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. 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 the 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.
The
people of Lamu are great believers in tradition and custom, and this is
a strong society built on a respect for the past.
For the traveller, Lamu is a hypnotically exotic experience, made even
more enjoyable by the relaxed and welcoming attitudes of the locals. To
visit Lamu is to enter another world, and the visitor finds themselves
becoming a part of this world. Life slows down, 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 and exclusive
resorts lie hidden among the islands of Manda, Siyu, Pate and Kiwayu.
This idyllic island speaks to the heart and soul, and a trip to Lamu is
a romantic experience that can become a life long affair

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