DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Lamu Port (LAPSSET)

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Port
—°3
Lamu Port (LAPSSET) (Kenya)

Weather…

Lamu Port is a monumental infrastructure project located at Manda Bay, serving as the centerpiece of the LAPSSET (Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport) Corridor. This strategic deep-water port was designed to reduce Kenya's dependence on the Port of Mombasa and open up new trade routes for landlocked Ethiopia and South Sudan. The first three berths were officially commissioned in May 2021, marking the beginning of a new era for northern Kenya's economy. The port features natural depth that allows it to handle massive Post-Panamax vessels, making it a potential regional logistics hub. Beyond the port, the LAPSSET project encompasses planned railways, highways, and oil pipelines intended to revolutionize connectivity in East Africa. Despite environmental concerns regarding the nearby mangrove forests and the Lamu Old Town UNESCO World Heritage site, the port is seen as crucial for unlocking the economic potential of northern Kenya. The development is expected to attract new industries and create thousands of jobs in a previously underdeveloped region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C282829292826262626272828
Rain mm7219108205101563223617440

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
Lamu Port (LAPSSET) is a modern deep-sea port under construction, part of a massive regional infrastructure project in Kenya. It aims to boost trade in East Africa and improve connections to the hinterland.
🚪
Visiting
The construction site is generally not open to the public, but progress can be seen from nearby public roads and from the water. Visitors can observe the large cranes and berths from a distance.
👀
Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the coastal road south of Lamu, which has a clear view of the port construction. A boat trip on the Indian Ocean also provides a unique perspective on the project.
🧺
Local products
In Lamu, traditional dhows (sailing boats) and wood carvings are sold. Nearby markets also offer spices, coconuts, and seafood from the region.
📆
Active season
The port construction is phased and expected to be active for several years. Peak construction activity is anticipated during the dry season between January-March and July-October.
➕
Nearby
Combine the visit with the historic old town of Lamu, a UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow streets and Swahili architecture. The sandy beaches and mangrove forests of Manda Island are also nearby.

Geography

Coordinates
-2.25000, 40.91000

Facts

  • Part of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor.
  • The first three berths were officially commissioned in May 2021.
  • Designed as a deep-water port capable of handling Post-Panamax vessels.
  • Located at Manda Bay, which offers natural deep-water protection.
  • Intended to provide an alternative port for Ethiopia and South Sudan.
  • The project represents one of Kenya's largest infrastructure investments.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lamu Old TownLamu Old Town2 km · SWExplore →
Manda IslandManda Island6 km · NExplore →
Takwa RuinsTakwa Ruins7 km · NWExplore →
Siyu FortSiyu Fort19 km · NEExplore →
Pate Island RuinsPate Island Ruins20 km · NEExplore →
Shanga RuinsShanga Ruins21 km · NEExplore →
MedinaceliMedinaceli33 km · NWExplore →
SigüenzaSigüenza37 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Lamu Port (LAPSSET) (3)

Lamu Museum🏛 museum

The Lamu Museum exhibits the history and culture of the Lamu archipelago, a museum in Kenya.

💶

Lamu Fort

Lamu Fort is a 19th-century historical fort in the center of the old town.

Riyadha mosque

Riyadha mosque is a historical mosque in Lamu, known for its architecture.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the LAPSSET project?
A massive infrastructure project linking Lamu port to Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Where exactly is the new port located?
The port is situated in Manda Bay, north of the historic Lamu Island.
How many berths are completed?
The first three berths have already been commissioned.
Is the port good for the environment?
There are concerns regarding mangrove forests, but conservation programs are in place.
Can tourists see the port?
Yes, it can be viewed from a distance during boat trips from Lamu Island.
Lamu Port (LAPSSET): where is it located?
Lamu Port (LAPSSET) is located in Kenya.
Lamu Port (LAPSSET): what is there to see?
Highlights include Lamu Museum, Lamu Fort, Riyadha mosque.
Lamu Port (LAPSSET): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Aug, Sep.
Lamu Port (LAPSSET): why is it worth visiting?
Lamu Port is a monumental infrastructure project located at Manda Bay, serving as the centerpiece of the LAPSSET (Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport) Corridor.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Kenya →

Nearby cities

Lamu — Lamu Port (LAPSSET) (Kenya)
Lamu
Lamu is a historic town on Lamu Island, recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Kenya.
Manda Island — Lamu Port (LAPSSET) (Kenya)
Manda Island
A tranquil island in the Lamu Archipelago, known for ancient ruins and exclusive luxury retreats.
Medinaceli — Lamu Port (LAPSSET) (Kenya)
Medinaceli
Medinaceli is a history-steeped small town in Soria, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Jalón Valley and famous for its unique three-ar…
Sigüenza — Lamu Port (LAPSSET) (Kenya)
Sigüenza
Sigüenza is a majestic medieval town in Guadalajara, crowned by a powerful castle and an impressive Romanesque-Gothic cathedral.
Almazán — Lamu Port (LAPSSET) (Kenya)
Almazán
Almazán is a city in the province of Soria, Castile and León.
Calatayud — Lamu Port (LAPSSET) (Kenya)
Calatayud
Calatayud is a city in Aragon, known for its history and Mudéjar architecture.
Daroca — Lamu Port (LAPSSET) (Kenya)
Daroca
Daroca is a city in the province of Zaragoza, known for its medieval walls.

Nature

Tana River — Lamu Port (LAPSSET) (Kenya)
Tana River
The longest river in Kenya.
Gallocanta Lake — Lamu Port (LAPSSET) (Kenya)
Gallocanta Lake
This salt lake in Aragon is one of Europe's most important stopover sites for common cranes.

More places

Lamu Old Town — Lamu Port (LAPSSET) (Kenya)
Lamu Old Town
The oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, known for its traditional architecture of coral stone and mangrove timber.
Takwa Ruins — Lamu Port (LAPSSET) (Kenya)
Takwa Ruins
The remains of a 15th and 16th-century Swahili settlement on Manda Island, known for its pillar tombs and Friday Mosque.
🗺️
Siyu Fort
A massive fort on Pate Island built in the 19th century to resist Omani domination.
Pate Island Ruins — Lamu Port (LAPSSET) (Kenya)
Pate Island Ruins
Extensive archaeological remains on Pate Island, which was once a major center of Swahili trade in the Indian Ocean.
🗺️
Shanga Ruins
A significant archaeological site on Pate Island showing early and continuous settlement of the Swahili coast from the 8th century.
Ishakani Ruins — Lamu Port (LAPSSET) (Kenya)
Ishakani Ruins
Archaeological remains near the Somali border, known for their richly decorated Swahili pillar tombs from the 16th century.
Iberian System — Lamu Port (LAPSSET) (Kenya)
Iberian System
An extensive mountain system in eastern Spain that forms the edge of the Meseta Central and represents the watershed between the Atlantic…
Piedra Monastery — Lamu Port (LAPSSET) (Kenya)
Piedra Monastery
Founded in 1194, this Cistercian monastery in Zaragoza is now a cultural monument.