The natural surroundings of Lamu are spectacular and offer a variety of activities to suit all tastes and to keep active all day long.
Lamu’s rich history as a former sultanate marrying Arabic and African cultures can be admired though excursions and Boat Excursions trips. Visits to Lamu Town or the Takwa ruins offer a glimpse into Lamu’s past.
The ocean’s wonders can be admired on diving and snorkeling trips in the Lamu archipelago. Regular trade winds allow visitors to windsurf or kite-surf along the never-ending Shela beach facing the hotel. Action-seeking guests can enjoy water-skiing, wake-boarding or knee-boarding in the calm waters off the central bay.
We invite you to plan your next day’s personal adventure in the comfort of the bar with expert advice and a refreshing beverage as the sun sets over Ras Kitau bay…
Excursion around Lamu Island by boat
Lamu Island is the island facing the Majlis hotel. Depending on weather, the trip around Lamu Island can be arranged clock wise from the open sea or by following the channel between the mainland and Lamu Island. The boat will stop on the beach of Kizingo point. On the way back, there is an option to visit the Matondoni or Kipungani villages. The trip is typically organized by speed boat but our dhow sailing boat can also be used. This is a half day trip and can take up to 3-4 hours. The Majlis will provide for a speed boat with captain and drinks. A barbeque lunch can also be arranged at your request.
Game drive safari to Lake Kenyatta
The Majlis is ideally located to offer you the best of Kenya’s beach & bush without having to commute too far during your holidays. Across from Lamu Island, on the mainland, lies Lake Kenyatta, an area of pristine indigenous bush, rich in wildlife, including zebra, topi, hippo, waterbuck, buffalo, warthog, elephant and other seasonal game. The Majlis offers a half day safari with a guide from Kenya’s Wildlife Service. Depending on the tide level, it is possible to organize the trip in the early morning or late afternoon. Departure is from the hotel by boat to reach Kenya’s mainland (15-30 minutes depending on the tide level) and then by Jeep (15-40 minutes) to reach Lake Kenyatta and the wildlife area. This trip is for maximum 4 persons and requires 24 hours notice.
Deep-sea fishing
Deep sea fishing in the Lamu archipelago waters is famous worldwide both for its variety and for the quantity of sport fish caught, including Marlin (striped, black and blue), Sailfish, Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, Barracuda, Giant Trevally and Kingfish. The best fishing season is from October through to April and is a wonderful way to spend either a half or full day out on the Indian Ocean. Deep-sea fishing requires 24 hours notice.
Reef and river-creek and fishing
Reef and river-creek fishing in the mangrove channels can be done with traditional hand lines. Our boat captain will bring you to the best spots in the area. This is a half day activity.
Watersports and Snorkeling
The Majlis offers a full range of water sports. The calm waters off the Ras Kitau bay and the Takwa mangrove creek behind the hotel are ideal for water-skiing, wake-boarding and doughnut rides. The Majlis has two speed boats specifically dedicated for these activities.
Beach and cross-country jogging
For our active guests, jogging can be done on the beach seafront or on the back of the hotel where there are several tracks. Depending on the level of fitness, we recommend two jogging trips, one to the coral quarry of Timboni (6-7 kms or about 40 minutes) and the second one to the Takwa ruins (10-12 kms or about 1 hour and 20 minutes). A personal trainer is available, if required, to accompany our guests.
Trip to Lamu Town
Lamu Old Town was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO's World Heritage Center in December 2001. UNESCO describes it as: “The oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, retaining its traditional functions. Built in coral stone and mangrove timber, the Town is characterized by the simplicity of structural forms enriched by such features as inner courtyards, verandas and elaborated carved wooden doors”. Most important attractions are the fishing and vegetable markets, Lamu Fort, Lamu Museum and the whole stone Town. This is a half day trip to be organized preferably in the morning when there is a lot of activity in the local markets. A guide will be available to show the Town and accompany our guests.
Scenic Flights
Lamu can be reached by air from Kenya’s main airports, namely: Nairobi, Mombasa and Malindi. All flights land on Manda Island, just across the channel from Lamu. The Majlis can also organize a tailor-made pick-up from Kenya’s main airports for those guests wishing to save time or avoid having to fly to Lamu with local commercial airplanes.
Daily flight trips can also be pre-booked to exclusive destinations in Kenya along the coast or in game parks.
Scenic flights are highly recommended as small planes can fly over beautiful stretches of undisturbed beaches, thick mangrove forests, remote islands, or the bush where wildlife can be spotted.
