Best Lamu Island beach holiday packages for Kenya Residents

Explore Watamu  Beach holiday packages with Adeli Kenya Safaris

Here are some holiday packages and activities you can consider for your trip to Lamu Island:

Cultural Tours:

Explore Lamu’s rich cultural heritage with guided tours of Lamu Old Town, a well-preserved Swahili settlement dating back to the 14th century. Visit historic landmarks such as Lamu Fort, Lamu Museum, and Swahili architecture including intricately carved wooden doors and narrow alleyways.

Dhow Sailing:

Take a dhow sailing excursion around Lamu Archipelago, where you can admire the beauty of the Indian Ocean and visit nearby islands such as Manda and Pate. Enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and picnicking on secluded beaches, and witness traditional dhow-building and sailing techniques.

Beach Activities:

Relax and unwind on Lamu’s pristine beaches, such as Shela Beach and Manda Beach, known for their powdery white sands and clear turquoise waters. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and water sports such as kite surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Swahili Cooking Classes:

Immerse yourself in Lamu’s culinary traditions with Swahili cooking classes offered by local chefs and cooking schools. Learn to prepare authentic Swahili dishes such as pilau, biryani, samosas, and coconut-based desserts using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Lamu Cultural Festival:

Plan your visit to coincide with the annual Lamu Cultural Festival, a celebration of Swahili culture featuring traditional dances, music performances, dhow races, donkey races, and cultural exhibitions. Experience the vibrant colors, sounds, and flavors of Lamu’s cultural heritage during this festive event.

Wellness Retreats:

Escape the hustle and bustle of modern life with wellness retreats and yoga retreats offered by resorts and retreat centers on Lamu Island. Reconnect with nature, practice yoga and meditation, and indulge in spa treatments amidst the island’s serene surroundings.

Dolphin Watching:

Embark on a dolphin watching safari in the waters surrounding Lamu Island, where you can spot pods of dolphins swimming and playing in their natural habitat. Take a boat tour with experienced guides to increase your chances of encountering these majestic marine mammals.

Shopping and Souvenirs:

Explore the colorful markets and boutique shops of Lamu Old Town for unique handicrafts, souvenirs, and Swahili textiles such as kikois and khangas. Purchase handmade jewelry, carved wooden artifacts, and local spices to bring home as mementos of your Lamu Island experience.

Best beach resorts and hotels on Lamu Isalnd:

Here are some of the best hotels, catering to different preferences:

Luxury & High-End:

• Peponi Hotel (Shela): A Lamu institution known for its intimate beachfront setting, excellent service, and stunning ocean views. It features breezy rooms with terraces, a pool, and a renowned restaurant and bar. Be aware that they do not accept children under 6 years for safety reasons.
• The Majlis Resort (Manda Island): Located on Manda Island, offering a luxurious and stylish retreat with spacious, well-appointed rooms, multiple swimming pools with panoramic views, and exceptional dining. It’s a perfect blend of Italian and Swahili design.
• Manda Bay: A boutique lodge on the northern tip of Manda Island, offering secluded palm-fringed beaches, coral gardens, and cottages surrounded by indigenous forest. It’s known for its romantic and unspoiled setting.
• Kizingo (Southwest Lamu): A truly special hideaway set amid dunes on a long sandy beach. It offers palm-thatched bandas with sea views, romantic king-sized beds, and a focus on a relaxed, barefoot experience.

Mid-Range & Charming:

• Lamu House: Set in a traditional 18th-century Swahili house in Lamu Old Town, offering unique rooms with balconies overlooking the waterfront. It has a courtyard pool and a restaurant.
• Banana House and Wellness Centre (Shela): A delightful property with comfortable rooms set around a lovely pool and offering a wellness center with yoga.
• Jannat House (Lamu Old Town): A beautifully restored old Swahili house with a pool, garden, and restaurant, offering a taste of old Lamu.
• Kijani Hotel (Shela): A charming hotel with Swahili architecture, comfortable rooms with handmade furniture, a freshwater pool, and a rooftop restaurant.

Budget-Friendly & Guest Houses:

• Jua House (Lamu): Stylish and clean accommodation with well-equipped rooms and a rooftop terrace.
• Amu House (Lamu): A recently renovated guest house in Lamu Old Town, offering comfortable rooms and a garden.
• Shella White House (Shela): Located right on the beachfront, offering basic but clean rooms and a rooftop veranda with panoramic ocean views. It’s a good option for solo travelers looking to meet others.
• Msafini Hotel (Shela): Offers an outdoor pool and a restaurant, located a short walk from Shela beach.

Hotels with Pools:

Several hotels on Lamu Island feature swimming pools, including:

• Peponi Hotel
• The Majlis Resort
• Lamu House
• Banana House and Wellness Centre
• Kijani Hotel
• Jannat House
• Msafini Hotel

Things to Consider When Choosing:

• Location: Decide whether you prefer to stay in Lamu Old Town for cultural immersion, Shela for beach access and a lively atmosphere, or Manda Island for a more secluded experience.
• Budget: Prices vary significantly between luxury resorts and budget-friendly guest houses.
• Amenities: Consider if a pool, air conditioning, or specific dining options are important to you.
• Style: Lamu offers a range of styles, from traditional Swahili architecture to modern beachfront resorts.
• Activities: If you plan to engage in specific activities like diving or deep-sea fishing, choose a hotel that can easily arrange these.