Stilts Kiwayu

If you are looking for something very adventurous Andy can guide you on a camping trip to Kiwayu.

Kiwayu lies on Kenya's eastern Indian Ocean coast and forms part of the northern Lamu Archipelago. For centuries the bay of Kiwayu has been a calling point for Arab dhows trading in ivory, carpets and carved chests traveling between Arabia, Mombasa and Zanzibar filling their "debes" with sweet water from wells. Kiwayu is approximately eighty kilometres north of Lamu and is cushioned between the Kiunga Marine National Reserve to the east and the Dodori and Boni Game Reserves to the west.

A FIVE DAY CAMPING TRIP STARTING FROM DIANI STILTS

We leave Stilts at around 6 a.m. in the Landcruiser and trailer full of provisions and head for Lamu; about a seven hour trip. Driving via Malindi and over the Sabaki and Tana rivers on to Mokowe town where we will catch the boat across to Lamu island. Check in to "Amu House", a typical Lamu house converted into a very comfortable bed and breakfast hotel. You will have plenty of time in the afternoon to stroll around Lamu town.

We leave Lamu at 7am on Zingatia and sail north. Zingatia is an open 20 foot dhow and built locally, she sails very well captained by Mzee Omari who has sailed the Lamu archipelago for 30 years. We carry all our food and plenty of water with us. Plenty of time to relax and watch the world go by and maybe catch some fish. We get to Stilts on the island around 4pm.

The tree houses are built on the beach around baobab trees. They are basic but adequate with a double or two single beds with mosquito nets. Bathing is done with a bucket outside. Once settled you can walk across to the west side of the island, go fishing and snorkeling or just relax at the camp. Dinner is a relaxed affair cooked and eaten around the camp fire.

All day doing what you want; its up to you. Walking, fishing, snorkeling, exploring the islands nearby or maybe nothing.

Day 4: Sail back to Lamu, leaving around 10am, spending the night at "Amu House". This time we will sail out in the open sea and head south for Lamu, maybe catch a record!