SailKenya.com

HOTELS

We recommend that you spend the first night after your journey in a hotel and then set off on the dhow the next morning.

Please note all prices are approximate (due to exchange rate fluctuations).  We are happy to recommend these local businesses but do not take commissions from them.

BUDGET:  SunSail Hotel - a locally owned Muslim hotel in Lamu on the waterfront, clean and safe and a great spot for people watching from the verandah.  No alcohol is allowed but there is a bar nearby.  £15 per night for bed and breakfast.  We are happy to book for you as they have no website. 

MEDIUM:  Jannat House - a pleasant Swedish owned hotel in Lamu further back from the front which has a bar and small swimming pool.  £25 per night for bed and breakfast:  http://www.jannathouse.com/

BEACH: Diamond Beach offer banda's on Manda Island for £30 a night bed and breakfast: http://www.diamondbeachvillage.com/

TOP:  Peponi Hotel - a top class European hotel on the beach at Shella:  www.peponi-lamu.com

We are also happy to independently advise on other hotel accomodation in Kenya, including the beach hotels of Mombasa, as well as a kenya safari and kenya adventure travel 

GETTING THERE AND AWAY

Most people fly to Lamu as the bus ride takes all day from Mombasa or Malindi. The airport is on Manda Island and the Nairobi flight arrives midday. We can meet you off the flight and take you over to Lamu island.  It can be a good idea to spend a night in a hotel in Lamu to rest after the journey then set off on the boat early the next morning.  

The easiest way to fly to Lamu is to book all the way with Kenya Airways, leaving London Heathrow in the evening, transfering at Nairobi in the morning and arriving Lamu midday. This costs about £500 return.

The cheapest way is to book a flight-only seat with a charter to Mombasa, and then catch the bus to Lamu (about £5). However, the last bus leaves at 1100 so you may have to spend a night in Kilifi or Malindi on the way. This can be as cheap as £250 return if you are flexible on dates.

Other airlines that also fly direct from Europe are British Airways, Virgin, KLM, Swiss and SN Brussels. South Africa, India, Hong Kong and Oman also have direct connections.

USEFUL WEBSITES

To fly to Nairobi try: http://www.kenya-airways.com/, http://www.britishairways.com/, http://www.virgin.com/.

For cheap flights from London Gatwick to Mombasa try:www.flights-uncovered.co.uk/cheap_flights_to/MBA2.htm

Nairobi to Lamu; http://www.kenya-airways.com/, http://www.fly540.com/, http://www.airkenya.com/.

Mombasa, Malindi or Diani to Lamu: http://www.mombasaairsafari.com/

Travel adventure websites: http://www.mountkenyarental.com/.

VISAS

SAFARIS

Extend your holiday with a land safari.  We recommend the following land safari agents:
www.lets-go-travel.net, and http://www.intoafrica.co.uk/, who also run Kilimanjaro climbs.

MORE INFORMATION

COSTS

3 to 4 day trips to Kiwayuu:

• £55 per person per day for a minimum of 2 people (this is not exclusive, other guests may also book this trip)
• Exclusive use of the boat by 2 people:  £165 per day
• Single travellers can book for £85 per day which will be reduced to £55 if another guests books
• Hire of boat for a day sail around Lamu:  £250

Included in this cost is all food, accommodation, beverages and the professional crew.

Ashraf takes four guests maximum, but we have another dhow we can use for larger parties.

EXTRA EXPENSES (OPTIONAL):  
Tusker lager - £1
Park fees -  £10 per day (payable when snorkeling around Kiwayuu)
Tree house - £5 per night
 
Not included in these costs are: travel to Lamu, overnight hotels if required, meals ashore and alcoholic drinks. If you spend the first night in a hotel, a four day trip will cover four days and three nights.