Lamu Town

Lamu or Lamu Town is a small town on Lamu Island, which in turn is a part of the Lamu Archipelago in Kenya. Situated 341 kilometres (212 mi) by road northeast of Mombasa that ends at Mokowe Jetty, from where the sea channel has to be crossed to reach Lamu Island, it is the headquarter of Lamu County and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The town contains the Lamu Fort on the seafront, constructed under Fumo Madi ibn Abi Bakr, the sultan of Pate, and was completed after his death in the early 1820s. Lamu is also home to 23 mosques, including the Riyadha Mosque, built in 1900, and a donkey sanctuary.

Lamu Town Climate

The weather in Lamu Kenya is generally hot and humid throughout the year. The long rains come from April to July and the short rains from October to November. The mean daily temperature is around 22 degrees Celsius minimum and 30 degrees Celsius maximum.

Economic Activities in Lamu Town

Fish farming in Kenya and tourism has been the most important economic activity for Lamu. Mangrove export, commerce, traditional maritime activities, traditional woodcarving have provided a stable economic base for the growth of the town. Other economic activities include handicrafts such as making of kofias (traditional embroidery swahili hat), agriculture and carpentry.

History of Lamu Kenya

Lamu was established on its present site in the fourteenth century but there have been people living on the Island for even much longer than that. The fresh water supplies beneath Shela made Lamu Island very attractive to refugees from the mainland and people have been escaping here for 2000 years or more – most recently in the 1960s when Somali secessionists and cattle raiders caused havoc.

It was also one of the earliest places on the coast to attract settlers from the Persian Gulf. There were probably people from Arabia and southwest Asia living and intermarrying here even before the foundation of Islam. Lamu Kenya is something of a myth factory – classical as well as popular. Conventionally labeled “an old Arab trading town”, it is one of the last viable remnants of the Swahili civilization that was the dominant cultural force all along the coast until the arrival of the British.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Lamu’s unique blend of beaches, gently Islamic ambiance, funky old town, and population well used to strangers, was a recipe which took over where Marrakesh left off. It acquired a reputation as Kenya’s Kathmandu: the end of the (African) Hippie trail and a stop-over on the way to India. Lamu town itself is unendingly fascinating to stroll through. with few monuments but hundreds of ancient houses, arresting street scenes, and cool comers to sit and rest.

And the museum is exceptional, outshining all Kenya’s others but the National Museum in Nairobi. Initially confusing, Lamu is not the random clutter of houses and alleys it appears. Very few towns in Africa have kept their original town plan so intact (Timbuctoo in West Africa is another) and Lamu‘s history is sufficiently documented, and its architecture well enough preserved, to give you a good idea of how the town developed.

The division is between the waterfront buildings and the town behind them, separated by Usita wa Mui, now Harambee Avenue. Until around I830, this was the waterfront, but the pile of accumulated rubbish in the harbor had become large enough by the time the fort was finished to consider reclaiming it; gradually, those who could afford to build on it. The fort lost its pre-eminent position and Lamu, from the sea, took on a different aspect, which included Indian styles such as arches, verandas, and shuttered windows.

Behind the waterfront, the old town retained a second division between Mkomani district, to the north of the fort, and Langoni to the south. These locations are important as they distinguish the town’s long-established quarter (Mkomani) from the still-expanding district (Langoni)where traditionally newcomers have built their houses, often of mud and thatch rather than stone or modern materials. This north/south division is found in most Swahili towns and reflects the importance of Mecca, due north.

Lamu Town Museum

The museum has restored an eighteenth century house (the House Museum) to approximately its original appearance. Lamu‘s stone houses are unique, perfect examples of architecture appropriate to its setting. The basic design is of an open, topless box enclosing a large courtyard, around which are set inward-facing rooms on two or three floors. These rooms are thus long and narrow, their ceilings supported by close-set timbers or mangrove poles (boriti).

Most had exquisitely carved doors at one time, though in all but a few dozen homes these have been sold off to pay for upkeep. Many also had zidaka, plaster-work niches in the walls to give an illusion of extended space, which are now just as rare. Toilet arrangements are ingenious, with fish in the large water systems to eat the mosquito larvae. On the top floor, a makuti roof shades one side. In parts of Lamu these old houses are built so close together you could step across the street from one roof to another.

