Lamu 4-Day Overland Island Escape
Travel from Mombasa by luxury coach through Malindi and Kilifi to Mokowe Jetty, then cross by boat to Shela for a four-day Lamu island escape. This package includes return private transfers in Mombasa, return luxury coach travel between Mombasa and Mokowe Jetty, a boat crossing to Shela, three nights accommodation in your chosen Lamu property, a private sunset dhow cruise, guided Lamu Old Town tour, a Matondoni dhow-building village visit and a private snorkelling and BBQ day. The overland route is the most affordable way to experience Lamu and passes through the full beauty of the Kenya Coast.
Overview
The overland option is a scenic and affordable alternative to flying. Travel by luxury coach from Mombasa through Kilifi, Malindi and the coastal forest to Mokowe Jetty on the mainland — then cross by motorised boat to Shela. The journey itself is an experience: mangroves, baobabs and the Indian Ocean at every turn.
Choose your accommodation from eight authentic Lamu properties, from a cosy one-room house to a whole rooftop Swahili villa. The four-day itinerary is identical to the fly-in package — sunset cruise, Lamu Old Town, Matondoni and a snorkelling and beach BBQ day — at a lower price per person for groups or budget-conscious travellers.
Highlights
- Private pickup and return transfer in Mombasa
- Return travel between Mombasa and Lamu/Manda Island
- Return luxury coach Mombasa–Mokowe Jetty via Malindi coast highway
- Boat crossing from Mokowe Jetty to Shela and return
- 3 nights accommodation in your chosen Lamu property
- Private sunset dhow cruise on arrival day
- Guided Lamu Old Town walking tour with official local guide
- Private dhow boat transportation for the Lamu Town tour
- Private dhow trip to Matondoni dhow-building village
- Private snorkelling and swimming excursion with beach BBQ

What's Included
Not Included
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and premium drinks
- Any activities or services not listed in the package inclusions
- Additional KES 2,000 airport/South Coast transfer charge for guests in Likoni, Shelly Beach, Diani, Tiwi or Kwale
Itinerary
- Overland to Mokowe & Dhow to Shela
Your TripBambika driver collects you from your Mombasa accommodation in the early morning. Board the luxury coach for the scenic coastal journey through Kilifi, Watamu and Malindi to Mokowe Jetty. Take the motorised boat across to Shela, check in to your accommodation and enjoy a private sunset dhow cruise to close the day.
- Lamu Old Town & Matondoni Village
Explore Lamu Old Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — with an official local guide. Walk the historic coral-stone streets, visit ancient mosques, spice shops and the old port. After lunch take a private dhow to Matondoni, the island's dhow-building village.
- Snorkelling, Swimming, Fishing & Beach BBQ
Spend the day on the Indian Ocean with a private snorkelling and swimming excursion. Try some fishing in the channel, then enjoy a freshly prepared beach BBQ lunch on the water.
- Morning in Shela & Return to Mombasa
Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Shela — browse the weekly market, pick up local crafts or simply sit by the ocean. Then transfer back to Manda Island and return to Mombasa.
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