Lamu Island Collection

A man rides a donkey in one of the narrow streets of Lamu town. In the absence of vehicles, which are banned in the island

Kenya. Mashua sailing boats participating in a race off Lamu Island

Dhows sailing off Lamu Island. Dhow or Dau is the colloquial word used by most visitors for the wooden sailing ships of the East African coast although in reality a dhow is a much larger ocean-going

Vew from the sea of the harbour, Old Town, Lamu Island, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kenya, East Africa, Africa

Dhow in the Indian Ocean, Lamu Island, Kenya, East Africa, Africa

Waterfront, Lamu Town, Lamu Island, Kenya, East Africa, Africa

Boy climbing on the mast of a traditional dhow, island of Lamu, Kenya, East Africa, Africa

Traditional dhow sailing in the Indian Ocean, island of Lamu, Kenya, East Africa, Africa

A view over makuti thatched roofs to the estuary that divides Lamu Island from uninhabited Manda Island, which has no permanent source of sweet groundwater

Kenya. Two Jahazi boats sailing off Lamu Island. The main way to transport goods in the Lamu Archipelago

A man embroiders Swahili hats, which are popular with Muslims on Lamu Island and elsewhere. It takes hours of patience and great skill to make a really fine hat

A mashua sails out of the sheltered, natural harbour of Lamu Island. Dhow is the colloquial word used by most visitors for the wooden sailing ships of the East African coast although in reality a

Mohamed Thuruani, a skilled craftsman of 17 years standing in Lamu, sits outside his home while putting the finishing touches to a model dhow

A fine example of the interior of a traditional Swahili house in Lamu Town. The extraordinary skill of the local craftsmen is an important legacy of Afro-Arab architecture in the Swahili style

A fine example of decorative Lamu plasterwork gracing the interior wall of an old stone house. The extraordinary skill of these craftsmen is an important legacy of Afro-Arab architecture in

A wooden sailing boat off Lamu Island. The islands inhabitants are fine sailors

Kenya, Lamu Island, Lamu. A sailing boat (mashua) framed in an arch of Lamu Fort, which is now a museum. Kenya, Lamu Island, Lamu

Boat builders put the finishing touches to a new jahazi in the open boatyard at Matondoni, Lamu Island. The place has been famous for making traditional wooden sailing boats for a century or more

Lamu crowds watch a stick fight along the waterfront at Lamu town. This form of combat originates from Oman and demonstrates the close ties between the Lamu archipelago

A Lamu man strings the back of a traditional Lamu-style chair embellished with marquetry. Situated 150 miles north-northeast of Mombasa, Lamu town dates from the 15th century AD

A Lamu woman demonstrates the use of the shiraa, a tent-like cloth held up with two sticks, which obscured the face and body of a woman when she ventured outside her home one hundred years ago

A skilled craftsman puts the finishes touches to a replica of a Pate Island chair. Wood carving is the most important craft in Lamu and sustains the greatest number of artisans

One of the narrow shopping streets in Lamu town. Situated 150 miles north-northeast of Mombasa, Lamu town dates from the 15th century AD

The waterfront of the sheltered, natural harbour of Lamu Island. Situated 150 miles north-northeast of Mombasa, Lamu town dates from the 15th century AD

The eyes of a Lamu woman wearing a traditional black Islamic dress and face veil (known locally as buibui). Situated 150 miles north-northeast of Mombasa, Lamu town dates from the 15th century AD

Lamu women are expert in intricate hand and body designs using henna and other dyes. Here, a woman with finely decorated hands

A skilled craftsman with traditional tools carves a wooden door from hardwood in Lamu town. Wood carving is the most important craft in Lamu and sustains the greatest number of skilled craftsmen

A Swahili man in traditional attire blows the Siwa on the battlements of the Lamu Museum. This unique and hugely heavy ritual horn was used before the 19th century in Pate

Kenya, Lamu Island, donkeys and people on narrow street in old town

Dhows on quayside, Old Town, Lamu island, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kenya, East Africa, Africa

Narrow alley with Moslem women, Old Town, Lamu Island, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kenya, East Africa, Africa

Lamu fort, Lamu Old Town, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamu Island, Kenya, East Africa, Africa

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Welcome to Lamu Island, a hidden gem off the coast of Kenya. This picturesque island is bursting with cultural heritage and natural beauty. As you stroll through the narrow streets of Lamu town, you'll be transported back in time as a man gracefully rides a donkey, showcasing the traditional way of transportation. The vibrant energy continues as you witness the thrilling race between Mashua sailing boats, gliding effortlessly across the crystal-clear waters surrounding Lamu Island. The iconic Dhows also grace these seas, their sails billowing in harmony with the gentle ocean breeze. From afar, marvel at the enchanting view of Old Town's charming harbor - a sight that has earned this UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Here, history comes alive as ancient dhows navigate through the Indian Ocean waves. As you explore further along the waterfront, your eyes will be captivated by a young boy fearlessly climbing up on top of a traditional dhow's mast. It's an awe-inspiring display of courage and skill against nature's backdrop. Lamu Island is not only about its maritime wonders; it also boasts stunning landscapes adorned with makuti-thatched roofs overlooking serene estuaries. Take in this breathtaking vista and let your worries melt away. Jahazi boats dominate these shores as they transport goods throughout the Lamu Archipelago – an essential lifeline for locals and visitors alike. Witness their graceful presence against azure skies and turquoise waters. Immerse yourself in local culture by observing skilled artisans embroidering Swahili hats – each stitch telling stories passed down through generations. Their craftsmanship adds another layer to Lamu Island's rich tapestry. Finally, bid farewell to this paradise as one last mashua sets sail from its sheltered harbor into open waters – leaving behind memories that will forever linger in your heart. Lamu Island beckons adventurers seeking authentic experiences amidst timeless traditions and stunning vistas – come discover its magic for yourself.