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Adolescenza
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Discoteche/ |
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| Africa | ||
| Kenya |
| Nyeri | Masai | Lamu | Nairobi |
| Tsavo | Mombasa |
| Thanks to
http://www.world66.com/ *********************The content is published under a creative commons licence : http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0 / ). |
| Lamu Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see From a juice bar... From a juice bar... Lamu, the oldest living town in Kenya lies on Lamu Island in the northern corner of Kenya. Lamu truly like a different country. More than 95% of the locals are Muslim, and you’re just as likely to hear Arabic as Kiswahili. Although the beaches near Lamu may be the best in all of Kenya, Lamu has not yet been over-developed, like Zanzibar. It still has the feel of a small town instead of a tourist trap. As with any other town on the coast, or any in Kenya for that matter, remember to be considerate of the local’s beliefs. When sunbathing or in your hotel, it’s not so important, but when you’re in town, remember to dress conservatively, with tops that keep the shoulders covered, and skirts or pants that reach at least to the knees. Also, be aware that most people in Lamu and elsewhere on the coast do not want their picture taken. Always be considerate and ask permission first. There are two towns: Lamu Town, the larger one, is where most of the official business takes place, and it has more shopping and hotels, but no beach. Shela is small, and can be more expensive at high season. It makes sense to hire a local tour guide. These guides can get you prices 15-20 percent below anything you can negotiate on your own, and you are doing something to help the local economy, which is based entirely on tourism. Try to use tour guides who are licensed by the government and have passed a police check. Although the best beach is in Shela, it's worth spending some time in Lamu Town. Some of the island's best food is found at the Seafront Cafe there. For about $5, the garlic crab is the best on the island. If you have time, one of the best experiences you can have is to go camping on the island of Kiwayu. There is also a more expensive, but very nice, eco-lodge option. Again, if you use a local guide, rather than booking through a hotel, you are likely to get a better price and a more fun experience. One company that is both professional and committed to using locals is nature + culture, the only outfit on the island that lays claim to promoting ecotourism. Their website is www.lamutravel.com. Alternately, you can do your own research and wing it, but it will take longer and you will end up pretty much with the same information, and probably pay more. Everyone knows, for instance, that a guy named "Freedom" is the best dhow captain, and he's the one nature + culture (and several other guides) use for their trips. Lamu is 165 mi/265 km north of Mombasa. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: me! _________Sights Edit This x Lamu Museum: The Lamu Museum in town on the waterfront is a great place to spend an hour or two. It’s small, but packed with historical and cultural insights. Entry is KSh 200. Dhow crews are ready and willing to take you to any sights around Lamu. For a chance of seeing dhows being built or repaired, take a trip to Matondoni Village. An even better day trip is to the famous Takwa Ruins on Manda Island. There’s a mosque, tomb, and other abandoned buildings dating from he 15th century. Other day or half-day trips include snorkeling, diving, or fishing. Many endeavors come with a seafood lunch provided by the dhow crew. All prices are flexible and you need to bargain. ___________Getting Around Edit This x There is no beach at Lamu town, so you need to take a dhow to Shela Beach on the other side of the island. There are many dhow “taxis” that take tourists around to different beaches, islands, or day trips. Prices are very negotiable. Walking (or riding a donkey) is the only way to get around Lamu town. Like most old Swahili towns, Lamu is a maze which is difficult to navigate. Don’t worry, though, Lamu town is quite safe. _________Getting There Edit This x By Air: Flying is definitely your best bet to get to Lamu. You can fly from Nairobi, Mombasa, or Malindi. Flights from Malindi are not too expensive, and it will be worth it. By Sea: It is possible to take a dhow from Malindi, but I would not recommend it. The trip can be longer than 12 hours, and thereÕs a chance that you may not reach your destination at all, and youÕll have to find another way to make the remainder of the trip. By Road: If the dirt road from Malindi is in passable condition, itÕs possible to drive to Lamu. Again, this is not recommended because of the frequency of bandit attacks north of Malindi. ___________Nightlife and Entertainment Edit This Being a small Muslim town, there’s not much of a night life in Lamu. The only places to get a beer in Lamu town itself are Petley’s Inn and the Lamu Palace. It's also possible to go to Shella on the other side of the island, where alcohol can be bought at the Peponi Hotel. There’s also the Police Club at the police station in Lamu, which is open to anyone. The Civil Servant’s Club has discos on some weekend nights that can be quite fun. |