it’s a living piece of Swahili history and coastal paradise.

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A Guide to Lamu County

A Summa Digest of Lamu

About Lamu Way Back When

70 Destinations in Lamu County , arranged as one would visit these - west, south, north then west - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:

Delta Dunes Lodge , Lake Moa , Old Town Witu , Witu Forest Reserve , Pangani Swamp, Lake Kiboko , Amu Ranch , Lake Amu, Kipini Conservancy , Lake Kenyatta , Amu Baharini Beach, Kizuke Beach , Lamu (Manda) Port , Red Pepper House , Lamu Island , Matondoni Dau Workshop , Matondoni Ruins , Tusitiri Dhow , Kipungani Ruins , Kizingoni Beach , Old Town Lamu, Lamu World Heritage Sector , Lamu Museum , The Swahili House Museum , German Post Office Museum , Lamu Fort , Lamu Market , Masjid Khoja Ithnasheri , Masjid Riyadha , House of Habib Swaleh , The Mosque College Lamu , Lamu Catholic Church , Tamarind Tree Cafe , Donkey Sanctuary , The Floating Bar , Boat Rides , MaraRaha , Kijani Hotel , Shela Village , Friday Masjid , Forodhani House , Peponi Hotel , Shela Beach , Bahari Restaurant , Fort at Shela , Ras Kitau , Diamond Village , The Maljis , Takwa Ruins , Manda Island , Manda Lodge , Manda Toto , Manda Coral Quarry , Nabahani Ruins , Pate Island , Shanga Ruins , Siyu Fort , Shindamweh, Atu Ruins , Chundwa Ruins , Faza Village , Lamu Monuments , Mangrove Forests , Dodori National Reserve , Kiunga Marine N. Reserve , Kiwayu Island , Ashuwei , Boni Forest National Reserve , Ishakani Ruins , Lamu Festivals

Know More About Lamu County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

What’s The Air Like In Lamu?

Lamu County lies along the Equatorial Climate System, enjoying two rainy seasons and temperatures between 24°C and 30°C year round – Hottest in December & April

What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.05?

Lamu is composed of a coastal zone of 65 islands, vast creeks, bays, sand bars and mangrove. Among these, Lamu Island, hosting Lamu Town, is the bussiest. The mainland is flat to undulating.

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