Lamu consist of a network of narrow winding alleys linking bustling markets, shops, restaurants, houses, mosques and much more. Donkeys are the main form of transport. Lamu town, a World Heritage Site, is Kenya's oldest living settlement, which grew as a trading post between Arabia and India since the 14th Century. Trade goods included slaves, ivory, spices, and mangrove timber.
Matondoni village is best known as for being a center for building and maintaining dhows - although in present days the village does not appear to reflect this long standing heritage.