AbiriKenya

Lovely Island in Lamu

Pate Island: The Largest Island in Lamu

Pate Island, the largest island of the Lamu Archipelago, assorted and varied, is a significant historical and cultural site with a rich Swahili past, known for its ancient settlements, traditional trade, and distinct communities like Siyu, Faza and Pate Town. The selfsame titled town of Pate lies in the south-west area. This quiet, far-flung backwater town is one of the most visually dramatic, historically complex, culturally contentious and archaeologically significant sites along the coast. Its quality and quantity of standing remains offer insights into the architecture and life of the Swahili world from the 17th century. It boasts impressive cultural strains, a unique blend of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and African influences, and offers a less touristy, more authentic experience compared to other islands in the archipelago.

---

Kenya is home to several beautiful islands, each offering unique attractions and experiences. Mombasa, a term interchangeably used to refer to the city and county, is the most developed. Further north, Lamu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an enchanting destination. Overall, islands in Kenya offer a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational activities, making them popular.

Index of Islands Around Kenya



Baringo County - Lokoros, Rongena, Lengai, Devil’s, Samatian, Ol kokwe, Parmolos, Embu County - Gichuki, Homa Bay County - Rusinga, Ngodhe, Mfangano, Takawiri, Mbasa, Ringiti, Kilifi County - Sudi, Robinson, Kirepwe, Kisumu County - Ndere, Mageto, Kwale County - Chale, Wasini, Kisite-Mpunguti, Funzi, Sii, Lamu County - Lamu, Manda, Manda Toto, Kiwayu, Pate, Shindamwe, Machakos County - Gichuki, Migori County - Migingo, Usingo, Ugongo, Mombasa County - Mombasa,  Nakuru County - Crescent, Turkana County - North, Central, South, Naperito Cathedral Rock

---

outlook

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.

You Are Here: Pate Island

Where to Next?

Explore Destinations Nearby Pate Island

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

---