Things to do in Lamu
Things to do in Lamu : Africa’s Lamu Island is a unique beach and cultural attraction. You will soon forget the tension and fast-paced lifestyle of your home country thanks to the island’s 14th-century heritage, which reflects a simpler moment in history. In recognition of the important global cultural treasure located in what is now the oldest settled Swahili town south of the Sahara, UNESCO designated the ancient town of Lamu a World Heritage Site in late 2001. The island is part of the same-named archipelago and is surrounded by a number of other islands, notably the two bigger Pate and Manda islands. Since there is only a narrow strait separating the islands from Kenya’s mainland, boats are the principal means of access to these islands.
The Kiunga Marine National Reserve protects some of the archipelago’s coral reefs and their habitats, which are important natural resources. Soft sand beaches, coral reefs, and mangrove forests are typical ecosystems in the area. Along with sea turtles, which are frequent visitors and the focus of numerous conservation initiatives, migratory birds depend on the islands as hatching grounds. From the tiniest sea creature to the enormous game fish that taunt every angler who visits Lamu Island, Safari in Kenya guests will discover an overwhelming diversity of marine life beneath the water. Visit the Dodori animal reserve in Kiwayu for on-land animal encounters.
Lamu and the neighbouring islands also have historical and archaeological treasures. The historic fort, which was constructed in 1812 to defend the city from invasions, is located in the middle of the town. Several ruins that provide a rich history of the several conflicts fought to gain control of the waterways of the major trade routes are dispersed throughout the archipelago. The years of external influences from Arabia, Europe, India, Persia, and many other places are evident even in Lamu Old Town’s architecture.
The island of Lamu extends beyond its old town. If you take a boat or walk around the island, you will encounter the quiet village of Shela. At the edge of this quiet village is a stretch of sand that stretches over seven miles to Kipungani. The pace in Shela is even more laid-back than in Lamu old town, and you will wish you never had to leave. If you want to go even farther away, visit Kiwayu Island and Manda Island to experience what it’s like to live on the beach. Kenya Safari tours will plan your coastal travel and make sure that every detail is exactly how you want it.
Tour attractions in Lamu
Lamu Old Town
Lamu Old town is a bizarre place with narrow streets that meander through a labyrinth of stone homes, outdoor marketplaces, and quaint stores. The architecture, cuisine, and people all give the impression that you are in a place that has completely embraced the influences of Persian, European, Arabic, and Indian civilisations and appears to have remained unaltered by time. As you listen to the gentle clatter of a donkey passing by and follow the scent of various spices from nearby residences, the outside world dissolves. You’re not the only one who has a strong affection for Lamu Old Town; the municipality on Kenya’s coast has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved character.
You first witness the majesty of the fine details when your kenya safari tour guide takes you inside the town’s main buildings. Those that are situated near the water offer balconies, large verandas, and roof-top terraces that let residents take in the breathtaking views of the ocean and cool breezes. Other ornate features include large and small cubby holes, known alternatively as madaka and zidaka, and hand-painted, antiquated Chinese porcelain in the museum that will make any art lover envious.
The buildings’ interiors have courtyards that offer seclusion and shade, and they are frequently beautifully planted with local flora. Numerous local craftspeople can be found on Lamu Old Town’s main streets, and they are happy to discuss the details of their creations with you. You may also buy their goods as presents or souvenirs of your trip to the island. The historic fort and Lamu Museum are located in the town centre. The museum has numerous artefacts that chronicle the history of the island, and the fort was constructed in 1812 to defend the occupants from Omani raids.
Dhow safaris
Dhows have been traversing the Indian Ocean since the beginning of the great commercial routes that transported products from distant places, and the ocean plays a significant role in Kenyan life along the coast. You may join one of these magnificent ships and travel along the same island trade channels on your daring coastal vacation to Lamu Island with kenya safari. You will have a nice and restful time sailing because the ocean’s calm waves are ideal for it.
