About Lamu »

Lamu   Travel Leisure Tourism Resorts
Lamu Island is located in the Indian Ocean, northern Kenya, 45 minutes by plane from the airport in Mombasa, and a half hours by plane from Nairobi airport and Wilson. This is one of the most interesting historical sites in the East African coast. The island is separated from the mainland by a narrow strait, and managed to maintain identity and cultural traditions of Swahili. In the Middle Ages it was a bustling center of trade, competing with Zanzibar and is famous for its slave markets. Since 1890, Lama was a British protectorate until it became part of independent Kenya in 1963. Lamu - also the name of the main town of the island, the ancient city of Kenya, with a predominantly Muslim population. Life here is like a standstill. Surviving buildings in Lamu only about 150 years, but, nevertheless, they are a hair’s breadth similar to those that stood here in the Middle Ages. Plan of the city remained unchanged for several centuries, and city streets (mostly not paved) is so narrow that all city transportation is carried on donkeys. The only vehicle owned by the Commissioner of Police. In the city there are no exact addresses, or the numbering of houses, so close to the maze of medieval alleys, you can easily get lost. Between Lamu and other islands of the archipelago of the same name locals moved to the traditional fishing boats with a sail (dhow). The island has a small port. The main asset of Lamu - mangrove tree growing in profusion on the island. In the Middle Ages Mangrove wood was the main article of income of local traders. It is appreciated, and now - from the boat and make it widely used in construction. On the island many broad white beaches and secluded places for those who dream of a quiet holiday. This is a perfect place for romantic and honeymoon, as well as for fans of deep-sea fishing. Geography of Northern Kenya, and a half hours by plane from Nairobi airport and Wilson, just 45 minutes by plane from Mombasa airport. Arriving by plane from Nairobi, Mombasa or Malindi. Airport Lamu town is located on a nearby uninhabited island, where guests arrive in Lamu by boat or boat (it takes half an hour). Restaurants Local restaurants mostly specialize in traditional dishes of fish and seafood. Sports Diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and deep-sea fishing. Shopping in the souvenir shops and stores you can buy figurines, trays, stands for books and furniture carved out of mangrove wood, beautiful boxes for jewelry and accessories are very popular on the island game bao. Since the island is forbidden to remove the coral and shells.