What it is
An archipelago up towards the Somali border. Lamu Town has been lived in continuously for centuries and its lanes are too narrow for vehicles, so it runs on donkeys and boats. Shela, a walk or short dhow ride away, has the long beach and most of the guest houses.
Why go
Nobody comes to Lamu for wildlife. You come for the architecture, the dhows, the food and the pace. This is a place to read, eat, and go sailing at five in the afternoon.
When to go
December to March for calm seas. July to September is windy. One honest caveat: mainland areas of Lamu County near the Somali border have carried government travel warnings for years. The island itself has been calm, but read your own government's current advice before committing, and fly in rather than drive the coast road.
Most people stay 3-4 nights.