Number 1 Best Lamu Island Tours, Cultural Holidays, Pate, Manda by Almasi
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Home to the 3rd a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kenya - for Cultural Holidays, Pate, Manda, Kiwayu Islands
Lamu is a small town on Lamu Island, which in turn is a part of the Lamu Archipelago in Kenya. Situated 341 kilometres (212 mi) by road northeast of Mombasa that ends at Mokowe Jetty, from where the sea channel has to be crossed to reach Lamu Island. A magical place of long white pristine sandy beaches, undulating sand dunes peppered with palms and acacia tortillis trees; turquoise seas, bounteous marine life and tranquil back waters; lush mangrove forests, river estuaries, deep forests and yellow grassy plains which hold some of Africa’s last truly wild game and bird life. The Swahili people who inhabit the islands are merchants, fishermen, dhow builders and sailors, many of who still follow these age-old trades.
Lamu Island Tours, exposes the islands that are strewn with fishing villages and ancient towns, including Lamu Old Town, the oldest continuously inhabited Swahili settlement on the East African coast and a UNESCO world heritage site, where donkeys remain the main mode of transport.
Lamu is famous for its many festivals and more recently is becoming known not only as a wellness destination but also, with the up-and-coming conservancies, a wildlife destination, offering a wealth of unmatchable experiences for travelers and holidaymakers. Dating back to the 14th Century, Lamu Town is one of the oldest and best preserved Swahili settlements in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a beautiful 12km stretch of unspoilt beach and a relaxed vibe.
- Lamu Old Town Tour – Picturesque the Old Town is a surreal setting of small alleys that wind through an architectural maze of stone houses, open air markets and inviting shops. The people, food and structures are an indication that you are enveloped in a place that seems to be untouched by time.
- Enjoy the Cuisine –The exquisite cuisine exists as an amalgamation of African and Eastern tastes, with delicious foods such as biryani, curry, couscous, pasta, chapati, coconut rice, mango chutney, mahamri (spiced doughnut), and fresh, mouthwatering seafood, all made with unique flavours such as cumin, cinnamon, clove, and coconut milk!
- Dhow Safaris – The ocean is an important part of life on the Kenyan coastline, and dhows have been sailing the Indian Ocean since the advent of the great trade routes that brought goods from faraway destinations.
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving – Diving and snorkeling on a coral reef is an amazing underworld experience, and Lamu Island has one of the top coral reefs in Kenya. Most notable are the reefs of Manda Toto, Kiniyka and at Kiunga Marine National Reserve.
- Deep Sea Fishing – The Lamu Archipelago is discerning, top-rate destination for big game fishing. A half or full-day deep sea angling trip with AfricanMecca gets you close to some of the gigantic finned creatures in the Indian Ocean.
- Lamu Donkey Racing Festival – In the lunar month of Rabi’ al-awwal, the resident of Lamu hold festivities to celebrate the fiesta of the annual Maulidi. One of the most popular events during the celebration is donkey racing.
- Dhow Racing Festival – The Swahilis of Lamu are recognized for their dhow construction and sailing abilities, so it should be no surprise that dhow races frequently happen with the winners receiving significant honors.
- Water Sports – With deep blue water and beautiful sand beaches at your front door, it is hard to resist the chance to enjoy all that the Indian Ocean offers you. Lamu Island is an activity-rich destination for those who love the thrill of skimming across the water.
- Kiunga Marine National Reserve Trip – Just off the northern coast of Kenya is Kiunga Marine National Reserve, a collection of approximately fifty calcareous isles and coral reefs. The reserve extends more than 37 miles parallel to the shoreline.
- Tour of Lamu Old Town – Picturesque Lamu Old Town is a surreal setting of small alleys that wind through an architectural maze of stone houses, open air markets and inviting shops. The people, food and structures are an indication that you are enveloped in a place that seems to be untouched by time.
- Dhow Safaris In Lamu – The ocean is an important part of life on the Kenyan coastline, and dhows have been sailing the Indian Ocean since the advent of the great trade routes that brought goods from faraway destinations.
- Kiunga Marine National Reserve Trip – Just off the northern coast of Kenya is Kiunga Marine National Reserve, a collection of approximately fifty calcareous isles and coral reefs. The reserve extends more than 37 miles parallel to the shoreline.
- Deep Sea Fishing Trips In Lamu – The Lamu Archipelago is discerning, top-rate destination for big game fishing. A half or full-day deep sea angling trip with Almasi Tours abd Safais gets you close to some of the gigantic finned creatures in the Indian Ocean.
- Lamu Donkey Racing Festival – In the lunar month of Rabi’ al-awwal, the resident of Lamu hold festivities to celebrate the fiesta of the annual Maulidi. One of the most popular events during the celebration is donkey racing.
- Lamu Dhow Racing Festival – The Swahilis of Lamu are recognized for their dhow construction and sailing abilities, so it should be no surprise that dhow races frequently happen with the winners receiving significant honors.
- Active Water Sport Activities In Lamu – With deep blue water and beautiful sand beaches at your front door, it is hard to resist the chance to enjoy all that the Indian Ocean offers you. Lamu Island is an activity-rich destination for those who love the thrill of skimming across the water.
Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
- Airport – Hotel Transfers
- Boat Transfers: Airstrip – Lamu – Airstrip
- Accommodation according to your choice on half
- Meals on Half-board basis
What is not included in this tour? Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
- Items and services of a personal nature and tips & gratuities.
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Photography accessories like cameras et
Day 1: Nairobi to Lamu – Lamu Island
Your adventure begins with a flight from JKIA or Wilson Airport to Lamu’s Manda Airport, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Upon arrival at Manda Airport, you’ll transfer by boat to Lamu Island, where you’ll check into your accommodation. You’ll spend the evening exploring Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich Swahili culture and architecture. You will wander through the narrow streets, visit the historic Lamu Fort, and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
Day 2 Cultural Exploration at Lamu Island
You’ll start your day with a guided walking tour of Lamu Old Town. Your guide will share insights into the island’s history, culture, and traditions. You will visit the Riyadha Mosque, one of the oldest and most significant mosques in East Africa, and the Donkey Sanctuary, which provides care for the island’s working donkeys. You’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant. Then, you’ll head to Shela Beach for a leisurely afternoon. You’ll end the day with a seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant, watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean.
Enjoy the lazy mood of this beautiful Swahili Island. For the active there is plenty of water sports, for the more relaxed there are quiet places in the hotel grounds, by the pool or on the verandah of your room.
You can choose a boat ride to Lamu town for shopping and guided walk to the museum, Lamu fort, the market and the old and famous Riadha Mosque.
Day 3: Adventure and Relaxation in Lamu
Enjoy the lazy mood of this beautiful Swahili Island. For the active there is plenty of water sports, for the more relaxed there are quiet places in the hotel grounds, by the pool or on the verandah of your room.
Embark on a dhow boat ride to explore the nearby islands. You’ll visit the ancient Takwa Ruins on Manda Island, which date back to the 15th century, and learn about the history of this once-thriving Swahili town. You’ll spend time snorkeling or swimming in the crystal-clear waters before returning to Lamu. In the evening, you will attend a traditional Swahili music and dance performance, followed by dinner at a local eatery.
Day 4: Lamu- Nairobi
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation before checking out. You’ll transfer by boat back to Manda Airport and catch your flight back to Nairobi. Your Lamu safari experience concludes with your arrival in Nairobi, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your island adventure.
