Pate Island Collection

An inhabitant of Pate village rides his donkey through ruins on the outskirts of modern Pate Village. With no roads or motor vehicles on the island

The 17th century tomb of Mwenya Bunu among ruins on the outskirts of modern Pate Village. All the buildings in Pate were constructed of coral rag

Wooden sailing boats anchor at the end of the mangrove-lined tidal channel to Siyu village on Pate Island. Siyu was founded in the 15th century and in its heyday had 30

Kenya, Lamu Archipelago, Pate Island, banana tree bearing fruit

Kenya, Lamu archipelago, Pate Island. A man on Pate Island tends his smallholding planted with tobacco. Bananas grow beyond the fence. Kenya, Lamu archipelago, Pate Island

A Pate farmer tends his tobacco crop among the coral ruins of old Pate town. His Arabian origins are unmistakable. Pate was established by Arabs from Arabia in the 13th century, or possibly earlier

A collection of rusted cannons, which once defended the army garrison at Siyu Fort. The Sultan of Zanzibar in the middle of the 19th century built Siyu Fort at the end of the mangrove-lined tidal

Siyu Fort. The Sultan of Zanzibar in the middle of the 19th century built this impressive fort at the end of the mangrove-lined tidal channel leading to Siyu village on Pate Island

The exposed barnacle-encrusted roots of mangrove trees, which line the tidal inlet to the historic town of Faza on Pate Island

A woman makes makuti, a thatch from dried fronds of coconut palms, outside her home in Faza village. The chequered history of Faza dates back several hundred years

The waterfront of the old historic town of Faza on Pate Island can only be approached by sailing boats at high tide along a tidal inlet lined with mangrove trees

At sunrise the fishing fleet sets sail from the sheltered, natural harbour of Kisingitini on Pate Island for a days fishing

A fisherman repairs the sail of his wooden sailing boat, known as mashua, along the waterfront of Kisingitini, a natural harbour on Pate Island

Kenya, Lamu Archipelago, Pate Island, banana tree bearing fruit and flower

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Pate Island: A Journey Through Time and Tradition An inhabitant of Pate village rides his donkey through the narrow streets, echoing the ancient footsteps of generations past. The 17th century tomb of Mwenya Bunu stands tall among ruins, a testament to the island's rich history. Wooden sailing boats anchor at the end of the mangrove-lined shore, their weathered sails whispering tales from distant lands. This is Kenya's Lamu archipelago, where Pate Island holds its own unique charm. A Pate farmer tends his tobacco crop with care amidst the vibrant coral soil that nurtures life on this enchanting island. Nature and tradition intertwine seamlessly here. Amidst a collection of rusted cannons lies Siyu Fort, once a stronghold protecting against invaders. It now stands as a reminder of resilience and strength in times gone by. The Sultan of Zanzibar once sought refuge within these walls during turbulent times. The exposed barnacle-encrusted roots of mangrove trees paint an ethereal picture along the coastline, showcasing nature's ability to adapt and thrive in even the harshest conditions. In Faza, women skillfully craft makuti roofs using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Their nimble hands weave together strands of palm leaves into intricate patterns that adorn homes across the island. As sunrise paints streaks across the sky, illuminating every corner with golden hues, fishermen set sail from sheltered coves in pursuit of their daily catch. Their wooden sailing boats dance gracefully upon gentle waves as they embark on another day filled with hope and determination. With skilled hands and unwavering dedication, a fisherman repairs his sail under swaying palms. These vessels are not just means for livelihood but symbols representing centuries-old maritime traditions that have shaped life on Pate Island. Pate Island beckons explorers seeking solace amidst its timeless beauty; it offers a glimpse into the past while embracing the present.