Lamu is a must do especially after the Africa safaris experience
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This enchanting Kenya Island is commonly referred to as the world’s sleepy village, probably the oldest African living town. Lamu has retained its charm and character built over centuries and most recently declared by the United Nations as a world heritage site.
The Portuguese invaded Lamu in the 1500s and Kenya only became independent in 1963 and until the 19th century slave trade, timber and spice export was Lamu’s economic pillar, now tourism plays a huge role. The beauty of Lamu is that there are presently no cars in the island, every man owns a donkey, the one without is commonly referred to as one.
Lamu is amazingly away and forgotten from the modern outside world there is no better place to be if you ‘really’ need to get away. Especially after that Kenya safaris experience.
Children and women sit and play quietly in the narrow street that reminds one of the old Zurich town. All houses have a rooftop which is used as a patio indicative of a society where ‘hanging back’ and ‘catching the breeze’ is very important.
A one hour scheduled flight from Nairobi land you at Manda island then a 10 minutes boat ride gets you to either Lamu town or shella village. Both are very accommodative, the locals will smile and waive to welcome all in coming visitors and the homely feeling immediately sets in.
First class comfortable hotels are spread out thought the island, private three or four bedroom homes are popular to many families or friends wishing to have some privacy, for approx US$ 200 per day, you get a beach front private 3 beadroom house, comes with a cook and cleaner, give it a try at The Banana house.
If you are looking for mid range or budget options, there is plenty to choice from, as almost every traditional storey building is now bed and breakfast hotels.
Kizingo lodge the one of the most fascinating of all, someone should announce to the world that this is one undiscovered romance paradise. A middle aged couple who just spent five night at Kizingo wrote to me saying, ’I've promised that if any of the kids ever decide to get married I'll pay for a fortnight at Kizingo. If you haven't been there, you should go!’
Located on a 12 kilometer beautifully deserted beach on the southern tip of Lamu or 30 minutes ride from town, this small bare feet rustic lodge has six spacious bandas all lined up on the sea front, actually built on the sandy beach, flush toilets, solar heated fresh water, large verandah with a swinging hammock as just but some of the facilities. - It’s a natural, peaceful beautiful place you will want to wake up from each morning to catch that great sunrise and the annually cerebrated full moon. Swim with dolphins, dive and visit the local village and market place on a bike or just walk it – sa great spot to relax.
From your roof top don’t miss the sunset and the undisturbed dhows sailing into dock as fishermen arrive with loads for fresh fish to be distributed across the island.
If you are caught up in the Maulindi and full moon festivals just get rid of your shoes, dance and sing along - just say what they say, it all means well and again ‘Swahili’ is very polite and the most celebrated language in Africa.
Whist at Lamu also keeps an eye out for the intricately carved wooden doors and lintels for which the island is famous. I bet I saw a foreign couple ship a door back home, yes! They just… DHL I’d it, somehow!
Henry Kahuki is an online safari consultant based in Kenya. The operator of Magical Africa safaris Ltd. http://www.magicalafrica.net an eco-friendly safari agency catering for family safaris, senior travels, individual safaris and camping offers comprehensive safari arrangements in Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, http://www.magicalafrica.net/africa_safaris%20-%20Magical_Africa_Safaris_Ltd.htm lodge bookings, budget camping wildlife safaris in Kenya, luxury safaris, hotel reservations in Kenya, mount Kenya hiking, 4x4 car hire and more
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