The port of Lamu has existed for at least 1 000 years and the area is still very unspoiled. To this archipelago, consist of seven islands, the Portugese came from year 1506. They invaded Lamu and Lamu town became a thriving port in the 16th century. That time Lamu economy was based on slaves. Except export of slaves it was ivory, mangrove poles, turtle shells and rhino horn, which were shipped on dhows to Yemen, Arabia, the Persian Gulf and India. The blend of cultures resulted in the rich Swahili culture. A great tradition of poetry was developed and architecturally masterpieces of stone houses was built. Clothing was elegant and ornated jewellery, the furniture was inlaid with silver and ivory.

During 17th century nomadic Oromo tribes invaded the islands and there were con­flicts between island states. From the battle at Shella 1813, when Lamu recieved protection from Sultan of Oman and defeated the forces of Paté, the golden age for Lamu started. Lamu was a protectorate of Oman and local viceroys admini­strated the town. Slaves were smuggled from Kilwa and Zanzibar and normally stopped at Lamu before sailing in Lamu dhows to Benadir and Arabien ports, as well as slaves from Lamu district to Somalia. Lamu´s population was probably twice that of today and consist of a large number of slaves (who were working on the plantations) and a small number of free men and women (land-owning merchants, religious oligarchy and fishermen, artisans and so on). It lasted up to 1873 when the Royal Navy of Britain patrolled the coast and the slavery was abolished for all time.

At the end of 19th century the Germans established in Lamu and opened the first post office outside Germany; Lamu Postal Office. Lamu Fort was completed and used in the 20th century as a prison. Today it's a museum and host of a large open market. More..