The private space inside Lamu‘s houses is inseparable and barely distinguishable from the public space outside: the noises of the town – donkeys, mosques, cats – percolate into the interiors, encouraged by the constant flow of air created by the narrow coolness of the dark streets and the heat which accumulates on upper surfaces exposed to the sun. There’s an excellent display of Lamu‘s architecture at the museum in Nairobi.

The one place everyone goes on Lamu is, of course, the beach; Lamu‘s beach is the real thing. Unprotected by a reef, the sea here has some motion to it for once: it is one of the few places on the coast where, at certain times of the year, you can bodysurf. You can either walk down to Shela Beach (about an hour) or you can take a motorboat or dhow.

The Magic of Lamu

Lamu confounds. The most hardened of travel writers, the most extensively traveled of tourists, and the most hedonistic of the glitterati are all rendered speechless by Lamu. Or cliché- bound. Because Lamu is exactly as described on the label. It’s enchanting, unbelievable, spellbinding, and addictive. From the moment of landing at its tiny toy-town airport, you know you’re in trouble.

The breeze caresses, the sea is wrap-around, the sky is lapis lazuli blue, and the people walking out across the tarmac to board the little plane you’ve just left are enchanted. They’re golden, white-clad, barefoot, and beaming. Some have hibiscus blossoms in their hair. And they don’t want to leave. Nor will you.

The Lamu archipelago is an Alice Through the Looking Glass world where everything is magically muddled. There aren’t any streets, just a maze of winding alleys. There aren’t any cars, just barrel-bellied donkeys ridden by bow-legged men in white dishdashas and pork pie hats.

There aren’t any sleek hotels, just blindingly-white Swahili mansions festooned in fuchsia-pink bougainvillea. There are no plush foyers, just huge carved doors swinging open to reveal cool, green Persian gardens. There are no supermarkets, just cavernous emporiums displaying hessian sacks of spices, cones of sugar, and glass cabinets stuffed with an eclectic collection of 1920s hairnets, henna, and hookah pipes.

The Mystique of Lamu

The ladies are veiled; the men wear wrap-around kikois rather than trousers. The children patter on bare feet through the alleys, and the old men gather to play dominoes in the crumbling medieval squares. Egyptian cats with huge ears and fathomless eyes prowl the streets: it’s said they are descended directly from the tomb cats of the pharaohs.

In the evening, you can hire a camel and set off for cocktails in the dunes. In the morning you can run on a deserted beach. At night, the sky is a spangle of stars. By day, you can swim in pellucid waters, board a dhow for a distant island, take a slow boat through the mangrove swamps, or mine the treasure trove of dark, dusty emporiums.

Facts About Lamu

The Lamu Archipelago is a cluster of hot low-lying desert islands running for some 60 km parallel to Kenya’s northern coastline. It comprises Lamu Island, Manda Island, Pate Island, and Kiwayu Island. Established in 1370, Lamu Town is Kenya’s oldest continually inhabited town. Throughout history, it has been influenced by the Arabs, the Portuguese, the Omanis, the Germans, the Sultan of Zanzibar, and the British.

And a dash of all of these influences has remained: the result is an exotic mélange that is both unique and entrancing. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Lamu is both a living museum and a flourishing community. Profoundly Muslim, the town echoes the wail of the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer, while the bustle of the markets, the squares, the waterfront, and the alleyways reflect a way of life virtually unchanged for centuries.

What to see in Lamu Kenya

Lamu Museum

Housed in a grand Swahili warehouse on the waterfront this dusty old museum provides an excellent insight into Swahili culture.

Lamu Fort

Built by the Sultan of Pate in the 1800s, this squat castle holds the island’s library and Swahili poetry collection.

Lamu Market

Atmospheric and chaotic this is the place to buy fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, and spices.

Swahili House

Visit this perfectly preserved mansion for the full-on flavor of Swahili life.

Lamu Donkey Sanctuary

A man without a donkey IS a donkey or so says the Swahili proverb and this sanctuary is devoted to giving sanctuary to some 3,000 donkeys that can no longer work.

Shela

An enchanted fishing village with 12 km of pristine beach.

The German Post Office Museum

Built by the German East Africa Company in the late 1800s, this is now a photographic museum covering the brief period of German rule.

