Africa -Lamu Island, Kenya

While Lamu Island is not exactly on the usual tourist’s path, it is truly an amazing place; blending many races and cultures into the Swahili tradition. Arabians, Indians, East Africans and Portuguese live together in harmonious existence. Mahogany is found in the forests and they plant two trees for each one they cut to use in making their beautiful tables.

Lamu Island is a well kept secret, but offers a unique experience for the traveler to East Africa. The main industry is mahogany table making. They are designed and built with skill and craftsmanship in a very special art form. The wood comes from the Mbambakofi (a type of mahogany) Forests and for each tree they cut down, two more are planted. For a country like Kenya, this is a major effort in conservation. The heavy tables are built to suit. The furniture is heavy and well made and each more beautiful than the next.

Accommodations on the island are varied. You are able to rent a house to sleep up to 14 people in luxury or stay in a self catering beach hut called the Kipungani Explorer. There is a lovely hotel in town called the Lamu House. You will have fine dining and the city at your doorstep. The Peponi is in Shela Village, a misnomer, since there is mostly beach (14km) available to the guest. Again, fine dining is available in a luxury setting. For the backpacking crew there are guest houses at a modest price. Everywhere you will find gracious people living in harmony in the Swahili culture, though their backgrounds may be varied: Portuguese, Indian, Arabian, African all come together as one on this beautiful island.

Transportation on the island is primarily by donkey or by foot, and often by dhow, also. The main town has history and you will find well preserved buildings occasionally sprinkled with "parts" that have been ignored.

After a safari, this is a wonderful place to relax, sleep in, read a book and play in the water.