Paté Island

Paté is the largest of the Lamu islands with a number of historical sites. Paté was originally settled in the 7th C by an Arabic colony. The island is surrounded by mangrove swamp and can only be reached at high tide.

There are many ruins on Paté Island but the most spectacular is the fort at Siyu. Other highlights include overgrown tombs and ruined mosques.

Paté town is an interesting maze of winding alleys and three-story homes. Founded in the 9th C, Paté became a center of trade and learning. The outskirts of town are outlined by a set of ruined medieval walls belonging to Nabahani. Tobacco has been planted among the ruins but houses, mosques and tombs are visible. Even though Nabahani has not yet been excavated, pottery and household objects can be seen in the interiors of many of the buildings.

Faza is another settlement that should not be missed. The town was destroyed in 1587 and later resettled.