THREE WAYS TO PLAN AND BOOK YOUR SAFARI WITH AFRICANMECCA

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LAMU DHOW RACE

Want To Experience The Lamu Dhow Race Festival? Scroll Down

DHOW RACE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE IN LAMU WITH AFRICANMECCA

The Swahilis of Lamu are recognized for their dhow construction and sailing abilities, so it should be no surprise that dhow races frequently happen with the winners receiving significant honors. During these events, the top captains gather along the old town Shela shores of Lamu, bringing with them their highly-prized magnificent dhows.

The vessels and its crew are elaborately glorified amidst its followers to attract the attention of the townspeople with the hope of garnering the most support for their beloved sailing dhow. On race day, the waters off the coast of Lamu are quickly overtaken by up to 15 racing dhows, and island residents and tourists gather on the shoreline to cheer for their preferred captain. As the anticipation builds, the town is overcome by an almost palpable energy.

The main racing season is from July through April when the winds are just perfect for demonstrating the maximum sailing speed of the dhows. Special races occur on New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Maulidi holiday, Eid ul-Fitr (Ramadan) and during the Lamu Cultural Festival in November. If you are traveling during the dhow racing period, AfricanMecca highly recommends viewing this unique race available only in Lamu in eastern Africa.
WHERE TO STAY IN LAMU
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WHERE TO STAY IN LAMU

For boutique lodgings, we recommend Majlis Resort and Manda Bay while Kizingoni Beach Houses, Kipungani or even Kizingo Lodge are excellent mid-range experiences. Kijani Hotel is a budget option.

GUIDE ON LAMU
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GUIDE ON LAMU

Lamu Island is a distinctive beach and cultural travel destination in Africa. With a history that dates back to the 14th century, the island represents a time when life was much simpler and stress-free.

BEST TIME TO VISIT LAMU
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BEST TIME TO VISIT LAMU

January to March are the warmest months while cooler temperatures occur in July to September. In April and May, the long rainy season arrives and ends by June with short rains from November.

AFRICANMECCA REVIEWS

What are our Customers saying about us? READ MORE REVIEWSfive star africanmecca safaris reviews

  • AfricanMecca Safari could not have been more helpful through the entire process of planning our trip to Kenya. Our trip to Lamu (a suggestion by Raza) was incredible, and Kizingo is a perfect place to stay there. All in all, we had an amazing time in Kenya.
    Jordan Klein & Anna Kohanski - New York, United States
  • Lamu was fabulous. hot and sunny and we again were delighted with our accommodation. Everything was run smoothly and without any hitches and we are most grateful for a truly memorable holiday of a life time. You organised everything efficiently which made life so easy for us.
    Angela Cook - London, United Kingdom
  • I had just the BEST time in Lamu - quite probably the holiday of my life - and am determined to go back in November. I have to say, the holiday was made by Altaf's dedication to what I needed - he worked very hard to ensure I got the full ten night stay at Kipungani, and I was impressed to say the least. Many thanks - I'll be back.
    Jeremy King, Senior Producer GMTV - London, United Kingdom
  • Raza, I have returned from the trip to Kenya you arranged. It went quite well and all of your advice about hotels etc was correct and prevented me from doing things less than optimal. I really enjoyed Lamu; it is one of the best beaches I have seen.
    Dr Thomas Walshe - Boston, Massachusetts - United States
  • Raza, I want to tell you that all aspects of our travel arrangements with you ran smoothly. Our visit to Lamu was most enjoyable and a pleasant contrast to the highlands. I will unreservedly recommend AfricanMecca to others.
    Peter Moody - Cape Town, South Africa
  • I wanted to email you to say how well all your arrangements came together for Lamu - Peponi Hotel. The logistics worked very well, the venues fulfilled all expectations - the whole experience was splendid.
    Robyn Taylor - Brisbane, Australia
  • Lamu Palace was really quite exotic, with again wonderful people, in great location, I felt like I was in the movie Casablanca. I will recommend your company to anyone I know travelling to Kenya. In deep appreciation...
    Lynne Crawford - Boston, Massachusetts - United States

EAST AFRICA SAFARI & BEACH BOOKING TRIP IDEA FOR LAMU IN EASTERN KENYA

When beach vacationing in Lamu, we recommend combining your safari to Masai Mara for the wildebeest migration, Amboseli, Samburu or Laikipia - Lewa, Nakuru, Elementaita, and Naivasha - Great Rift Valley Lakes. You can also climb the 2nd highest mountain in Africa: Mount Kenya.

You may optionally extend out to other wilderness areas of Meru, Chyulu Hills or Tsavo East - Tsavo West for an offbeat wildlife tour.

You can end your vacation at the Indian Ocean for a beach vacation and Swahili cultural tour on the exotic spice island of Zanzibar, Watamu, or Mombasa.

Best Safari Planning Ideas & Trip Experiences For Kenya

Below are guide references on how to plan each of the below safari experience in Kenya. Alternatively, go to the summary section for a quick overview of each trip planning experience.

1. How To Plan Kenya Safari Trips? (Summary)

2. Wildlife Safari Trip Planning Guide For Kenya

3. Private & Tailor-Made Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya

4. Honeymoon Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya

5. Family Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya

6. Luxury Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya

7. Photo Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya

8. Cultural Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya

9. Primate Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya

10. Hike, Trek & Bush Walk Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya

11. Birding Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya

12. Horseback Riding Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya

13. Balloon Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya

14. Wedding Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya

15. Bush & Beach Safaris Trip Planning Guide For Kenya

READ MORE

ARE YOU PLANNING TO BOOK AN AFRICAN TRIP TO LAMU IN KENYA?

Do You Need Knowledgeable, Experienced & Specialist Guidance For Your Travels In Lamu ? Let Us Help Plan Your Trip Itinerary Correctly

CONTACT AN AFRICA TRAVEL EXPERT ON LAMU

HAVE YOU VISITED LAMU FOR A BEACH VACATION IN KENYA?

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