Lamu Island Villa
Lamu-island Villa is a privately-owned three-bed roomed house in the paradise island of Lamu, on the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Kenya. Enjoy beautiful beaches and centuries-old Swahili culture, Facilities include a house-boy, and airport,
bus-stop pick-up. Boat trip, on-site Swahili cook, can be arranged on request. Gay-friendly. We look forward to seeing you here
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Lamu town is the largest town on Lamu Island, which in turn is a part of the Lamu Archipelago in Kenya, (coordinates 02°16′S 40°55′E). Lamu town is also the headquarters of Lamu District. The town was founded in the 14th century and it contains many fine examples of Swahili architecture. The old city is inscribed on the World Heritage List as "the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa". Once a center for the slave trade, the population of Lamu is ethnically diverse. Lamu was on the main Arabian trading routes, and as a result, the population is largely Muslim. Due to the narrowness of the streets, automobiles are not allowed - the city is easily explored by foot, bicycle, or, as many locals favour, donkey. There are several museums, including the Lamu Museum, home to the island's ceremonial horn; other museums are dedicated to Swahili culture and to the local postal service.
Habib Salih, a Sharif with family connections to the Hadramaut, Yemen, settled on Lamu in the 1880s, and became a highly respected religious teacher. Habib Salih had great success gathering students around him and in 1900 the Riyadha Mosque was built. He introduced Habshi Maulidi, where his students sang verse passages accompanied by tambourines. After his death in 1935 his sons continued the Madrassa, which became one of the most prestigious centers for Islamic Studies in East Africa. The Mosque is the centre for the famous Maulidi Festival, which are held every year during the last week of the month of the Prophet´s birth. During this festival pilgrims from Sudan, Congo, Uganda, Zanzibar and Tanzania join the locals to sing the praise of Mohammad.
