Description
Tour Kenya’s Oldest Town
Many visitors call this town – the oldest living town in East Africa, a Unesco World Heritage site and arguably the most complete Swahili town in existence – the highlight of their trip to Kenya. Residents call it Kiwa Ndeo – the Vain Island – and, to be fair, there’s plenty for them to be vain about.
Below is a suggested day to day itinerary.
Day 1: Nairobi – Lamu
Travel to Lamu by air from JKIA. Arrive at Manda airstrip. board your boat for transfer to your hotel. Check in; freshen up,have dinner and retire for the night.
Day 2: Lamu
Swahili breakfast followed by a day trip to the Lamu Museum and historic sites. Most of Lamu Old Town’s best sites are found just by walking the streets.it is home to some of the best rated museums safe guarding generations in history and the swahili way of life. Chance to visit Lamu Fort (overnight an imposing structure built by Sultan Fumo Madi ibn Abi Bakr on the seafront in the early 1800s), the ruined city of Takwa, Shanga ruins, Lamu donkey sanctuary and Swahili house Museum. The Museum is excellent and is a good addition to everything you can learn at the Cultural Festival. It shows the history of the Swahili people and the slave trade.
The ruins of Takwa, a civilization razed in the 17th Century now overgrown and overshadowed by baobab trees, show that Takwa was a holy city, where all doors faced Mecca. Some residents of Shela, who believe themselves to be descendants of Takwa, still visit the ruins to pray.
In the afternoon, you will return to the hotel have lunch and prepare for some water fun activities such as, Dhow Racing, Big Game Fishing, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling, Dhow Safari. Have dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Lamu
Your day will start with a well prepared English breakfast by the chef. You will then proceed to tour the historic town of Lamu. Lamu old town will give you a fascinating glimpse into a nearly forgotten world. The town is the best preserved and oldest Swahili settlement along the East African Coast. This UNESCO World Heritage site, features architecture that clearly show the mixture influences of – Bantu, Arabic, Persian, Indian and European, that has influenced the creation of Swahili culture.
As you tour the town you will notice that you’ll notice the narrow streets, navigated only by donkeys (there are no cars on Lamu Island). Your afternoon will be spent wandering these vibrant, bustling streets (watching your step carefully, of course), poking your head into the countless small dark shops that sell everything from leather sandals and traditional carved wooden boxes to groceries. You will then step in one of the many Swahili restaurants to enjoy some Swahili delicacies, which include biriyani, maharagwe ya nazi, viazi karai, fish, chicken and various sea food just to mention a few. Later on in the evening you will return to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Lamu
Your day will start with a sumptuous Swahili breakfast by your chef. A day spent at sea on a Dhow is a wonderful experience and a fantastic way to explore the area. The calm waters around Lamu are perfect for sailing, and the neighboring islands are well worth visiting for their small fishing villages, ancient ruins and deserted beaches. After a day on the water, you sail back to Lamu town in chance to bath in the evening sun as it turns the ocean to gold. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Lamu- Nairobi
on this day have your Breakfast in the hotel. thereafter prepare to check out, enjoy the last of the waters as you take your boat transfer to Manda air strip and fly back to Nairobi.
The cost includes,
- Full board 4 or 5 star accommodation for 5 days
- return airfare from Nairobi
- Boat transfer to and from airstrip
- Non-motorized marine activities
The cost excludes
- All tours and entrance fees.
- Personal items like telephone, laundry etc.
- Any other service not stated above as inclusive.