Kipungani in Lamu

A place of dreamy beaches and the centre for dhow building and palm-mat weaving.

Manda Island Lamu

A short boat hop from Lamu, this is a place of dunes and mangroves, and also the fabulous Takwa Ruins, all that remains of a glorious 15th-century city.

Pate Island Lamu

A forgotten Swahili world, also the site of Shanga the world’s most complete example of a medieval Swahili town.

Kiwayu Island Lamu

Remote, pristine, and romantic, Kiwayu lies at the far northeast of the archipelago and has a reputation for causing all its visitors to fall hopelessly in love.

The Kiunga Marine National Reserve

A pristine string of 51 rugged coral isles, ringed by rainbow coral reefs, Kiunga promises wheeling seabirds, rare turtles, magical dugongs, and an underwater world of unbelievable color, discovery, and vibrancy.

Lamu Culture Shop

Unique buys include carved furniture, Arabian antiques, copper lanterns, handmade jewelry and exotic fashions.

What to do in Lamu

A place of clear blue perennially warm waters, Lamu is a water lover’s paradise: choose from snorkelling, diving, numerous watersports and dhow trips to deserted sand spits. It’s also a great place for walking the dunes and beaches or camel riding.

Lamu Festivals

Lamu excels in festivals; the most famous is Maulidi, which features dhow races, donkey races, poetry, theatre, and an extravaganza of food. There is also a Cultural Festival, an Art Festival and a Yoga Festival.

Lamu Cuisine

An extravagant fusion of Arabic and African, Swahili cuisine is a sublime blend of impossibly fresh fish, coconut, lime, spices, and rice with plenty of fabulous fruit juices and spiced Arabic coffee.

Accommodation and Hotels in Lamu Kenya

Garden House

Category: Hotels in Lamu Kenya

Garden House is situated on the edge of Shela Village, near the sand dunes that fringe the village. At the corner of a walled garden, this graceful house is shaded by neem trees that attract plentiful birdlife. The house is furnished with traditional Lamu furniture and adorned with local artifacts. There are 2 en-suite double rooms and 1 en~suite twin. The ground floor has a dining room and seating area, and the rooftop has comfortable baraza seats and sunbeds.

Palm House Hotel

Category: Hotels in Lamu Kenya

A striking Swahili-style house, Palm House centers on an open court yard, with a side garden. The house is whitewashed, with a thatched roof, furnished with traditional Lamu furniture, and adorned with local artifacts. There are 3 en-suite doubles and 1 en—suite twin. The dining and living areas, on the ground floor, open onto the terrace.

Shella Island Hotel

Category: Hotels in Lamu Kenya

Shella Island Hotel is on the fringe of Shela Village, with views over the sand dunes. The hotel is a whitewashed building, decorated in traditional Swahili style with Lamu furniture. Pot plants are placed throughout the house. There are 6 en-suite rooms, made up of 1 single, 3 doubles and 2 triples. The triples contain 2 small double beds and a single.

Sultan’s Palace Hotel

Category: Hotels in Lamu Kenya

Sultan’s Palace is a traditional Lamu house, estimated to be 100 years old. The building was renovated and converted into a hotel and opened in 2004. It is affiliated to Petleys and Lamu Palace Hotel, both of which are on the Lamu seafront. There are 4 en~suite rooms and 2 pehthouses. The rooms are furnished with Lamu 4-poster beds, tables, and chairs. The hotel serves breakfast; room service can be ordered from Lamu Palace Hotel.

Peponi Hotel

Category: Hotels in Lamu Kenya

With a name that means heaven in Swahili, Peponi Hotel is a beachfront paradise. The hotel opened in 1967 and has remained in the hands of the same family ever since.
There are 24 en-suite rooms, made up of 14 standard and 10 superior. Each room is individually designed and adorned with traditional artifacts.

Msafini Hotel

Category: Hotels in Lamu Kenya

In a sea of whitewashed buildings, Msafini Hotel’s bright yellow facade stands out. The hotel opened in 2009 and combines traditional style with modern architecture. There are 14 en-suite rooms, made up of doubles, twins, and triples. Each room has a private balcony. The hotel can be booked for private functions, either as a whole, or part. Mango Restaurant, on the rooftop, has panoramic views of the sea, Manda Island, and the dunes.

