Sail Lamu by Dhow

By Hugh Finlay

What better way to explore the islands of the enticing Lamu Archipelago in northeastern Kenya than by sailing dhow? The Arabs have been cruising this coast for centuries in these ancient ships, and Lamu (like Zanzibar) is one of the places where the culture is still strong. You'll be besieged by offers of a dhow trip, but take your time and negotiate—the first offer is unlikely to be the best. Once all is arranged, you can spend a day to a week or more sailing through the archipelago, camping on white sandy beaches, fishing, swimming, and exploring centuries-old ruins—and chances are you won't come across anyone else doing the same.

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