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Lamu
We ended our trip with three days in Lamu, on the eastern coast of Kenya and the Indian Ocean. Our intent was to swim, maybe snorkel, sightsee and relax for a few days before returning home. We actually stayed in a smaller and much quieter town, Shela, a short 15 minute boat ride away on the same island. Lamu is believed to have been settled in 1370 and is Kenya's oldest continually inhabited town. Originally a Swahili settlement, it became an important stop in the trade with Arab merchants including the slave trade. It has alternately been controlled by the Portuguese, Omani, German and British colonial rule. The predominant ethnic tribe now is Swahili and most of the residents are Muslim.
Shela
This is a small town close by to Lamu. We took a water taxi to go to Lamu to sightsee and visit a museum.
Roof top dining at the Msafina Hotel.
Rooftop view from our hotel.
Dhow
A model dhow at the Lamu Museum.
Noon Prayers
The crowded and busy streets of Lamu
Donkeys are everywhere.
Donkeys are the main mode of delivery for nearly everything since there are no roads or vehicles on this island. We also saw camels being used to pull carts and carry loads.
Masai Vendors
Although the island is predominately muslim and Swahili, the Masai are here selling crafts. Here they can be seen playing that ancient Masai game of "checkers".
Restaurant
High tide will come right to the sea wall making access to the beach difficult or involving a long and mysterious trek through the town to reach the dunes above the beach area.
Long beaches and pleasant swimming.
Partial Lunar Eclipse
This occurred on the last night of our beach holiday. It turned out to be 15% eclipsed. Clouds and the early morning light also proved to be challenges in getting some decent photos.
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