3 Nights / 4 Days
Morning (Arrival & Transfer):
Fly into Manda Airport (LAU). Upon arrival, you'll be met by a representative from your hotel or a local boatman for a short, scenic speedboat transfer across to Lamu Island.
Check into your chosen accommodation in Lamu Old Town or Shela Village.
Afternoon (Lamu Old Town Exploration):
After lunch and settling in, immerse yourself in Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walking Tour: Wander through the labyrinthine narrow streets, admiring the unique Swahili architecture with its intricately carved wooden doors, coral stone buildings, and inner courtyards. There are no cars, so explore on foot.
Lamu Museum: Visit the Lamu Museum (located in a beautifully preserved Swahili house) to learn about the island's history, culture, and maritime heritage.
Lamu Fort: Explore the 19th-century Lamu Fort, which now houses a library and cultural center. Climb to the top for views over the town.
Donkey Sanctuary: Visit the Donkey Sanctuary, which cares for the island's working donkeys, the primary mode of transport.
Local Market: Experience the vibrant local market, a sensory delight with spices, fresh produce, and local crafts.
Late Afternoon (Sunset Dhow Cruise):
Around 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM, embark on a quintessential Lamu experience: a sunset dhow cruise. Glide across the calm waters of the Indian Ocean, watching the sky turn brilliant shades of orange and pink as the sun dips below the horizon. Many cruises include snacks and drinks.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner at a local Swahili restaurant in Lamu Town, savoring fresh seafood and traditional dishes. Recommendations: Lamu House Restaurant, Stop Over Restaurant, or a local eatery offering authentic Swahili cuisine.
Morning (Shela Village & Beach):
After breakfast, take a short boat ride (or walk along the beach if staying in Shela) to Shela Village.
Explore Shela's charming, quieter streets, its unique boutiques, and art galleries.
Spend time on Shela Beach, a long stretch of pristine white sand, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and long walks.
Mid-Day (Water Sports & Relaxation):
Water Sports: Engage in Diani's famous water activities:
Kitesurfing or Windsurfing: If you're adventurous, Diani is a world-renowned spot. Lessons and rentals are available.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) or Kayaking: Explore the tranquil waters around Shela or the mangrove creeks.
Snorkeling: Arrange a short boat trip to nearby coral reefs for snorkeling.
Relaxation: Alternatively, simply relax by the pool at your hotel or find a secluded spot on Shela Beach with a good book.
Lunch: Have lunch at one of Shela's popular spots like Peponi Hotel (known for its excellent food and buzzing atmosphere) or Sea Suq Cafe for fresh seafood.
Late Afternoon/Evening (Optional Yoga & Dinner):
Optional Yoga: Diani is a popular yoga destination. Consider joining a yoga class at a center like Banana House for a relaxing session.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner in Shela. Peponi Hotel is a classic choice, or explore other options for a different ambiance.
Full Day (Manda Island & Takwa Ruins / Pate Island):
Morning Dhow Trip: Hire a dhow for a full-day excursion to explore the neighboring islands.
Manda Island & Takwa Ruins: Sail to Manda Island. Visit the ancient Takwa Ruins, a 15th-century Swahili settlement. Explore the remains of the mosque and houses, learning about its history. Enjoy a picnic lunch on a secluded beach on Manda.
Optional - Pate Island: For those interested in deeper history, extend your trip to Pate Island, one of the oldest Swahili settlements, with more extensive ruins (requires more time and planning).
Snorkeling/Swimming: Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters around the islands.
Mangrove Forests: Explore the intricate mangrove channels by dhow or kayak, observing birdlife.
Late Afternoon:
Return to Lamu Island.
Evening:
Enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner, perhaps at a different restaurant or revisit your favorite. Consider a culinary experience like a Swahili cooking class if available.
Option 1: Deep Sea Fishing / Marine Reserve (Full Day):
Arrange a deep-sea fishing trip for the morning, targeting game fish like marlin and tuna (seasonal).
Alternatively, take a longer dhow trip north to Kiunga Marine National Reserve, known for its pristine coral reefs, dolphins, and turtles. This is excellent for serious snorkelers or divers.
Option 2: Conservation & Cultural Insights:
Morning: Visit a local community project or a school, gaining deeper insight into local life.
Afternoon: Relax at your hotel, enjoy a spa treatment, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Lamu Old Town.
Option 3: Pure Relaxation:
Sleep in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, spend the morning relaxing by the pool or on the beach. Enjoy the tranquility of the island.
Afternoon (Departure):
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final meal.
Transfer by speedboat back to Manda Airport for your flight back to Nairobi or other destinations.
Gip Safaris, based in , , offers a wide range of tour programs across India, specializing in customized holiday packages at affordable prices. Whether you're planning a heritage tour, pilgrimage trip, beach holiday, adventure excursion, or romantic getaway, we have the perfect itinerary for you. Our dedicated team ensures a seamless and enjoyable travel experience, with comfortable transportation options and premium hotel stays. We also organize private events, corporate meetings, and conferences. With a focus on customer satisfaction, we help you explore the beauty, culture, and diversity of Incredible India with exceptional service and reliability. Read More...
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