OLD TOWN TOUR EXPERIENCE IN LAMU WITH AFRICANMECCA
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 and wholly embraces the influences of the Indian, Arabic, European and Persian cultures.
The outside world melts away as you hear the soft clatter of a passing donkey while your senses encourage you to follow the aroma of exotic spices from neighboring homes. You are not alone in your deep appreciation for Lamu Old Town, as the well-preserved character of this coastal Kenyan township has earned the recognition of being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your AfricanMecca tour guide leads you into the main buildings of the town where you first see the magnificence of the intricate details. Those that are set along the water feature balconies, roof-top terraces and large verandas that allow the residents to enjoy stunning ocean views and fresh breezes. Other ornate features include large and small cubby holes, known respectively as madaka and zidaka, and hand-painted, antiquated Chinese porcelain in the museum that will make any art lover envious.
On the interior of the buildings are courtyards that provide shade and privacy and are often tastefully landscaped with native plants. On the main streets of Lamu Old Town, you will find a variety of local artisans who gladly share their secrets of their designs, and you can purchase their wares as gifts or mementos of your time on the island. In the center of the town, you find the old fort and Lamu Museum. The fort was built in 1812 to protect the residents from Omani attacks, and the museum houses many artifacts that share the isles history.
The outside world melts away as you hear the soft clatter of a passing donkey while your senses encourage you to follow the aroma of exotic spices from neighboring homes. You are not alone in your deep appreciation for Lamu Old Town, as the well-preserved character of this coastal Kenyan township has earned the recognition of being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your AfricanMecca tour guide leads you into the main buildings of the town where you first see the magnificence of the intricate details. Those that are set along the water feature balconies, roof-top terraces and large verandas that allow the residents to enjoy stunning ocean views and fresh breezes. Other ornate features include large and small cubby holes, known respectively as madaka and zidaka, and hand-painted, antiquated Chinese porcelain in the museum that will make any art lover envious.
On the interior of the buildings are courtyards that provide shade and privacy and are often tastefully landscaped with native plants. On the main streets of Lamu Old Town, you will find a variety of local artisans who gladly share their secrets of their designs, and you can purchase their wares as gifts or mementos of your time on the island. In the center of the town, you find the old fort and Lamu Museum. The fort was built in 1812 to protect the residents from Omani attacks, and the museum houses many artifacts that share the isles history.
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WHERE TO STAY IN LAMU
For boutique lodgings, we recommend Majlis Resort and Manda Bay while Kizingoni Beach Houses, Kipungani or even Kizingo Lodge are excellent mid-range experiences. Kijani Hotel is a budget option.
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GUIDE ON LAMU
Lamu Island is a distinctive beach and cultural travel destination in Africa. With a history that dates back to the 14th century, the island represents a time when life was much simpler and stress-free.
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BEST TIME TO VISIT LAMU
January to March are the warmest months while cooler temperatures occur in July to September. In April and May, the long rainy season arrives and ends by June with short rains from November.
AFRICANMECCA REVIEWS
What are our Customers saying about us? READ MORE REVIEWS
AfricanMecca Safari could not have been more helpful through the entire process of planning our trip to Kenya. Our trip to Lamu (a suggestion by Raza) was incredible, and Kizingo is a perfect place to stay there. All in all, we had an amazing time in Kenya.
Jordan Klein & Anna Kohanski - New York, United States
Lamu was fabulous. hot and sunny and we again were delighted with our accommodation. Everything was run smoothly and without any hitches and we are most grateful for a truly memorable holiday of a life time. You organised everything efficiently which made life so easy for us.
Angela Cook - London, United Kingdom
I had just the BEST time in Lamu - quite probably the holiday of my life - and am determined to go back in November. I have to say, the holiday was made by Altaf's dedication to what I needed - he worked very hard to ensure I got the full ten night stay at Kipungani, and I was impressed to say the least. Many thanks - I'll be back.
Jeremy King, Senior Producer GMTV - London, United Kingdom
Raza, I have returned from the trip to Kenya you arranged. It went quite well and all of your advice about hotels etc was correct and prevented me from doing things less than optimal. I really enjoyed Lamu; it is one of the best beaches I have seen.
Dr Thomas Walshe - Boston, Massachusetts - United States
Raza, I want to tell you that all aspects of our travel arrangements with you ran smoothly. Our visit to Lamu was most enjoyable and a pleasant contrast to the highlands. I will unreservedly recommend AfricanMecca to others.
Peter Moody - Cape Town, South Africa
I wanted to email you to say how well all your arrangements came together for Lamu - Peponi Hotel. The logistics worked very well, the venues fulfilled all expectations - the whole experience was splendid.
Robyn Taylor - Brisbane, Australia
Lamu Palace was really quite exotic, with again wonderful people, in great location, I felt like I was in the movie Casablanca. I will recommend your company to anyone I know travelling to Kenya. In deep appreciation...
Lynne Crawford - Boston, Massachusetts - United States
EAST AFRICA SAFARI & BEACH BOOKING TRIP IDEA FOR LAMU IN EASTERN KENYA
When beach vacationing in Lamu, we recommend combining your safari to Masai Mara for the wildebeest migration, Amboseli, Samburu or Laikipia - Lewa, Nakuru, Elementaita, and Naivasha - Great Rift Valley Lakes. You can also climb the 2nd highest mountain in Africa: Mount Kenya.
You may optionally extend out to other wilderness areas of Meru, Chyulu Hills or Tsavo East - Tsavo West for an offbeat wildlife tour.
You can end your vacation at the Indian Ocean for a beach vacation and Swahili cultural tour on the exotic spice island of Zanzibar, Watamu, or Mombasa.
Best Safari Planning Ideas & Trip Experiences For Kenya
Below are guide references on how to plan each of the below safari experience in Kenya. Alternatively, go to the summary section for a quick overview of each trip planning experience.1. How To Plan Kenya Safari Trips? (Summary)
2. Wildlife Safari Trip Planning Guide For Kenya
3. Private & Tailor-Made Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya
4. Honeymoon Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya
5. Family Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya
6. Luxury Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya
7. Photo Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya
8. Cultural Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya
9. Primate Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya
10. Hike, Trek & Bush Walk Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya
11. Birding Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya
12. Horseback Riding Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya
13. Balloon Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya
14. Wedding Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya
15. Bush & Beach Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya
READ MORELAMU BEACH & TOUR PLANNING DETAILS
Kickstart Your Beach Planning
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