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| Adventure Safari | Trekking- Lamu is an ideal island for walking. The rolling sand dunes behind the beaches at Shela are well worth exploring. A lengthy hike along the beach from Shela to Kipungani on the opposite side of the island is very enjoyable. The beaches are completely deserted, and there are plenty of sea birds and massive groups of crabs to see on the way. The walk takes about 5 hours each way, but be prepared for the heat and take plenty of water. The best way to approach this  walk is to have a boat drop you at Kipungani in the morning and then walk to Shela for lunch. Those staying at Kipungani can arrange to be collected from Shela by boat.
Dhow Safaris
Special Dhow safaris through the Lamu archipelago offer tradition, culture and history and a genuine adventure visiting some of Kenya’s least known areas. The Tusitiri Dhow provides a luxurious sailing experience, with a unique opportunity to sail around the Lamu archipelago. Her spacious decks and gracious furnishings allow for up to 12 guests, with excellent local cuisine onboard.Guests sleep on deck under the stars on comfortable bedding. The dhow offers a range of adventure activities as it explores the waterborne wonders of Lamu.
For a longer, culturally based safari, the Museum offers a full dhow trip throughout the entire archipelago. A traditional dhow will carry you along the waters of the antique spice trade, through a beautiful tropical archipelago, discovering remarkable historical sites and visiting small villages where East Africa's Swahili culture is at its most pure and welcoming, with a safari that blends visits to the century old ruins and forts of the archipelago with time spent experiencing day to day island life.
In many cases, the two are inextricably linked. On the islands of Manda, Pate and Siyu villages and ruins have merged, and the same culture that built these forts, mosques and old stone towns still exists, mostly unchanged today.
To walk among theses villages is to experience a culture that has retained a sense of history and values its traditions. The same historical objects that you may see in the Lamu museum remain the stuff of life- from traditionally woven Siyu beds to elegantly carved wooden doors, embroidered wedding veils and traditional kanzu robes.
Nights are spent in local houses, with local people, who believe that welcoming outsiders is a blessing that repays the house over and over. Meals are traditional Swahili cuisine, taken on the rooftop of the house in the cool sea breeze, with bountiful fresh seafood, spice and coconut.
On the island of Siyu, guests leave the dhow behind and trek across the island on foot, using donkeys to carry their packs and supplies. This island trek passes through many small villages and ruins, before arriving at your host village for the night, where guests join a tradition ngoma celebration.
This unique safari experience combines real adventure, culture and romance in a stunning tropical paradise. It is ideal for anyone looking for a truly unusual experience. To see a full feature article on Dhow Safaris Click Here
Donkey Riding For a longer trip around the island, you may want to ride a donkey. This is the most common means of transport on the island and most locals are accomplished riders. This is an ideal way to explore the island.
You can either take a local guide with you, or arrange private donkey hire. There are usually no saddles and rudimentary bridles. Some people prefer to sit side saddle on the donkey, while others ride bareback. It is probably a good idea to have some riding experience before setting out for a solo donkey ride. Donkeys can be quite difficult to control, and when they do decide to move, can produce spectacular bursts of speed.
Ask local advice or at a hotel for the best available donkeys. |
See general information on this region....
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