The chef specializes in seafood, and the menu includes snapper, barracuda, grouper, calamari, prawns, oysters and lobster. Traditional Swahili food is also available. Buffets can be arranged on request. Guests are welcome to use the internet in the manager’s office. There is also a swimming pool, shaded by vivid bougainvillea.

Kitendentini Bahari Hotel

Category: Hotels in Lamu Kenya

Behind Lamu County Council, Kitendentini Bahari Hotel is in a convenient location for the shops and buildings of Main Street, and for the Lamu Museum and donkey sanctuary. The hotel offers budget accommodation, around a central courtyard with pot plants and coral walls. There are 21 en—suite rooms. The rooms are furnished with double and single beds, fridge, fan, table and chair.

Lamu Palace Hotel

Category: Hotels in Lamu Kenya

Lamu Palace Hotel is a whitewashed building with a thatched roof, located directly on the seafront in Lamu Old Town. There are 22 en-suite rooms and 1 suite. The rooms are all furnished with laniu 4—poster beds. They are on the 1st and 2nd floors, both floors have communal sea facing balconies.

The suite has a minibar, satellite TV, kettle, and 24-hour room service. There is WiFi throughout the hotel. The ground floor restaurant serves a wide variety of 0fAfrican and international cuisine, as well as Japanese tepanyaki arid Italian pizza. Dishes include tuna sashirrii, ealaniari allegro, grilled lobster, chateaubriand, and crispy soya chicken. The bar is fully stocked with soft drinks, beers, wines, and spirits, furnished with comfortable.

Bahati House Hotel

Category: Hotels in Lamu Kenya

Bahati House is a traditional Lamu house, built on 3 floors around an open courtyard. The house is fully staffed and is taken on a self-catering basis. There are 5 en-suite bedrooms, all furnished with king-size beds. Each floor has a sitting area. The rooftop terrace overlooks the sea and the dunes, it provides plenty of lounging space and has a Moroccan corner and a swing bed.

The chef uses fresh, local ingredients; guests are welcome to discuss their food preferences with him. Both Lamu Old Town and Shela Village provide a wealth of activities.
For further information please visit: Bahati House Hotel

Petleys Hotel

Category: Hotels in Lamu Kenya

Directly opposite the jetty, Petleys is a landmark on the Lamu seafront. The tall whitewashed building has attractive rooms, a swimming pool with a terrace, and a glass-fronted rooftop bar with views across the sea.

Getting into and around Lamu Town

The best means of getting into the town is by air. There are different flights from different cities like a direct one from Nairobi, Mombasa, and Malindi. The region’s airstrip is located in Manda Airstrip, a short boat ride from Lamu Island. It can also be reached from Mombasa by road which takes about 6-7 hours. It is a bit expensive but it is faster hiring a car from Malindi and Mombasa. Donkeys are the only mode of transport in the town.

Lamu Ornithology

Ornithologists will be transported by the mesmeric flights of seabirds: roseate tern, sooty gull, white-cheeked tern, bridled tern, brown node, and crab plovers.

Where is Lamu located in Kenya?

Lamu is located in Kenya on the northern coast of the country in the Indian Ocean.

How many islands are in Lamu?

The Lamu Archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean close to the northern coast of Kenya, to which it belongs. The islands lie between the towns of Lamu and Kiunga, near the Coast Province. It is a part of Lamu District.

Lamu Town Activities

• Visit Lamu Old Town
• Visit Shela Beach
• Visit Lamu Museum
• Visit Siyu Fort
• Visit German Post Office Museum
• Visit Swahili Woodcarving Art

Kenya Coast

The Kenyan coast is lined with pristine white sand beaches fringing the warm inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. The Kenya coast wilderness meets the sea, and the ocean itself holds a world of spectacular coral reefs teeming with life and color.

Kenyan coast has beautiful white beaches with palm trees, warm sea water, coral reefs, and sand dunes. The average temperature is 82°F (28°C) but there is a relaxing cool breeze from the sea History of the Kenyan coast has a very interesting and unique culture. It is a place where Arabs and Africans lived together and created a new culture, unique only to the coastal province of Kenya.

