Nairobi Wilson (WIL) → Lamu (Manda) (LAU)

Lamu is unlike anywhere else on the Kenyan coast — a UNESCO World Heritage old town, dhows under sail, and barefoot luxury in Shela — and it has no road worth taking. Flying is simply how you get to Lamu, and a private charter from Wilson Airport turns the journey into part of the holiday.

The flight

The routing runs east from Nairobi and then follows the coastline north-east, with about an hour and a half in the air. The final approach over the Lamu archipelago — mangrove channels, sandbars and turquoise water — is worth a window seat on its own.

Manda airstrip and the boat across

Flights land at Manda Airport (LAU) on Manda Island, directly across the channel from Lamu town. From the jetty beside the airstrip it is a short boat transfer — a few minutes to Lamu town or Shela, a little longer to private houses further along the shore. Hotels and villas arrange the boat to meet your flight; we confirm timings with them so the crossing is waiting when you land. There are no cars in Lamu — from the moment you land, the pace changes.

The right aircraft

• Cessna Grand Caravan — the regular choice for Lamu, comfortable for families and house parties with luggage.
• Beechcraft King Air — faster and pressurised for six to eight guests.
• Light jets — Manda's paved runway accepts some light jets subject to load; we will advise what works for your party size.

Good to know

• Events: the Lamu Cultural Festival and Maulidi celebrations, and the December–January season in Shela, put heavy demand on flights and houses alike — secure aircraft early.
• Luggage: boats handle luggage easily, but soft bags make the jetty transfer simpler.
• Combining trips: Lamu pairs naturally with the Mara or Diani on a single-aircraft itinerary, and works as a peaceful final stop before an international departure from Nairobi.
• Day of travel: aim to land in daylight — the boat crossing at golden hour is the best introduction to Lamu there is.

Tell us your house or hotel and your dates, and we will arrange the aircraft, confirm the boat, and get you to the archipelago without a single queue.