Step back in time at Lamu
Lamu is isolated and best visited by air.
The oldest living settlement in Kenya, Lamu is both an Island and
town lying in the northern corner of Kenya and is truly a different
land where you step back in time. The entire Swahili Safari Coast
has a history of monsoon dhow trade stretching back a thousand
years in the land of Zinj and Lamu is today, the most evocative of
that era.
Lamu, one of the birthplaces of Kiswahil, the 7th most spoken
language in the world, is a world heritage site, and the oldest and
best-preserved East African Swahili town. Today it still retains its
traditional functions. Built in coral stone and mangrove timber, the
old stone town is characterized by simplicity of structure and
enriched by features such as inner courtyards, verandas, and
elaborately carved wooden doors. Lamu hosts major Swahili
festivals and has become a significant centre for the study of
Swahili culture.
Although the beaches near Lamu may be the best in all of Kenya,
Lamu has not, as in Zanzibar, yet been over-developed and still
has the feel of a small town and not a tourist trap.
Lamu Town is where most of the official business takes place, and
it has more shopping and hotels, but no beach. Nearby Shela is
small exclusive village on the waterfront and accommodation is
more expensive. The Lamu waterfront Museum is a great place to
spend an hour or two. It’s small, but packed with historical and
cultural insights. Entry is inexpensive.
Dhow crews are ready and willing to take you to any of the sights
around Lamu. To see dhows being traditionally built or repaired,as
they have for hundreds of years, take a trip to Matondoni Village. A
fuller day trip is to the famous Takwa Ruins on Manda Island.
There’s a mosque, tomb, and other abandoned buildings dating
from the 15th century. Other day or half-day trips include
snorkeling, diving, or fishing. Many cruises come with a seafood
lunch provided by the dhow crew. Prices are flexible and you are
expected to bargain.
The oldest living settlement in Kenya, Lamu is both an Island and
town lying in the northern corner of Kenya and is truly a different
land where you step back in time. The entire Swahili Safari Coast
has a history of monsoon dhow trade stretching back a thousand
years in the land of Zinj and Lamu is today, the most evocative of
that era.
Lamu, one of the birthplaces of Kiswahil, the 7th most spoken
language in the world, is a world heritage site, and the oldest and
best-preserved East African Swahili town. Today it still retains its
traditional functions. Built in coral stone and mangrove timber, the
old stone town is characterized by simplicity of structure and
enriched by features such as inner courtyards, verandas, and
elaborately carved wooden doors. Lamu hosts major Swahili
festivals and has become a significant centre for the study of
Swahili culture.
Although the beaches near Lamu may be the best in all of Kenya,
Lamu has not, as in Zanzibar, yet been over-developed and still
has the feel of a small town and not a tourist trap.
Lamu Town is where most of the official business takes place, and
it has more shopping and hotels, but no beach. Nearby Shela is
small exclusive village on the waterfront and accommodation is
more expensive. The Lamu waterfront Museum is a great place to
spend an hour or two. It’s small, but packed with historical and
cultural insights. Entry is inexpensive.
Dhow crews are ready and willing to take you to any of the sights
around Lamu. To see dhows being traditionally built or repaired,as
they have for hundreds of years, take a trip to Matondoni Village. A
fuller day trip is to the famous Takwa Ruins on Manda Island.
There’s a mosque, tomb, and other abandoned buildings dating
from the 15th century. Other day or half-day trips include
snorkeling, diving, or fishing. Many cruises come with a seafood
lunch provided by the dhow crew. Prices are flexible and you are
expected to bargain.
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