Lamu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located some 265km from Mombasa, is the perfect example of a tropical archipelago.

As you fly into the enchanting island, like most visitors to Lamu do, the view below is breathtaking. The rich blue waters and the exotic atmosphere of this tropical island seem to beckon the aircraft soaring a few metres above.

And after a few minutes of panoramic views of Lamu and its environs, the aircraft lands on the airstrip of Manda island – situated a stone-throw away from Lamu.

On alighting from the plane, visitors are led to a waiting dhow that ferries them across the channel from Manda to the antique town of Lamu.

As visitors climb from the dhow onto the docks, the heat from the tropical sun usually hits them, but this ceases to be the case as soon as they step into the streets of Lamu where the air is cool and rich with the tempting aromas of spice and perfume from the markets.

Lamu has a rich history and a fascinating culture that is celebrated every November during the Annual Lamu Cultural Festival. The three day event organised by Lamu Cultural Promotion Centre showcases traditional dances, displays of handicraft and competitions on water and land (Swahili poetry, donkey races, dhow races), and music and theatre performances from both local and visiting artists sharing a united heritage.

Lamu was established in the 14th Century as a Swahili trading outpost and settlement. The town evolved over the centuries to became one of the great centres of Swahili culture. The island is also one of the most popular Kenya holidays and honeymoon destinations.

At the centre of Lamu town is the impressive Sultan's Fort that was built by the Omanis in 1808. The Fort has been through various changes over the years, including conversion into a prison, and is now a museum. Its forecourt hosts Lamu's largest open market.

The people of Lamu, majority of whom are Muslim, are great believers in tradition and custom. It is therefore important to dress conservatively, with tops that keep the shoulders covered, and skirts or pants that reach at least to the knees, so as not to offend the residents. Fruit juice and fruit shakes are the drinks of choice in the local restaurants and alcohol is only served in hotels.

One of the things that strike you when you enter Lamu is the absence of vehicles along the streets. This is because Lamu streets are never much more than eight feet wide. This design is for a good reason; the proximity of the stone walls blocks the sun rays thus cooling the air around the streets. You will also notice that the town has more than its share of donkeys; creatures that are in deed a symbol of Lamu.

Lamu has another aspect that you will certainly notice and this has got to do with large population of cats hovering around the streets. The cats with rather unusual physical appearance, thin bodies and high pointed ears, resemble those of Bubastis, the ancient Egyptian cat goddess. The cats of Lamu are said to be the only remaining descendant of a breed of cats only found in ancient Egypt and now extinct in North Africa.

Interestingly, life in Lamu is lived at its own pace and the pace never exceeds the speed of a sailing dhow. And because life outside Lamu is usually fast-paced, almost all visitors get fascinated to this magical island to the point of an addiction. As a result Lamu sees many return visitors throughout the year.

Lamu is best reached by air and there are scheduled flights daily from Nairobi, Mombasa, Diani Beach and Malindi. An airstrip on neighbouring Manda Island serves the town. It can also be used by private charters. A dhow ferries arriving passengers to either Lamu town or Shela, an interesting beach situated close by.

The best time to visit Lamu is from January to March when snorkeling is ideal. In August and September, while it is clear and dry in, the ocean is rough and visibility low after the long rains. There are numerous Lamu hotels that offer first class accommodation along the Kenyan coast, hence your stay at Lamu should be hustle-free.