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About Lamu |
The island and town of Lamu are heir to a
distinctive cultural tradition dating back
over 1,000 years. The Swahili culture and
style of Lamu are a blend of east African,
Omani, Yemeni and Indian traditions. Kenya’s
oldest living town, Lamu has a colorful
history. It thrived as a coastal port town
throughout 14th-19th centuries, although it
mostly had a slave-based economy until the
turn of the 20th century. With the end of
the slave trade Lamu’s economy faltered, but
is currently being renewed by cultural
tourism.
Lamu is described by Lonely Planet as “the
highlight of the Kenyan Coast”. Its
atmosphere can be hypnotizing – narrow and
winding stone streets, ancient and beautiful
architecture, dazzling traditional Muslim
dress, and of course, myriads of donkeys. As
one of UNESCO’s official World Heritage
Sites, it is noted as the oldest and best
preserved Swahili settlement in east Africa.
Lamu is an extremely safe small town, where
you can safely walk around at night.
Muggings and theft are virtually
non-existent, and residents are always
available to come to the aid of an expat in
need.
Although there is no vehicle transport in
Lamu (with only one car on the island!),
internet cafes, markets, restaurants, shops,
the cinema and post office are easily
accessible by foot, bicycle, or even donkey.
To travel off the island, you may travel by
plane to Malindi or Mombasa, Nairobi, or
take a bus from Lamu down the coast or into
the interior of Kenya.
Volunteers working in Lamu will be placed in
a homestay for the duration of their
volunteership. Room and board are provided,
and volunteers are guaranteed their own room
and running water facilities. |
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