Lamu Archipelago

At the North & Southern ends of the Kenya coastline, idyllic, exclusive 'Robinson Crusoe' style hideaways can be discovered and exploring this world of Coral Reefs teeming with life and colour is a safari in itself.

• Size & Location: 480km's of Kenyan Coastline in the Indian Ocean
• When to visit the park: August - March (for deep sea fishing), July - September (whale season)
• Climate: Warm and pleasant. Daily temperatures at about 30°C to 35°C in warmer months
• Rainfall: 750mm - 1500mm per annum
• Altitude: sea level

Area Information:

At the North & Southern ends of the Kenya coastline, idyllic, exclusive 'Robinson Crusoe' style hideaways can be discovered. These remote and exclusive lodges, hotels and homesteads provide seclusion, peace, tranquillity with the uncompromised luxury to be expected of first-class cuisine and relaxation. This is the enchanting world of the Lamu Archipelago, a group of four exotic islands teeming with colourful Coral Reefs and clear blue waters lapping at rolling dunes and unexplored beaches.

In the untouched town of Lamu, cars are not permitted and the quiet life is preferred. Donkey carts, stone buildings, mosques and forts line the cobbled streets where ancient traditions and Swahili customs abound within an Islamic culture. The town has its own distinctive architecture and among the mango and coconut plantations traders sell their wares and are more than willing to engage in bartering with tourists. Along the coast, white-sailed dhows dot the coastal waters.

Watersports on the Lamu Archipelago includes diving, snorkelling, sailing, fishing and exploring the endless beaches which is a safari in itself. Manda Bay is a sanctuary for wildlife which includes many mammals, butterflies and reptiles. Birdlife here includes bush shrikes, bee-eaters, fish eagle, herons, ibises, weavers, sunbirds, mousebirds and more.

Close to the shore - Dolphins, Turtles, Giant Moray Eels, Rays and Barracuda can be found whilst the azure blue deep ocean offers unlimited Deep Sea Sport Fishing in season (August to March). Experienced crews and well-equipped boats fish for Marlin, Sailfish, Broadbill, Tuna & Wahoo with great success. Humpback Whales and whale sharks visit these coastal waters from July to September to raise their young.

Main Attractions:

• Endless unexplored beaches teeming with underwater wildlife
• Watersports, whale watching and in-season fishing
• Forgotten towns and Arabic-Swahili cultures