Early coastal Kenya settlements grew into towns with Arab and African inhabitants. Intermarriage was common and a unique culture developed that resembled the people of the Islamic Gulf states. Today, the people of the Kenyan coast region are Swahili, who speak a blended Arabic and African language called Kiswahili.

The Portuguese first arrived at the coastal Kenya region in 1500 and gained control of the entire Kenyan coast region. They built the historic Fort Jesus for protection. Trade flourished until 1698 when the Sultans of Oman attacked and conquered Fort Jesus and the entire Kenyan coast. Now under the control of the Seyyid Said, the Omani Ruler, trade resumed including the exports of coconut, cloves, ivory and hides.

Slave Trade was banned in 1800. The British took control of Kenyas interior but left the 10-mile wide Kenyan coast strip to the Sultan. In 1920 this coastal Kenyan region too became a British protectorate.

Kenyan Coastline

Protected by its own barrier reef, the Kenyan coastline rolls serenely north of Mombasa via the endless beaches of Bamburi, into the quaintly pretty Kilifi Creek, and on up to the lazy languor of Watamu, Malindi and Lamu. To the south, it swings through the magnificent crescent of Diani Beach and on down to the Tanzania border. For much of its journey, the Kenyan coastline is backed only by waving coconut palms.

Occasionally it is punctuated by the bustle and brilliance of hotels, beach bars, camels, and skittering kite surfers; sometimes by the coral-grey ruins of an ancient Swahili settlement; sometimes by a buttress of bulbous baobab trees; sometimes by a deserted mosque.
Behind the southern beaches, though, rise the elephant-patrolled woodlands of the Shimba Hills: behind the northern beaches the red-dust reaches of Tsavo East National Park.

Above all, the Indian Ocean coastline is a journey: from past to present and from holiday paradise to pristine wilderness.

Kenyan Coast Today

Today, the Kenyan coast is full of historical sites, trading ports, beautiful beaches, and luxury resorts. It is the place that truly reflects Kenya’s rich cultural heritage. Unique to the Kenyan coast is the harmonious mix of African, Arabic, and European cultures. A trip to the Kenyan coast gives an opportunity to kick back and relax in the sun, scuba-dive, big-game fishing trip or take a dhow cruise in Coastal Kenya waters. You can also discover the traditions and culture of the Kenyan coast people.

The coastal province of Kenya is now a major tourist attraction area with the warm Indian Ocean waters providing some of the best places for snorkeling and diving. Other Coastal Kenya attractions are its enormous game fish and coral reefs located at Malindi, Watumu Bay, and Shimoni. The Kenyan coast town of Mombasa has the Kenyan coast’s biggest seaport and is Kenya’s second-largest city. This colorful city has both ancient and modern influences.

The old town and its narrow winding streets offer beautiful sights of nicely carved doors, narrow verandahs, bazaars, and curio shops. Fort Jesus, built in 1593 by the Portuguese is Kenyan coast’s biggest attraction, serving as a historical museum.

The Kenyan Coast: Kenya’s marine ‘Big Five’… and where to spot them…

Ask most visitors about Kenya’s ‘Big Five’, and they’ll think you’re talking about the safari stars (lion, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, and leopard). But it’s a lesser-known fact that Kenya hosts another Big Five – the marine mega-stars (dolphin, turtle, whale, shark and dugong).
Five of the world’s seven species of turtle are found in Kenya – green, hawksbill, and olive ridleys nest along the coast, and the loggerheads and leatherbacks migrate through the waters.

As for dolphins and whales, visitors can expect to see Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, spinner dolphins, and humpback whales, with occasional sightings of killer whales, sperm whales, and dwarf minke whales. More unusual species include pilot whales, Bryde’s whales, striped dolphins, and more recently, Pan Tropical spotted dolphins. Rarer still is the dugong, more commonly known as the sea cow.

Kenya has five major marine reserves all of which offer spectacular marine tours, most of which are run by community boat operators for the good of the local community as a whole.
They are: Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve, Malindi Marine National Park, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, Kiunga Marine National Reserve, Watamu Marine National Park.

