Lamu is the perfect place for a beach safari with a difference, a truly
unique destination that lingers long in the hearts of all who visit.
The island, just of Kenya's far North coast, is a place of great
natural beauty, with long deserted beaches framed by rolling sand dunes
and the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
The real attraction here is the islands' fascinating history, a long
and exotic tale that draws the visitor back into the world of the 14th
century.
Lamu has developed a culture drawn form many sources, and in the
streets and markets of the old town, life continues unhurried and
unchanged by outside influences.
The history of Lamu was born from the great trade routes of the East
African Coast, and the sea remains an integral part of life on the
island.
Dhow Safari
The waters of Lamu are plied by great numbers of traditional lateen
sailed Dhows. These craft are an integral part of life on the island.
A day spent at sea on a Dhow is a wonderful experience and a fantastic
way to explore the area. The calm waters around Lamu make are perfect
for sailing, and the neighbouring islands are well worth visiting for
their small fishing villages, ancient ruins and deserted beaches.
After a day on the water, you sail back to Lamu town as the setting sun
turns the ocean to gold. Longer Dhow safaris throughout the entire
Archipelago can also be arranged.
Most hotels and guesthouses, as well as private Dhow captains, can organize a day cruising on a dhow.
SCUBA Diving and Snorkelling
Private Dhow trips from Lamu often visit good snorkelling sites, and provide equipment.
There are a few good dive sites to be found around Lamu and the
surrounding archipelago. Diving is relatively new to the area, so there
is a great bounty of quality sites are waiting to be explored by the
adventurous diver.
Big Game Fishing
Big game fishing can also be arranged from Manda Island or by some
hotels in Lamu in season (December - March). Kenya's main coastal game
fish include Sailfish and Marlin, Kingfish, Wahoo, Horse Mackerel and
others.
A tag and release program ensures eco-friendly fishing. Bookings for these trips can be made through some hotels in Lamu.
Lamu is place where exploration brings plenty of reward, whether in the
winding streets of the old town or on board a dhow on the open ocean.
Bird Watching
The Kiunga Marine Reserve near Lamu is an important sanctuary for shorebirds and pelagics, including the Sooty Gull, White Cheeked Tern, Bridled Tern, Brown Noddy, and many Crab Plovers and Roseate Terns.
Donkey Racing
During the Islamic Festival of Maulidi, held each year around the month
of June, several special sporting events are held in Lamu.
The main event is a donkey race along the waterfront, running the
entire length of the old town. Lamu residents are accomplished Donkey
jockeys, and victory in this annual race is a much coveted title.
The race attracts most of the townspeople, who gather along the
waterfront or anchor offshore in dhows to watch the action. Both riders
and donkeys are well prepared for the event and the competition is
always fierce, with each competitor attracting their own loyal local
supporters.
The race day is a major event in the Lamu calendar, and there are
plenty of festivities and celebrations both before and after the big
event. Often dhow races are held around the island during the same
period.
Dhow Racing
On January 1st, the residents of Lamu celebrate the coming of the New Year with a Dhow Race.
This event is an important annual event on the island. Lamu Dhow
builders are considered some of the best on the coast, and this is a
culture born of the sea and sailors. This makes the race the most
important sporting event on the island.
Winning the race is a great honour among Dhow captains, and the race
attracts the best of the best. Like the annual Donkey race, this event
brings the Island to life, and the shorelines throng with supporters.
Individual Dhows are brightly decorated, and festivities on race day
last well into the night.
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