Lamu – An unexplored island of Kenya
All India, 19th August 2015 : Lamu is a place like no other, a peaceful tropical island where life is lived at its own relaxed rhythm, but a place whose history is as mysterious and fascinating as the winding streets of its medieval stone town. The island itself is a beautiful place of rolling dunes and endless beaches, where tiny villages nestle among coconut and mango plantations and lateen sailed dhows ply the waters.
Lamu town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Swahili culture and style of Lamu are a rich cultural mix of East African, Arab, and Indian influences. Built in coral stone and mangrove timber, the town is characterized by the simplicity of structural forms enriched by such features as inner courtyards, verandas, and elaborately carved wooden doors. Lamu has hosted major Muslim religious festivals since the 19th century, and has become a significant centre for the study of Islamic and Swahili cultures.
A part of Kenyas Lamu Archipelago, Lamu Island is undoubtedly one of the top holiday destinations and has retained all the charm and character built up over centuries. The important inhabited part of this island is known as Lamu Old Town. In addition to Lamu Town, there are three villages on Lamu Island which are also very good examples of natural beauty; they are Shela village, Matondoni, and Kipungani.
Lamus narrow streets remain unchanged, and in the markets and squares around the fort life moves at the same pace as it always has. There are no vehicles on this island, the donkey and dhow remain the dominant form of transport. Life slows down here, and long days are spent strolling along the waterfront, exploring the town or relaxing on the beaches.
Dhow safaris can take you beyond Lamu into the surrounding archipelago, where isolated villages, ancient ruins and a few luxurious, exclusive resorts lie hidden among the islands of Manda, Siyu, Pate and Kiwayu.
Go shopping for beautiful clothes, kangas and kikoys, leather work, carved wooden furniture, and silver jewellery. Snorkelling, dhow sailing, kayaking and dolphin watching are the few activities that one can one in Lamu.
There are daily direct flights Nairobi, Mombasa, Diani Beach and Malindi. The island is serviced by an airstrip on neighbouring Manda Island. The strip can also be used by private charters. A dhow ferries arriving passengers to either Lamu town or Shela. Many yachts also come to Lamu, often sheltering in the channel near Shela.
This idyllic island speaks to the heart and soul, and a trip to Lamu is a romantic experience that can become a lifelong affair.
For more information please contact:
Kenya Tourism Board www.magicalkenya.com
C/o TRAC Representations India Pvt. Ltd.
Ms. Akanksha Sharma
Operations Office: M-2, Mezzanine Floor, Kanchenjunga Building, 18, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi-110001, India
Registered Office: A-61, 6th Floor, Himalaya House, 23, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi – 110001, India
Tel: +91.11. 23311289 | Mobile: 09873812364 | Fax: +91.11. 23350270 | Email : pr@tracrep.com
CIN No – U74899DL1992PTC051003
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