Visitors Guide to the Kenyan Coast

Kenyan Coast – Kenya’s South Coast

The south coastline south of Mombasa is a tropical paradise of palm-fringed white sand beaches, where the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean meet beautiful coral reefs. The protective reefs have created ideal beaches with calm, inviting waters. Days are filled with sunshine and nights are balmy and warm with gentle sea breezes. The offshore reefs are alive with coral, a myriad of fish, sea turtles, and dolphins.

Both outer and inner reef walls offer world-class diving with spectacular coral gardens and drop-offs. At Kisite-Mpunguti, a Marine Reserve has been established around beautiful Wasini Island, an ideal day trip for divers and snorkelers. The beaches are bordered by lush green coastal rainforests with prolific birdlife and a variety of wildlife including baboons, rare colobus monkeys, and even leopards.

A wide range of World Class resorts, centered around Diani Beach allow visitors to relax and enjoy this natural paradise with the best standards of accommodation, service, and cuisine.

Kenyan Coast – North of Mombasa

The coastline North of Mombasa is a world of enthralling history and natural beauty. The coast is lined with pristine palm-fringed beaches and the calm inviting waters of the Indian Ocean.
The beaches are broken by the wide mouth of Kilifi Creek, whose azurewaters are a popular port of call on the international yachting circuit. The beaches of Nyali, Vipingo, Kikambala, and Shanzu are home to a wide range of world-class resorts with fine cuisine and services.

The peaceful beach havens of Mtwapa and Takaungu offer an ideal escape from the outside world, with endless deserted beaches. The offshore reefs are alive with coral, myriad fish, sea turtles and dolphins. Both outer and inner reef walls offer world-class diving with spectacular coral gardens and drop-offs, and Kenya’s best wreck diving on the MV Dania.

Kenyan Coast – Lamu

Lamu is a place like no other, a peaceful tropical island where life is lived at it’s own relaxed rhythm, but a place whose history is as mysterious and fascinating as the winding streets of it’s 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 Old Town

But Lamu’s real attraction is its Old Town. The town of Lamu began life as a 14th century Swahili settlement, but the island has seen many visitors and influences, including Portuguese explorers, Turkish traders, and Omani Arabs. All left their mark, but Lamu developed its own particular culture, which has ultimately endured.

Lamu’s 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, and the donkey and the dhow remain the dominant form of transport.

Kenyan Coast – Nyali & Bamburi

Nyali Beach and Bamburi Beach, located on the south east coast, facing the lndian Ocean offers long miles of pale sandy beach, backed by private villas, hotels and gardens. They are suitable for those seeking a beach holiday with the convenience of Mombasas urban attractions dose at hand.

Kenyan Coast – Shanzu

Shanzu, about 20 kilometers from Mombasa city along the Indian Coast, is a town, a lovely spot, with superb beaches and many beautiful and interesting places to visit. To get to Shanzu, take the main Mombasa – Malindi highway north and cross the Nyali Bridge.The Shanzu Holiday Market has lots of small shops and a Bazaar offering a large collection of local crafts at very good prices.

Kenyan Coast – Haller Park

Haller is the largest animal sanctuary in Mombasa. Visiting the park fascinating experience, with its giant tortoises and giraffes.

Kenyan Coast – Ngogmongo Villages

Ngomongo Villages, situated 500 meters off the Mombasa- Malindi road near Mombasa, is a spectacular Eco-cultural tourist village. The park is home to a variety of bird life, crocodiles, fish among other species, in addition to a well-maintained forest and a wetland consisting of three lakes. There is a collection of 9 diverse rural Kenya tribal households, each one complete with huts, and domestic and wild animals.

Kenyan Coast – Fort Jesus

The Portuguese built Fort Jesus in l593. The site chosen was a coral ridge at the entrance to the harbor. The fort was built to secure the safety of the Portuguese living on the East Coast of Africa. It has had a long history of hostilities by interested parties that used to live in Mombasa. Perhaps no Fort in Africa has experienced such turbulence as Fort Jesus.The Omani Arabs attacked the Fort from I696 to I698.

Kenyan Coast – Lamu

Going to the remote archipelago of Lamu is like traveling back in time. As Kenya’s oldest town, Lamu has retained its appearance and character over the centuries. The town has narrow streets, no cars and the only means of transport are donkeys, or by sea and motor powered boats.The Lamu area contains wildlife and wide beaches. The beauty of this ancient world is celebrated daily. However, every year during the annual Lamu festival all are welcome to experience the; marvel of this coastal gem.

