Lamu Island, Kenya
Lamu Island, Kenya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich culture, traditional architecture, and stunning beaches. Visitors can explore the narrow streets of the Old Town, relax on the golden sand beaches, and enjoy the unique Swahili cuisine.
Trip to Lamu Island, Kenya
Day 1: Arrival and Island Tour
Upon your arrival at the Lamu Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative who will escort you to your hotel. After check-in, we will embark on a tour of the Island, starting with the Old Town. You will take a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the town, lined with historic Swahili houses that date back to as far as the 18th century. You will stop at the Lamu Museum, which tells the story of the town’s history and culture. Later in the day, you will take a sunset boat ride to see the beauty of the town from the water. The ride will culminate at the Forodhani Gardens where you’ll get to enjoy a dinner of Swahili cuisine.
Day 2: Beach Day
Today is reserved for a lazy day on the beach. We’ll take you to one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the area. You can swim, sunbathe, read, or enjoy some local food and drinks at one of the beach shacks. We recommend venturing out to Shela Beach, where you can take a long walk along the pristine white sand and swim in the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
Day 3: Snorkeling and Dhow Cruise
Today, we’ll take you on a dhow cruise where you will discover some of the most beautiful coral reefs and marine life in the area. The cruise will take you to Manda Toto Island, where you can snorkel and swim in the warm waters, watching different species of fish and marine creatures. You’ll enjoy a quintessential Swahili lunch of grilled seafood on the beach before returning to Lamu.
Day 4: Explore Lamu’s Outskirts
Today, we will take you to the outskirts of Lamu to see how the locals live and what makes Lamu such a unique place. We’ll visit Matondoni Village, a small traditional village famous for its boat-building industry, and learn about the art of constructing traditional dhow boats. You will then go on to visit a traditional Swahili village and experience the unique culture of the Swahili people. In the evening, you can visit the bars and clubs in Lamu town to get a taste of the local nightlife scene.
Day 5: Visit the Takwa Ruins
Today, we’ll take you to the Takwa Ruins. These ancient ruins are located on Manda Island, on the outskirts of Lamu. The ruins are over 500 years old and are an interesting insight into the history of the region. You will learn about the significance of the ruins and how they relate to Swahili culture. After visiting the ruins, we’ll take a leisurely walk through the mangroves where you will see the diverse plant and birdlife of the region.
Day 6: Shopping in Lamu
Today, you’ll have the chance to shop for some of the picturesquely unique and locally-made goods at the Lamu market. You can buy handmade crafts, textiles, souvenirs, and curious items that will serve as a reminder of your trip. We will also tour through the archipelago by boat for a better view of the different coastal islands. There will be opportunities to stop, swim and sunbathe on secluded beaches and indulge in delicious Swahili lunch along the way.
Day 7: Departure
Today is the last day of your trip and you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
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