Lamu Island & Lamu HotelsLamu is the Kenya’s oldest town. It was founded around the 13th Century. Lamu was originally a Swahili settlement area and that stretched from Somalia to Mozambique. Lamu was a thriving port town during the Portuguese invasions and the Omani domination in the 17th century. Lamu’s economy was slave based had a slave-based economy until the turn of the 20th century. When slavery was abolished in 1907 the economy of the island suffered greatly. Only recently has the influx of tourist dollars revitalized the town’s growth. Lamu still maintains the same ancient looks. It has kept over the centuries. It has narrow and winding streets that accommodate only pedestrians and donkeys. There are no cars therefore donkeys are the primary mode of transport. You can hire a donkey to ride around the island. Lamu residents are mostly Muslims and only a small number of non coastal people live here. The men still wear full length robes (khanzus) with caps (kofia). Women cover themselves in the black traditional Islamic cloth (buibui). Lamu was famous in the 1960’s and 70’s for its reputation as an exotic and remote society. Lamu’s popularity and tourism will is slowly eroding the unique culture, traditions and values of the Swahili settlement. Its economy is however heavily dependent on tourism. The architecture of Lamu is especially unique and breathtaking. Most buildings date back to the 18th century. They are constructed out of local materials. These include walls made from coral-rag blocks, wooden floors, mangrove poles and machete roofs. Places worth exploring include the villages of Shela and Matondoni, the Swahili House Museum, Lamu Fort and the Donkey Sanctuary. There is plenty of cheap accommodation in Lamu. The town is full of vibrant markets and good cheap restaurants. Lamu has beautiful beaches and plenty of coconut and mango plantations. Lamu is best accessed by air. There are scheduled flights daily from Nairobi, Mombasa, Diani Beach and Malindi. The island is serviced by an airstrip on neighbouring Manda Island. The winding streets of the towns are best explored on foot. Shela village and the beaches are also accessible by foot. Alternatively dhows regularly carry paying passengers back and forth from Lamu town to Shela. To access the surrounding islands of Manda, Pate or Siyu, either take an organized Dhow Safari or for the adventurous traveller, just hitch a ride on a passing dhow and explore. Lamu Hotels4 Star Lamu HotelPepeoni Hotel Peponi, Lamu Island 24 Kenya. 16 kms to the nearest airport. Cost $300 for double and twin bedrooms. Kipungani Bay Lodge 3 Star Lamu HotelsLamu Palace Hotel Stone House |