| Lamu Island/Archipelago | | | | Although there have been concerns about the |
| There is something magical in the air on Lamu, and it's | | | | increasing use of imported materials in building and |
| not just the seductive sea breeze. Consisting of six | | | | maintenance work, conservation efforts have largely |
| main islands and countless small ones, the archipelago | | | | paid off and surviving examples of the town's |
| is the unrivalled jewel of Kenyan coast, offering both | | | | famous carved doors and painted wooden beams are |
| tourist facilities and unspoiled tropical havens for | | | | probably safe from plunder. |
| those who know where to find them. For many | | | | History of Lamu Kenya |
| people a stay here is the highlight not just of the | | | | Lamu itself was abit of a late starter; originally, the |
| coast, but of their entire time in Kenya, and a large | | | | major power-centers in the archipelago were the |
| proportion of visitors are regulars entranced by the | | | | Swahili settlements of Takwa, Pate, Faza and siyu |
| whole feel of the place. | | | | (on Pate Island) which date back to the 7th and 8th |
| Among the archipelago's many charms are Lamu's | | | | centuries. In pre-Arab times, the islands were home |
| Swahili old town, Shela's exclusive beach community | | | | to Bajun tribe's people, but that culture vanished |
| and the remote shores of Kiwayu Island. All are | | | | almost entirely with the ascendancy of Arabic ideas. |
| supported and enlivened by a cast of bizarre | | | | Arab settlers established a busy trading post on |
| characters including a man called Satan, a cat called | | | | Lamu Island at the start of the 16th century, |
| Smacker and a blind man who can 'se' women. At its | | | | exporting ivory, mangrove poles, tortoise shell and |
| best, Lamu has the ability to make you feel like | | | | thousands of African slaves, who were whisked |
| you've always belonged here, and its small wonder so | | | | away by dhow to Iraq, Oman and the burgeoning |
| many people keep coming back. | | | | Arabic colonies elsewhere on the East African coast. |
| Lamu Kenya Island Town | | | | Initially Lamu was a minor player in the East African |
| Lamu town is the core of everything the archipelago | | | | power game, dominated by the nearby sultanate of |
| stands for in the hearts and minds of inhabitants and | | | | Pate, but it rose to prominence in the 19th century |
| visitors alike, a living throwback to the Swahili culture | | | | after defeating the forces of Pate's in a battle at |
| that once dominated the entire Indian Ocean coast. | | | | Shela beach. At this time the twin cash cows of |
| The winding streets, carved woods and traditional | | | | ivory and slavery made Lamu a splendidly wealthy |
| houses are simply captivating. | | | | place, and most of the fine Swahili houses that |
| Few experiences can compare with the wandering | | | | survive today were built during this period. |
| the narrow lanes immersed in the sights and sounds | | | | It all came to an end in 1873, when the British forced |
| of everyday life, from the mysterious rustle of bui | | | | Sultan Bargash of Zanzibar to close down the slave |
| bui clad women to the echoing of some unseen | | | | markets. With the abolition of slavery, the economy |
| donkey's hooves, all set against the crackle of | | | | of the island went into rapid decline. The city-state |
| wind-brown palm trees, the slow bobbing of dhows | | | | was incorporated into the British protectorate from |
| at sunset, the smell of sea food and the changing | | | | 1890, and became part of Kenya with independence |
| textures of a hundred coral and plaster walls. It's | | | | in 1963. |
| simply a different world, and one you'll be in no hurry | | | | Until it was 'rediscovered' by travelers in the 1970s, |
| to leave. | | | | Lamu existed in a state of humble obscurity, escaping |
| Traditionally, Lamu houses had flat roofs that created | | | | the runaway development that happened elsewhere |
| a private space where women were free to talk and | | | | on the coast. Today, only Zanzibar can offer such a |
| socialize; many have been replaced by shady | | | | feast of Swahili culture and uncorrupted traditional |
| makuti-covered terraces, which serve the same | | | | architecture. In 2001 Lamu town was added to |
| purpose for the many travelers who cross paths | | | | UNESCOs list of World Heritage Sites. |
| here. | | | | |