The magic of the dhow is revealed when you sail and dine under a moonlit sky. A dhow safari takes you to nearby islands to visit pristine beaches, remote villages, and historical ruins that tell of the cultural and natural treasures that are nestled within the region. You can spend a few hours on the water or request a day-long to multi-day sailing trip to discover every secret that is hidden in the Lamu Archipelago.
Kiunga Marine National Reserve
Kiunga Marine National Reserve is a group of about fifty coral reefs and calcareous isles located just off the northern coast of Kenya. The reserve shares borders with two additional terrestrial reserves, Dodori and Boni, and stretches more than 37 kilometres parallel to the shore. The reserve’s islands vary in size and are situated 1.25 miles from Lamu Island’s beaches on the inland side of the bordering reef. The only gaps in the vertical bulk are places on the inland side that have been worn away by the saltwater. The sheer cliff walls compel attention as you approach the islets on your snorkelling adventure. The reserve’s protected status guarantees the preservation of numerous important habitats, both on land and in the water.
Deep sea fishing
A selective and excellent place to go big game fishing is the Lamu Archipelago. Kenya safari offers half-day or full-day deep sea fishing trips that allow you to get up close and personal with some of the largest finned animals in the Indian Ocean. Sailfish, barracuda, big trevally, tuna, kingfish, and marlin, including black, striped, and blue, are among the enormous fish you will have the opportunity to catch while fishing in the vast deep ocean or in a creek. Even while fishing captains on Lamu Island adhere to a rigorous catch and release policy to preserve the population of these fish, attempting to catch one of these marine monsters will still be an exhilarating and demanding experience.
Donkey Race
Residents of Lamu commemorate the annual Maulidi carnival with celebrations throughout the lunar month of Rabi’ al-Awwal. Donkey racing is one of the celebration’s most well-liked activities. In addition to being a charming feature of your trip to this coastal hamlet, Lamu Island’s domesticated donkeys give the locals a much-needed, land-based form of transportation.
Due to their daily use of donkeys, the Swahili people of Lamu have a distinct advantage. As a result, the race can be quite competitive, with the winner earning a much desired title. The spectators shout for their favourite rider as the incredibly gifted jockeys expertly ride their donkeys the whole distance through the town. A fun and enjoyable aspect of your tropical beach vacation in Kenya is donkey racing on Lamu Island.
Dhow Racing
It is hardly surprising that dhow races are common and that the victors receive high honours because the Swahilis of Lamu are known for their skill in building and sailing dhows. Bringing their highly valued, exquisite dhows with them, the best captains congregate near Lamu’s historic town Shela coasts during these occasions. To draw the townspeople’s attention and hopefully win the most support for their cherished sailing dhow, the ships and their crew are lavishly exalted among their devotees. Up to fifteen racing dhows swiftly overrun the waters off the coast of Lamu on race day, and both islanders and visitors congregate on the shore to support their favourite captain. An almost tangible electricity permeates the community as the anticipation grows.
The primary racing season runs from July to April, when the winds are ideal for showcasing the dhows’ top speed. New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, the Maulidi holiday, Eid ul-Fitr (Ramadan), and the Lamu Cultural Festival in November are all occasions for special races. Kenya safari strongly advises seeing the dhow race, which is exclusive to Lamu in eastern Africa, if you are there during that time.
Water sports
Kitesurfing and windsurfing are two of the most popular water sports that Kenya Safari tours can arrange for all skill levels; beginners are taught by local instructors who will gladly and patiently explain how to maximise your fun and safety. With deep blue water and gorgeous sand beaches right outside your door, it is difficult to resist the opportunity to enjoy everything that the Indian Ocean has to offer. Lamu Island is an activity-rich destination for those who love the thrill of skimming across the water.
When the tides and winds are suitable, we can also set up wakeboarding, kayaking, kitesurfing, sailing, waterskiing, and Ras Kitau Bay. Manda Island’s natural layout provides yet another perfect spot for waterskiing because, even at high tide, the water is rather quiet among the mangroves. Both children’s and adults’ equipment is available, and the boat crew assists you with setting it up and makes sure you have a great time safely.
