Emily on the culture and where to visit in Lamu...

To reach Lamu we flew BA from LHR to Nairobi and spent a night at the wonderful Aeroclub of East Africa before flying on via SafariLink to Manda Island. From there we were met and whisked onto a dhow (the local fishing vessel style boats) that took us across the bay with views of Old Lamu Town and on to the jetty steps of Shela and a wonderful welcome from the Peponi Hotel.   

Arriving in Lamu you are immediately struck by the slower pace and peacefulness. There are no cars or paved roads instead donkeys and pedestrians only wander through the winding, sandy alleyways.  Shela village where we stayed, has a bohemian vibe and is full of gorgeous boutique shopping, art and the opportunity for yoga classes and wellness retreats.

"We loved the slower pace and absence of bright, overwhelming technology and relished the immersion in Swahili culture, food and goodwill".

 A must experience when visiting Lamu, is a sunset sail - it's magical watching the sun set while aboard a dhow, vessels that have sailed these waters for centuries. We sailed with @hippodhow and Captain Yusuf and his crew on his beautiful dhow. Leave harbour at about 5pm for a 2 hour trip that includes sunset drinks and incredible traditional Swahili samosas and more cooked by his wife.

We also spent a day with @hippodhow sailing across the bay and through the mangrove channels to Manda Bay where we swam on the deserted beach and had a barbecue lunch on board and fished.

"A Lamu adventure must see is a trip to Old Lamu town to see original Swahili homes and historic landmarks and the bustling narrow streets where pedestrians give way to donkeys and their loads!"

Do visit Lamu Museum on the seafront for an incredible insight into Swahili Culture

What I really loved were the beautiful boutique shops set up by wonderful taste makers and creatives who have settled in Lamu, creating beautiful products that fuse a European sensibility with local heritage and craftsmanship honouring the local materials and traditions.

Do visit Aman boutique in the heart of Shela village, owned by Sandy @sandylamu and its sister Aman home. Absolutely beautiful boutiques full of considered womenswear, hand loomed block print cotton dresses and incredible printed silk dresses inspired by African textiles all made on Lamu island.

Lulu Stories (recently opened in a new location in Shela village) was also a favourite - a beautiful edit celebrating local craftsmanship and materials, slow making and conscious living. I could have bought everything!