Lamu, Kenya
Ivan & Nandi
Thursday, 7 January 2027
We are getting married by the Indian Ocean at The Fort, Shela, and we would love to celebrate with you there.
Start here
A celebration on an island needs a little planning.
Lamu is small, beautiful, and remote in the best possible way. January is high season in Kenya, so flights and accommodation can fill quickly. Please book early, stay in the Shela village area, and RSVP through the Google Form as soon as your plans are firm.
We have also arranged a travel concierge, Chania, to help with domestic flights, accommodation ideas, transfers, safaris, and any Kenya questions that are easier to solve with someone on the ground.
Schedule
Two days by the water.
Exact times will be confirmed closer to the wedding, but this is the shape of the celebration.
06.01
Wednesday
Optional dhow boat trip
Afternoon, time to follow
If you arrive in Lamu by Wednesday, join us for a relaxed afternoon on a traditional dhow. We will sail through the Lamu channel, enjoy the water, and ease into the celebration together. This is optional, but everyone is welcome.
07.01
Thursday
Wedding day at The Fort
Ceremony, dinner, drinks, and dancing
The main celebration will take place at The Fort in Shela. Expect ocean air, candlelight, dinner, music, and a long warm evening with the people we love most.
Us
A few photos from the road here.
We wanted the website to feel like us before it became a travel checklist. The real wedding backdrop will be Lamu, but the reason everyone is coming is right here.
Venue
The Fort, Shela.
The Fort sits on Shela Beach, between sand dunes, coral-stone architecture, palms, and the Indian Ocean. It is private, sculptural, and wonderfully Lamu: grand enough for a wedding, relaxed enough for bare feet nearby.
Venue photos via The Fort Shela official gallery. See more from the venue on Instagram @thefortshela.
Travel
How to get to Lamu.
Lamu is an island in the Lamu Archipelago on Kenya's northern coast. The usual route is international flight to Nairobi, domestic flight to Lamu/Manda Airport, then a short boat transfer to Shela.
Fly to Nairobi
Most international guests arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. If your international flight arrives late, plan one night in Nairobi before continuing to Lamu.
Connect to Lamu
Domestic flights to Lamu usually leave from Nairobi's Wilson Airport or JKIA, depending on the airline. Leave enough time if you need to change airports.
Boat to Shela
Lamu/Manda Airport is across the water from Lamu Island. Your hotel, villa, or Chania can arrange the boat transfer from the airport to Shela.
Where to stay
Book accommodation in Shela, not Lamu Town.
Shela is the village closest to The Fort and the easiest base for the wedding. Lamu Town is fascinating for a visit, but it is less convenient for late evenings, beach time, and wedding logistics.
Look for
Shela village, Shela beach, Manda-facing villas, boutique guesthouses, and small hotels within walking distance of the beach.
Ask before booking
Airport boat transfer, air conditioning or strong fans, generator or backup power, breakfast, and whether the property can help arrange local boats.
Good to know
Villas can be ideal for groups. If you are traveling solo or as a couple, small hotels and guesthouses may be easier and more social.
Travel concierge
Chania can help you plan.
We are providing a travel concierge service for guests who would like help with the Kenya side of the trip. Please reach out early, especially if you want safari options, a beach extension, or help choosing where to stay in Shela.
Chania
Placeholder details
chania@example.com WhatsApp: +254 700 000 000Chania can advise on domestic flights, accommodation, boat transfers, Nairobi stopovers, safari extensions, and practical questions before you travel.
Kenya guide
Before you travel.
This is the practical section. Please check official guidance before booking and speak with a travel doctor about your own itinerary.
Entry
Most visitors need a Kenya eTA before travel. Apply through the official Kenya eTA website and keep a copy of your approval with your travel documents.
Health
Speak with a travel doctor at least 6-8 weeks before departure. Ask about routine vaccines, Hepatitis A, typhoid, malaria prevention, and whether your route creates a yellow fever certificate requirement.
Weather
January in Lamu is hot, humid, and usually relatively dry. Expect warm days around 24-31C, strong sun, sea breeze, and warm evenings.
Money
Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling, KES. Cards work in many hotels and larger restaurants, but carry some cash for boats, tips, markets, and smaller purchases.
Connectivity
WhatsApp is the easiest way to coordinate. Consider an eSIM or local SIM if you are staying longer. Safaricom coverage is generally the most useful in Kenya.
Pack
Bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, light fabrics, flat sandals, any personal medication, and a Type G plug adapter.
Extend the trip
Make Kenya part of the celebration.
If you are already coming all this way, Kenya is worth a few extra days. Chania can help choose what makes sense for your route, budget, and travel style.
Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Laikipia, Tsavo
Classic wildlife, open landscapes, conservation lodges, elephants, big cats, and different styles of safari depending on how much time you have.
More Lamu, Watamu, Kilifi, Diani
Add beach days before or after the wedding. Lamu is atmospheric and slow; Watamu and Diani are easier for resort-style beach time.
One smart stopover
Use Nairobi for a soft landing, restaurants, Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, museums, galleries, and a buffer before international flights.
FAQ
Small things that make the trip easier.
Can I bring a plus one?
Please check your invitation. If your invitation includes a guest, their name will appear on the RSVP form.
Are children invited?
Please check your invitation, or message us if you are unsure. We will make sure the RSVP form is clear.
Do I really need to stay in Shela?
Yes, we strongly recommend it. Shela will make wedding transport, beach time, and evenings much smoother than staying in Lamu Town.
What shoes should I wear?
Choose elegant flat sandals, block heels, loafers, or shoes that can handle sand and uneven paths. Very high heels will not be your friend.
Should I get travel insurance?
Yes. Please arrange travel insurance that covers medical care, delays, cancellations, and any safari or water activities you plan to do.
Do you have a registry?
Your presence in Lamu is the gift. We genuinely mean it.
RSVP
Please reply through the Google Form.
Even if you have already told us informally, please complete the form so we can keep guest numbers, dietary notes, arrival dates, and dhow trip plans in one place.
Please RSVP as soon as your plans are firm, ideally by 1 September 2026. Earlier is better for Lamu.
RSVP via Google Form
The form should include names, dietary requirements, arrival and departure dates, accommodation status, and whether you will join the dhow trip.