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		Individual Travel
	– Lamu: Magic and Mystery Awaits

Indulge in a unique slow-paced experience by visiting the Lamu Archipelago off the North coast of Kenya. Visitors to Lamu Island will be captivated by the peaceful lifestyle, tropical island beauty and friendliness of the locals.

When you catch the dhow from Manda island to Lamu, the first enduring image to fill your vision across the water is the whitewashed Swahili buildings on the waterfront of Lamu town. A port of call for travellers from around the world for more than 400 years, this small island has played an important and varied role through the centuries. It has managed to preserve its rich culture, tradition and heritage and the Museum and Sultan’s Fort in Lamu Old Town are worth a visit to learn more.

The Old Town has been declared a World Heritage site and exploring its narrow, labyrinthine streets is a great way to escape the heat of the tropics whilst soaking up the historical atmosphere of this community.

There are virtually no vehicles on Lamu and the best way to get around is on foot, across water by dhow or on the back of a donkey. Nearby Shela Beach is a pristine 12 mile stretch of red-tinged sand against the blue waters. Other activities to help you while away your time in the Lamu archipelago include deep sea fishing, snorkelling or diving on the reefs of Manda Toto, a trip to the village of Matondoni where the primary trade is the building of dhow boats or a visit to Paté Island, founded in the 9th Century.

World class accommodation establishments in the archipelago include the Manda Bay Lodge, the Peponi Hotel and Kipungani Lodge.

The Manda Bay Lodge is a small private establishment on Manda Island, 20 minutes dhow ride from Lamu. There are 16 spacious yet private cottages overlooking tranquil waters and surrounded by indigenous woodland and empty beaches.

Hotel Peponi is a character-filled family run establishment situated on Shela Beach. The 24 rooms overlooking the water are stunning, perhaps only topped by the beautiful garden and legendary bar.

The Kipungani Explorer is a luxury eco lodge is situated on the southwestern tip of Lamu Island. Situated on a 14 kilometre deserted beach, it has 14 spacious and secluded chalets overlooking Kipungani Bay. This is a true desert island holiday destination.

There are also a number of well serviced self-catering guest houses and budget hotels, although these are largely restricted to Lamu Island.

Most international visitors fly to Lamu. Air Kenya operates daily services from Malindi, Mombasa and Nairobi. The airport is on Manda island, a short dhow trip from Lamu. To get around, motorised dhows can transport you from Lamu village and Shela beach. There are also regular dhow and ferry services connecting Lamu with Paté Island.

The travel writer Phillip Briggs once commented that “much of Lamu's charm lies in the manner in which it has embraced tourism and adopted outside influences without having sacrificed its soul.”

An unforgettable experience filled with history and mystery awaits you on Lamu – contact our Individual Travel Department to organise your trip today!