Kenyan Coast – Malindi

Malindi is a place full of  history dating back to the 15th Century when the Portuguese visited our shores, making it a prime trading post. Sometimes referred to as Little Italy, Malindi is located at  the centre of a strip of idyllic tropical beaches offering the visitor a range of world class resorts and quiet relaxing hideaways. The Vasco Da Game Pillar in Malindi stands just south of the town at Vasco Dagama Point. The pillar marks the last stop in Africa before Vasco Dagama sailed across the Indian Ocean to India in 1498.

Kenyan Coast – Watamu

Watamu offers a wide white sandy beaches front. This tranquil haven is home to  several well-established resorts such as Turtle Bay Beach Hotel, Blue Bay Village, Watamu Beach Hotel, Hemingways Resort, and many private guesthouses scattered through the forest along the shore. In this area, Watamu Marine National Park is the ideal spot for divers and snorkellerg alike, The Marine Park boasts over 600 species of fish in just 10 square kilometers

What To Do At The Kenyan Coast

The Kenyan coast is lined with beautiful beaches and with the beauty comes luxurious hotels and resorts, scenic sites, and loads of activities and fun for tourists of all ages to enjoy.

Kenya Coast – Water Sports

The Indian Ocean plays host to a number of water sports. Apart from swimming, other  sporting and fun activities common at the  Kenyan coast are snorkeling, deep sea diving,  game fishing, board surfing, kite surfing,  kayaking, canoeing, boating among many  More activities.

Kenya Coast – Beach games

Kenya‘s long coastline provides a large beach for ball games on the beach. One could enjoy beach volleyball or soccer, and kids could build sand castles with and play other sand games. ‘

Kenya Coast – Sites to see

One of the most famous tourist sites along the Kenyan coast is Fort Jesus. Once a fort owned by the Portuguese in 1593. Fort Jesus is currently a museum of priceless heritage. Then there are the Gedi Ruins which are said to have existed in the l400s. These ruins are set in a beautiful forest setting where you hear birds chirp and see beautiful butterflies fly past you as you walk through. A blend of modern and ancient buildings along its beautiful streets, exotic dishes served in the E various hotels and the entire Swahili  Arabic ambiance is an experience to savour.

Kenya Coast – Cultural tours

While at the Kenyan coast you can take a tour through the local villages. The tours vary in experience. For example a tour to the Ngomongo village you get to see maasai ancers, eat honeycomb and drink traditional brews like muratina. A tour to bombolulu will ensure you a unique shopping experience of crafts and other sourvenir items. Other cultural tours to the Miji-kenda villages and other tribal show-casings are not only eye-opening but only an opportunity to appreciate the cultural heritage of the hospitable coastal people.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kenya’s Coast

What places should I visit in Mombasa

• Fort Jesus – It was built between 1593 and 1596 and is one of the most visited tourist attraction in Mombasa.
• Mombasa Marine National Park – It is located between the Mtwapa and Tudor Creeks in Mombasa, its blue waters are ideal for windsurfing, water skiing, snorkelling, and diving.
• Mamba Village Centre – This is a crocodile farm that is located on the Northern coast of Mombasa, Here you can get a close-up of crocodiles, learn more about them, and even watch the crocodiles fighting for food during feeding.

What Languages are spoken in Mombasa

Swahili is the language spoken by the majority of the inhabitants of Mombasa. Although English is also widely spoken. Some words to consider knowing are;

• Hello =   Jambo / hujambo / Salama
• How are you? = Habari gani
• Fine (response) = Nzuri
• Goodbye = Kwa heri
• Yes = Ndiyo
• No = Hapana

How Large is Mombasa

It is the country’s oldest and second-largest city, with a population of about 1,208,333, It stands at an elevation of 50 Metres, The area is 294.7 km².

What is the best time to visit Mombasa | Kenyan Coast

One of the most convenient times to visit Kenya is from July to September, during the country’s dry season, which also coincides with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. The rainy seasons are also great periods to travel as there are fewer people.

Coastal Towns in Kenya

• Watamu
• Lamu
• Mombasa
• Malindi
• Voi
• Mazeras
• Mariakani
• Kilifi