Lamu Archipelago and its Island
The Lamu Archipelago consists of a group of Islands on the Coast of Kenya, roughly 2 degrees south of the equator. Its rich cultural heritage dates back to 6th century when traders from Arab World first established trading points on these Islands. Over the centuries, the Lamu Archipelago has seen a variety of Conquerors, Arab, Portuguese, Britisch and German, until it finally became part of the newly formed Republic of Kenya in 1963.
However, for most parts of it history it was rule by the Sultanate of Oman/Sultanat of Sansibar Trade was done by large wooden ships with lateen sails. These Dhows or Jahazi were subject to the prevailing winds and corresponding currents, which splits the year into two seasons, the North Easterly Kaskasi allowing travel south down the coast and the South Easterly Kusi allowing travel up the coast towards the Arabian Peninsula
As a result settlements were formed and fought over, all along the East African Coast, the most prominent ones are Sansibar and Mombasa. To this day, sailing dhows are a common mode of transport on the East African Coast and specifically the Lamu Archipelago.
But further up North, a smaller but equally important settlements formed in the Lamu Archipelago, on Lamu and Pate Island. Although geographically quite close, they fought each other and eventually Pate disappeared and Lamu prevailed. The ruins of pate are a National Monument under the Museums of Kenya and can be visited and explored.
Lamu became a major trading post on the East African Coast for the Arab World, en par with Mombasa and Sansibar. However, while Mombasa and Zanzibar developed into huge towns, Lamu lost it s importance as a Arab Trading Post at the end of the 19th century and fell into a slumber for 70 years.
Little changed in these 70 years, until Lamu was discovered as a sleepy, laid back holyday destination. Unspoiled beaches, the rich heritage and a remoteness which made it attractive, for both, backpackers and the rich and the famous.
So little changed, that Lamu Old Stone Town became a World Heritage Site (UNESCO) preserving the Lamu Old Stone Town as the best preserved Swahili Town along the entire East African Coast. Lamu Island, and its archipelago offers a unique intoxicating mixture of an Ancient Islamic Culture blended with modern European aspects.
Nowhere on the East African coast can you submerge yourself in local Swahili culture as easy as in Lamu Old Stone Town. Over the years, Lamu Old Stone Town and the neighbouring Village of Shela became a magnet for tourist that want the unique blend between Swahily Culture, unspoiled beaches, historic sites that bred a subculture of arts and crafts – and a lot of the ancient houses in Lamu Town have been renovated and changed into stylish mansions behind a serene Swahili Facade
Nowhere else does European Culture and Swahili Culture live side by side, interface and integrate as in the Lamu Archipelago
Shela Village
Not being part of the World Heritage Site and home to the famous Peponi Hotel, it developed from a sleeping fishing village in the 1960s to a stylish playground for an up market concerning clientele, centered around the fine and performing arts.
The architecture stayed largely within traditions of the Swahili culture, but blended with European comfort and concepts. Lamu and specifically Shella are a magnet that attract back packers, the rich and the famous alike from around the world, connected to each other by their love of creative arts and a unique location.
Shella Village is now dubbed the “St’Tropez of East Africa”. Lamu Island in general has also become the Island of Festivals presenting a rolling calendar with the likes of the Lamu Cultural Festival, Lamu Arts festival, the annual Mad Hat Competion and the Lamu Yoga festival to name a few.
Every New Year, Shela hosts the New Year Dhow Race, which attracts thousands of spectators. But at the end, its about a unique location, with cool water and amazing sunsets
Manda
For those who want it quiet, sedate, you just cross the channel from Shela to Manda Island. A superb sandy beach, which is almost empty, a few coral heads to snorkel on, but still the amenities available that you want.
