Coasting through Kenya, Lamu

Similar to the more famous Zanzibar 500 km south, Lamu was a busy island trading post exporting mangrove poles, tortoise shells, ivory and African slaves. Lamu dates back to the late 14th century. The town is built with traditional materials with beautifully wood carved doors and lintels as its hallmark. Many buildings have flat rooftops to overlook the old town. The streets are usually no more than three people wide. The only mode of transportation is by foot, dhow, or donkey. There is only one vehicle on the island and that is an ambulance for donkeys, no joke! From our room we watch the slow paced town go about its daily business as lines of burdened donkeys are lead through the narrow streets below to a work site and dhows crisscross the channel dragging their fishing nets. This town revolves around its maritime enterprises and ship building and refurbishing are important industries. Each evening as the sun sets behind the town, hundreds of fruit bats take flight from the trees leading zigzagging lines to the horizon as the muedthin makes the call to prayer over crackling speakers.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Lamu
• swahili
• coast
• kenya
• beach
• ruins
• fruit
• bats
• dhow
• mosque
• wanderlusts
• africa
• adventure
• destination

[Errol28]

It is.

[Chick6517]

I really liked how clear the picture is on your video. Did you use a regular digital camera or did you use something more high tech? Lol, my videos never turn out that claer.

[Thelake44]

Amazing job! Lamu looks like a beautiful place to visit!