Lamu Activities
Nightlife
Lamu has a strict Muslim culture and no alcohol can be consumed in view of the public. Therefore, there is no alcohol in any Muslim run restaurants, although they do amazing fresh fruit juices. Only a couple of hotels have bars. There is a Friday night local disco at the Civil Servants HQ playing and R'n'B. In Shela, at the other end of the island, you can join the jet set and watch the sun go down. A nice thing to do is organize a beach party; get the local guys to help with food, drinks, a fire and drums.
Family Travel
Travel with very young children can be difficult on Lamu as there is no transport other than boat or donkey. If you are travelling with young children I would recommend you stay in Shela as it is cleaner than the town and right on the beach. Bottled water is readily available.
Shopping
Most of the shops close at midday but open again in the late afternoon. Lamu has lovely traditional furniture making industry; beds, chairs etc which can be exported. There are stalls selling local crafts, baskets and local beaded jewellery on the sea front. 'Baraka' in the street behind Palace hotel, has quality jewellery, clothing and artefacts from Africa and Indonesia, which lead into the highly recommended Whispers Coffee Shop.
Sports & Activities
It is essentially a beach life in Lamu. There a very few organised sports facilities but there is a real delight sailing on a dhow, snorkelling or diving. In Shela you can hire a wind surfer and take lessons from the extremely able and friendly local guys.
