swahili coast safari

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1 Legends of Lamu DAY BY DAY ITINERARY swahili coast safari Ken Carl OVERVIEW: LEGENDS OF LAMU Escape the crowds of tourists and the hustle of busy city life for the island of Lamu, Kenya. The islands of the Lamu Archipelago offer miles of uncluttered shoreline. Wander along the warm sand, laze in a beach chair, swim in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, or sail along the coast at sunset in a traditional dhow boat. Lamu s adherence to ancient traditions gives it the feel of a place frozen in time. The narrow, winding streets accommodate only pedestrians and donkeys. There is no motorized traffic on the island. Lamu is Kenya s oldest standing Swahili town. Famous for its Swahili architecture, Lamu is so perfectly intact it has been designated as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Lamu is a truly cosmopolitan culture the locals speak Swahili, the look of buildings and alleyways are distinctly Arab, and the pungent perfume of spices and curry drifting through the markets evoke India. Swahili Coast Safaris with Deeper Africa Our Swahili Coast adventures get you off the beaten path and onto the secluded, beautiful beaches of the tropical Indian Ocean. Warm breezes, warm water, and warm Swahili people will be there to welcome you. Explore Swahili culture as you navigate narrow, winding streets in town, indulge your senses at exotic spice farms, or sail in traditional dhows that local fisherman have used for centuries. Dive or snorkel in crystalline waters or experience indigenous Swahili fishing practices and see master artisans at work.

2 DAY 1 LAMU HOUSE LAMU ISLAND Lamu House Connect in Nairobi, Kenya for your flight to Manda Island in the Lamu archipelago. You ll spot it from the air, spread out across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Manda Island is one of four main islands in the archipelago. From there, we ll pick you up at the airport and transport you by boat to Lamu Island. Your adventure starts in Lamu Town, the oldest town on the Swahili Coast. This place is one of the last visible remnants of the Swahili civilization that was the dominant force all along the coast until the arrival of the British to Kenya. In ancient times, intrepid travelers came from across the world to trade in Lamu s harbor, leading to a blending of cultures and languages. Take a stroll in the late afternoon through the narrow streets of town, with its tall, thin buildings, intricately carved doors, and numerous mosques. Bazars and street vendors are found throughout selling fresh fruits and seafood. There are no motor vehicles in Lamu. The pace here is relaxed, with locals walking by on foot, riding by on the back of a donkey, or cruising down the coast on a traditional sailing boat called a dhow. Wifi Arrive at Lamu House, a restored 16th century Swahili House, in time for dinner. Open the door and enter another world. Relax on your balcony and enjoy the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

3 DAY 2 LAMU HOUSE LAMU ISLAND at Lamu House. Take the morning to plan your day with your guide. He ll be with you throughout the day to interpret and explain all the history and culture around you, or to translate should you stop to chat with locals. Some of our recommendations for activities include: Take a tour of Lamu Fort. Lamu Fort was built by the Sultan of Oman in 1821 shortly after Lamu s victory over Pate and Mombassa in the battle of Shela. Visit the Lamu Donkey Sanctuary for old, sick, and retired donkeys. Visit one of the National Museums of Kenya: the Lamu Museum, German Post Office Museum, and Swahili House Museum. Shop at one of the many woodcarving shops located in Lamu Town. Skanda Woodcarving shop is the busiest and most well known. Wifi In the afternoon, you ll embark on a dhow cruise sailing through the mangrove groves of Lamu Island. The dhows distinctive triangle sail catches the gentle breezes, moving you though some of the last intact mangroves in the archipelago. There is ongoing concern about mangrove deforestation as the wood is being burned as charcoal and used for building. Lamu House

4 DAY 3 MANDA BAY MANDA ISLAND After breakfast, you ll be transported by boat to the secluded Manda Bay on Manda island. Here, you can ease into the rhythm of relaxed island life, planning your day around the tides. At Manda Bay you can enjoy: Swimming Snorkeling Kayaking Water skiiing Wind surfing & kite surfing Fishing (types of fish dependent on season) Site seeing tours to the Takwa Ruins (11th century CE) Dhow cruises Wildlife viewing drives Private Beach For dinner, enjoy a delicious meal of fresh local seafood dishes. Manda Bay

5 DAY 4 MANDA BAY MANDA ISLAND Manda Bay You have the full day to relax at Manda Bay and explore. Consider spending some time on a wildlife viewing drive. This area is near thick vegetation and drives can reveal a suprising number of animal and birdlife. Common sightings include buffalo, bushbuck, bushpig, adorable dikdiks and a host of smaller predators like civets and mongooses. Birdlife includes carmine beeaters, fish eagles, osprey, eastern nicators, whimbrels, erlangers boubou and many others. Spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach or enjoying some of the many water sports that are available. Manda Bay s location on a sheltered mangrove creek has the calm water neccessary for excellent water skiing. Snorkeling along the reefs is also spectacular, with many colorful fish and corals to be seen. Private Beach Manda Bay is a small, family run lodge that is dedicated to quality service, conservation, and community involvement. Manda Bay helps support the Manda Primary School. Manda Primary is part of the Pack for a Purpose program, which means that visitors can pack school supplies in their luggage, and hand deliver it to the children at the school. This island is also home to incredible marine wildlife, and Manda Bay donates a minimum of $20.00 per night per guest to help support Lamu Marine Conservation Trust.

6 DAY 5 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT Ken Carl There s time for beach activities this morning, as well as one last breakfast on the island. In the afternoon, you ll transfer to Manda airport by dhow for your flight to Nairobi. From Nairobi, you can continue on to other safari destinations, or return home on your international flight.. Flight #1 Departs: Nairobi, Kenya Arrives TBD DAY 6 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT Flight #2 Depart: TBD Arrives: TBD

7 ADDITIONAL SAFARI INFORMATION IN YOUR SAFARI Full board accommodations All meals as indicated Enrollment with Flying Doctors Evacuation Service All in-country transportation Bottled or filtered water available at all times Extensive pre-departure briefing and materials in including health information, reading list and map EXCLUDED IN YOUR SAFARI Gratuities Alcohol and some beverages Deeper Africa uses best efforts to provide the lodging set out in this itinerary, but occasionally there are circumstances that occur in Africa that require lodging substitutions. We reserve the right to make comparable lodging substitutions whenever necessary pricing $1,899 - $2, CUSTOM DEPARTURE DATES & PRICING January 5 - December 20, guests: $1,899 USD per person 4 guests: $1,949 USD per person 2 guests: $2,049 USD per person Single Supplement: $399 USD December 21-31, guests: $2,349 USD per person 4 guests: $2,399 USD per person 2 guests: $2,549 USD per person Single Supplement: $399 USD Best Value All pricing is in US dollars. All international arrivals and departures are out of Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. Prices do not include air travel. All itineraries and prices are subject to change Manhattan Circle, Suite 202 Boulder, Colorado fx swahili coast