Lamu festival beckons in March

Not all trips are foreign. As you plan your trips for the year, you need to bookmark popular local events in place like the coastal town of Lamu.

The county - dominated by Swahili culture - provides the perfect getaway from “modernisation” as you engage in the various activities that take place around this historical island.

If you are a yoga enthusiast, for example, you need to ensure that your calendar is clear for the Yoga festival that takes place in March.

Starting on March 2 and lasting for three days, the festival - held in Shela - includes locals and visitors alike doing yoga and meditating on the beach as well as in other indoor locations.

Interested visitors can choose to participate in just the yoga classes or also indulge in other side events including the beach party on the final day. The packages range between Sh20,000 and Sh40,000.

If you want to enjoy the vibrant county then make sure to visit during the Lamu Cultural festival that takes place annually towards the end of November.

This is where all the people living in the cosmopolitan area come out to display their heritage from traditional dress and culture to cuisine.

30,000 guests

The cultural festival which attracts thousands of local and international tourists each year, showcases traditional dances, poetry and swimming competitions as well as dhow and donkey races. It is also the perfect place to get the temporary tattoo prints henna – designed on either your back arms or legs at an affordable price.

It is estimated that 30,000 guests attended the 15th edition of the four-day cultural festival last year. Just the mix of people and cultures that descend on Lamu island is enough to get the adrenalin high for those who love to travel.

Exclusive hotels

The county also hosts the annual Maulidi Festival, a religious celebration to mark the birth of Prophet Mohammed whose exact date varies dependent on the Muslim calendar.

The beauty of Lamu County lies in the fact despite its size it provides accommodation packages from budget hotels to five-star exclusive hotels, so there is something for everyone.

It is possible to get to Lamu via road, though this might prove tiresome. The best option is to plan ahead and fly directly into the Manda Airstrip from either Nairobi or Mombasa.

There are also other small festivals taking place throughout the year that might be of interest like the Kite Festival towards the end of March and the Food Festival happening in mid-April.

As you make travel plans for the year, take advantage of Lamu and indulge in all the World Heritage site has to offer.

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