For about 70 years Lamu was isolated from development within the British East African Protectorate and later colony. The European technology from indus­trial revolution was not imported, nor the materialism of 20th century. The major attraction of Lamu and the surrounding areas is although an atmosphere of untou­ched peace and tranquillity, a feeling of existing in an environment more or less unchanged for several hundred years. The climate and the white sandy beach of Shella attracts visitors as well as the stone town of Lamu, or rather coral town due to the town is built of coral, is since 2001 a World Heritage site designa­ted by UNESCO. The streets of Lamu are narrow, not more than eight feet wide. Easy accessible by foot or donkey. Its narrow for good reason, the stone walls cools the air and blocks the rays of the sun.

The traditional triangular sailed dhow, donkeys, traditional dress as long kanzu and woven hats for men and buibui for women, henna paintings of the hands and feets, men playing Bao, an African board game, are all still common. So the history, traditions and Swahili customs as well as values, beliefs and way of life are still very active at Lamu!