Lamu

Lamu island and its medieval Swahili town represent the oldest continually inhabited settlement on the East African coast, with coral-stone architecture, carved wooden doors, and narrow donkey-pathed lanes that have changed little since the 14th century. The town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its preserved urban fabric and the living culture of its majority Muslim population. Traditional dhow sailing and the annual Lamu Cultural Festival remain central to its identity.