Lamu Holiday
Lying just off Kenya‘s far north coast is a string of beautiful Indian Ocean islands – Lamu, Manda, Pate, Kiwayu and Manda Toto – known collectively as the Lamu Archipelago. An area of archaeological and historical interest as well as great natural beauty, these islands are well worth visiting for a more tranquil and away-from-the-crowds Kenya beach holiday, especially when compared to the busier and more developed central and southern parts of the coast.
Largely unvisited until quite recently, the Lamu Archipelago is now home to some lavishly luxurious accommodation in stunning settings. Popular as a post-safari add-on, activities include snorkelling and scuba diving (best between November and March when the water is clearest), historical walking tours, dhow sailing trips, sea kayaking and diving with dolphins. Flying is the best way to reach the archipelago and the airport is located on Manda Island from where you will be transferred to your hotel or lodge by boat.
Lamu Island, a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2001 and a centre of Swahili and Islamic culture for over 700 years, is the most popular and most developed of the islands and its hotels have gained a well-deserved reputation for delivering a superb ‘barefoot luxury’ experience. Expect great beaches, dazzling coral reefs, a wealth of activities, great cuisine and friendly, discreet service while on a Lamu holiday.
Lamu Old Town is worth exploring – either on your own or as part of an organised tour – and there are plenty of opportunities to pick up traditional clothing, silver jewellery and leatherwear. Note that Islamic Lamu Island is conservative and visitors would do well to respect local customs and adhere to recommended dress codes while away from the beaches.
Less developed Manda Island offers a more exclusive feel just across the narrow channel from Lamu Island. It’s virtually uninhabited but besides the archipelago’s airport, the island is home to several archeologically important sites including the ruined towns of Takwa and Manda. Excavations at the sites have revealed their historical legacy, finding Chinese porcelain and Islamic pottery.
Lamu ArchipeleagoTours & Safaris
f you’re looking for a tour or holiday on the Lamu Archipelago, look no further than our selection of island getaways, romantic beach honeymoons and safari and beach combinations. Our Lamu Archipelago beach tours embrace a part of Kenya that is well known for its cultural heritage and remote location and you’ll enjoy a variety of accommodation options.
Lamu Archipelago Accomodation
The incomparable Masai Mara is one of the world’s greatest wildlife destinations. Not much can beat the delight of superb, year-round game viewing – let alone all the thrills of the Wildebeest Migration. Its popularity, however, means that several factors must be considered when choosing your Masai Mara accommodation.
Choosing which area to visit and when to go to the Masai Mara will impact your experience. The Masai Mara National Reserve’s central region is busiest during the migration season (about August to November) and its many lodges and safari hotels cater for large numbers of people. The private conservancies in the north offer more seclusion and tucked-away accommodation, such as luxury tented camps and decadent safari suites. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy a greater selection of activities like guided walks, night game drives and stargazing. The eastern region of the national reserve is closest to Nairobi and the accommodation is consequently larger in scale, catering for scheduled tour groups and the like.
