REDISCOVER KENYA – LAMU ISLAND

If you’re keen for a change of scene after so long under lockdown, why not set up camp for an extended period on Kenya’s coast? There’s a host of excellent, affordable long-stay options that will give you a taste of beach life and a good restorative boost. This week we focus on Lamu Island

 

So many of us are now used to working remotely and keeping connected through the Internet. People are finding it easy to manage
their commitments from afar, so it is no surprise that communities of digital nomads are setting up shop in Kenya, where they can get a taste of the country’s sun-kissed and stress-free lifestyle.

Kenya’s coast boasts white sand beaches and glistening sea, lush creeks and tropical forests, marine parks and ancient ruins. If your dream is to relax on a verandah gazing at the ocean, reading a book or sipping a cocktail as the sun flushes pink on the horizon, this is your place.

And if you’re a more active type, there’s more than enough to do here: learn to kitesurf, scuba dive or stand-up paddleboard; play golf or tour an historic settlement; browse art in a gallery; skim the seas in a glass-bottomed boat or jetski; dine out at world-class restaurants or hang out with locals at a beach bar.

Setting up home here is both easy and affordable. You could take a room or suite at one of the many resorts, with meals provided, activities and water sports on tap. Alternatively, you could rent a house, villa or cottage, which is a particularly good option if you are travelling as a family or group, staying for a long period of time and really want to settle in. In Kenya, the term ‘self-catering’ means you have a kitchen, decide what to eat when, and pay for your food separately – but it doesn’t mean you do the cooking.

Most properties come with staff who cook, clean and tend the garden and swimming pool, and can also assist with booking activities, excursions and restaurants. Often, fishermen come to the door with their daily catch, and fresh fruit and vegetable sellers appear regularly, making shopping a delight.

 

SO, WHERE TO MAKE YOUR HOME?
The coast is roughly divided in two – the ‘north coast’ and the ‘south coast’ – either side of Mombasa Island and Kenya’s second largest city – a hustling, bustling warren of winding streets, aged buildings, sociable markets and Swahili restaurants. An alluring scent of spices hangs in the heat, fusing with diesel, coffee, fish and dust to form a fragrance unique to Mombasa. This week we look at making Lamu Island Your Home!

 

LAMU

Now a World Heritage Site, Lamu was once a port on the ancient trade routes. Some traders settled and intermarried, and today’s residents are a fusion of Arab, Egyptian, Persian, Indian and Nubian. The island has an historic Old Town, picturesque village of Shela, several beaches and no cars.

 

Lamu has become popular with celebrities who can sometimes be seen cruising the channel on dhows or enjoying a cocktail at the Peponi Hotel. Located on Shela’s seafront, with a popular beach bar, haute cuisine restaurant and attractive rooms, this is the place to see and be seen.

 

 

In Lamu Old Town, Lamu House is a seafront idyll. With the excellent Moonrise Restaurant overlooking the port, and a secluded garden, pool and rooms behind, you can participate in the clamour of the seafront, yet retire to the peaceful interior when you wish.

 

Across the channel on Manda Island, The Majlis has an extensive beachfront, spacious suites, several restaurants and a selection of bars. Manda Bay offers barefoot luxury, appealing cottages and a home away from the hustle.

 

 

For a more affordable option, head for Diamond Beach Village, where you’ll find bamboo cottages, a seafront restaurant and lively parties.

 

 

Most houses on Lamu have Arabic-Swahili architecture, with whitewashed walls, inner courtyards and elegant arches. Lamu Old Town, Shela Village and Manda Island have myriad houses available for long-or short-term rent, many of which have this year become homes for those escaping winter lockdowns.

 

Some to look out for include: Forodhani House, overlooking the channel, with five bedrooms, chill-out spaces and swimming pool; the Moon Houses, a cluster of homes sharing a garden and swimming pool; and Beach House, with five bedrooms and a dramatic infinity pool.

 

 

Banana House is a boutique hotel in Shela, Lamu Island. It has all the charms of a quietly elegant private home with 16 rooms spread over three houses situated in a magnificent tropical garden with swimming pool. True Well being is experienced the minute you step through the door. Peaceful, warm welcome, organic food, fresh air, you immediately relax and feel at home!

 

 

Make Yourself at Home – Lamu Island Words by Tamara Britten, author of Karibu Kenya Accommodation Guide. Read the Full article published on https://travelafricamag.com. Main Featured Image Credit: Abdalla Bargash

 

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