Spectacular Islands to visit in Kenya
Introduction
Today we want to teach one of the most unique islands on the coast of Kenya. Lamu Island is a place to get lost in its streets and learn about the fascinating Swahili culture. We will walk through cobbled soils, we will see how the donkey remains the most used transport method and discover the charm of a population willing to teach its way of seeing life. The history of the island located on the north coast of Kenya, in the African continent, is the island of Lamu. This island of small dimensions, but of great beauty and cultural wealth, is known by its inhabitants as ‘the little Eden’. One of its peculiarities is that you can only access it using a Dhow, a small wooden vessel with a triangular candle.
Developing
The Island of Lamu has as one of its greatest concerns the great cultural influence that is reflected not only in its customs, but in the architecture of the city and structure of its streets. And it has coincided for more than 700 years cultures as disparate as Arabic, European and even Hindu. It is striking of houses built with coral stone and wood collection of mangrove. The architecture of these, although simple, is decorated and enriched thanks to the street of its streets, the creation of inner courtyards and spectacular carved wooden doors. In addition, since the fourteenth century Lamu became one of the most famous religious centers in East Africa. Here the ideals of the Swahili culture are still kept and preserved thanks to the effort of its inhabitants.
In fact it would be for this reason that in 2001 UNESCO recognized its great cultural value as it was the oldest and best state Swahili settlement in Eastern Africa. Nor should we miss Lamu Island has a pure and relaxed air, perfect for those who travel in search of places to enjoy peace. In fact, we do not listen to the noise of the engine of any vehicle, since here is the traditional means of transport are still donkeys;Although we can also rent a bicycle. What to see on the island of Lamu although at first the island may seem an unattractive destination due to its small size, it does offer possibilities for tourists who come to visit it. Of course, we can travel it whole with just one day.
Therefore, we want to share a small guide to make the visit as complete and attractive as possible. The first thing we must visit is your old town. Here is also the fort of Lamu, dating from the nineteenth century and was built by the Arabs. Accessing him will cost us about € 5, but it is worth it, since this entry also includes access to the Lamu Museum. Inside the museum we can enjoy all kinds of pieces of Swahili culture. Nor should a stop at the market square. Here, for those who like to try the products of the Earth, we can buy coconuts, bananas, sweet potatoes and even juicy mangoes to a bass. Also, for the lovers of the unique landscapes, we recommend making a journey in Dhow, just at sunset.
At this time, the calm waters surrounding the island offer an unforgettable postcard. If we wake up early we can be part of the tasks of the locals, and they will even show us their fishing techniques. Fresh fish barbecues are made and excursions are offered and the opportunity to bathe with the dolphins. Useful tips during the stay our advice to arrive quickly and safely to Lamu Island is to take a direct flight, either from Mombasa or Nairobi. In addition, prices are low and the trip is not heavy. We will land at the airport of the island of Manda. From here we will have to take a boat to reach the island, this will cost us less than € 3. Lamu Island is a good destination to start visiting the Kenyan coast.
conclusion
From it, due to the tourist demand of recent years, we can take several routes to visit some of its most famous beaches, such as those of Watamu, Nyali or Diani. Although the island is small it has a wide and affordable offer of accommodations and other services such as restaurants. Among the best known is the floating bar, which as its name indicates is a floating bar in the middle of the channel that separates the island of Lamu from the island of Manda. This is the only bar where we can drink alcohol from all over the island. It is important to remember that most of its population is Muslim. That as its name indicates is a floating bar in the middle of the channel that separates the island of Lamu from the island of Manda. This is the only bar where we can drink alcohol from all over the island. It is important to remember that most of its population is Muslim.
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