Kenya Beach Safari: Explore the hidden secrets of the historic Lamu Island
Lamu Island is part of the Lamu Archipelago. This island has a mystical appeal and is very rich in culture and history.
How to get there:
You can drive, take a bus or fly. Highly recommended would be to fly. Since it is an island, you will need to take a short boat ride to the island.
Where to stay:
There is a selection of cheap houses, hotels and hostels. The best ones are those facing the promenade. December, January, July and August are the busiest months and therefore the most expensive to visit. Six recommended places to stay are;
Budget Guest Houses:
- Guesthouse
- Balgis Hostels
- Casuarina Rest House
Lodging and Hotels:
- Amu House
- Dodo Villas
- Petleys Inn
- Yumbe House
Things to do in Lamu:
a) Explore the city of Lamu
Lamu city is small and beautiful. It takes less than a day to get it all through. Old buildings, magnificent architecture and simplicity are the best way to describe this city.
In relation to the architecture, the buildings are made of stone and are built in an open design, without a roof, like a box, with an open courtyard. The houses are from two to three floors and are one in front of the other. The cells are supported by huge mangrove tree trunks.
Lamu has no cars. Just donkeys. It has narrow streets and everyone seems to know each other. A walk through the narrow streets of Lamu is simply serene.
b) Lamu Museum:
Built in 1891, the Lamu Museum was the former residence of the British governors during the colonial era. Here, you will experience and learn about the rich Swahili culture that is so evident in the city of Lamu.
c) Take a dhow trip:
A dhow is a traditional Arabian sailing ship with one or more teen sails. It is mainly used along the coasts of the Arabian Peninsula, India and East Africa. Dhow trips are the best experience on a trip to Lamu. They are relatively cheap and you can go to the island of Manda, the ruins of Takwa or Matondoni.
