Lamu Island

It was with some excitement that we (my wife and I)arrived from Nairobi on Manda Island and took the ferry across the bay to Lamu Island. We had booked our accomodation at Samaki House (a 300 year old Arab mansion - highly recommended) and were soon settled in by the manager and were free for the next 9 days to "do our own thing" The people were incredibly friendly with "Jambo's" reverberating around us as we headed into the heart of Lamu Town via the waterfront. We meandered through the town visiting Lamu fort and dodging the myriad of donkeys earing their keep by transporting goods backwards and forwards.We soon met "Captain" Swahle who was the manager of a dhow and spent some three or four days cruising with him and his crew about the island, stopping occassionally to eat freshly caught fish barbequed on the beach or boat as the mood took us. We cruised in and around Manda Island stopping to visit the Takwa ruins and to swim in the clear blue water. Cruising up the coast of Lamu we visited Matondoni to see the dhow builders. A walk along the coastal path to Shela is not complete without a detour into the shambas where we visited a small Anglican church and saw the childrens choir practising. At Shela we visited the Friday Mosque. The food was exceptional and we at at most of the dining establishments in Lamu town and were never once disappointed by the food or service. On the contrary, our waiters always greeted us when we meet in the street and asked about our enjoyment of the island. Oh! and do not forget the fresh fruit juices are excellent. Freshly squeezed, slightly sweetened became our favourite tipple. Yes - our batteries were recharged after nine days of snorkeling, swimming, eating excellent food and dhow sailing. But it was with great reluctance that we boarded the ferry back to Manda Island and leave behind a paradise.