Coast
23–28 Dec · 5 nights
Diani Beach, Kenya
Diani Christmas Escape
Five nights of white sand and warm water.
from KES [[X]] — to be confirmedPremium
Lamu and Shela, Kenya
Lamu and Shela Christmas
A car-free island, a dhow at dusk.
Tue 22 – Sun 27 Dec 2026 · 5 nights
Illustrative artwork. Licensed photography to follow.
The journey
Five nights in a Swahili house on Shela beach: donkeys and dhows instead of cars, coral-stone lanes in Lamu Old Town, and Christmas without noise.
Lamu Old Town is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Swahili settlements in East Africa, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shela, a short walk along the shore, has a long and quiet beach and houses with deep verandas that look out over the channel.
There are no cars. Everything moves on foot, by donkey or by boat. It is the right place for those who want Christmas to feel entirely different from the one at home.
Highlights
- A private stay in a Shela house or small hotel, confirmed in the quote
- A guided morning in Lamu Old Town: lanes, doorways, the museum and the market
- A sunset dhow sail with a captain who knows the channel
- Christmas dinner on a rooftop terrace
Day by day
Tue 22 Dec
Fly to Lamu
Scheduled flight from Nairobi to Manda Island, a short boat across the channel, and a walk to your house in Shela.
Wed 23 – Thu 24 Dec
Old Town and the shoreline
A guided morning in Lamu Old Town, followed by long afternoons on the beach at Shela.
Fri 25 Dec
Christmas Day
A late breakfast, a dhow sail at sunset, and Christmas dinner prepared by your host.
Sat 26 Dec
Open day
Optional excursion to Manda Island, or a day with nothing planned.
Sun 27 Dec
Depart
Boat to Manda and a flight to Nairobi.
The itinerary is indicative and is confirmed in your written quote.
Included
- Five nights' accommodation in Shela
- Boat transfers and luggage handling
- Guided Lamu Old Town morning
- Sunset dhow sail
- Christmas dinner
Not included
- Flights Nairobi–Lamu–Nairobi, quoted at booking
- Lunches and drinks unless stated
- Tips, personal items and travel insurance
Good to know
- Lamu is observant of local custom. Shoulders and knees covered in the Old Town is courteous.
- Sources differ on whether late December is busy or quiet on the island. We confirm availability before accepting a deposit.
Best for: Couples, Diaspora returning for Christmas, Travellers who prefer atmosphere to activity.
Request to book
Request Lamu and Shela Christmas
Tell us who is travelling. We reply with availability and a written quote. Nothing is charged until you accept it.
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