Cultural Heritage

Manda bay on Manda island lies next to Lamu island with its ancient town of Lamu now listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Although staunchly Islamic, the Swahili culture emerged from a mixture of Arab and Bantu blood. The town is steeped in Arabic history and Swahili culture. It's ancient buildings date back to the 9th Century and in those days, under the Omani Emperor, was an important trading post to the Sultan. The trade included slaves, ivory, cotton and spices from Zanzibar. There was also a trade in the indiginous mangrove tree for its poles which still exists today.

Both islands exhibit ancient ruins including Takwa on Manda which is still suprisingly intact. Pate island to the north of Manda has a beautiful fort named Siyu whose giant walls and cannons are still there to view. Lamu, only a 30-minute boat ride from Manda bay, offers guided tours of this ancient town, and its museum. The architecture is of particular interest especially the plasterwork and the intricate woodcarving seen on many of the Lamu doors and furniture.