Lamu Archipelago Sailing Safari: A Catamaran Itinerary Along Kenya's Swahili Coast
Kenya
7 days cruise
Catamaran
3 reviews
Shared cruises may require a minimum number of guests.
Price may vary depending on the cabin type, occupancy and cruise date.
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
Price per Person
€ 835
Price may vary depending on the cruise date.
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
Sail a Polynesian style catamaran through the channels and islands of the Lamu Archipelago, combining swimming stops with visits to Swahili fishing villages and the wildlife of Kiunga National Park.
The route sails through the Lamu Archipelago, off the northern coast of Kenya, where a maze of channels separates a string of low lying, largely uninhabited islands from the mainland. Navigation moves between sheltered mangrove channels and short stretches of open water on the Indian Ocean, with the trip beginning and ending near Lamu's Manda Airport.
Much of the sailing stays close to shore, weaving through narrow mangrove lined channels between islands, with longer open water legs reserved for the crossing to Kui Island and the return run to Lamu, often sailed downwind for a fast, easy finish to the week.
The islands themselves range from the wide, sugar white beaches around Bori and Kiwayu to the dense mangrove channels near Pate Island and the protected waters of Kiunga National Marine Reserve, home to rare marine and coastal wildlife. Manda Toto stands out as an uninhabited desert island good for swimming and snorkeling along its reef.
The Swahili Arab heritage of the region runs through stops like Lamu Town, Matondoni and the fishing villages of Pate Island and Kisingitini, where wooden dhows are still built and fished much as they have been for centuries. Further along the route, small, low key resorts and camps at Kipungani and Kiwayu add a relaxed, barefoot character to the islands' otherwise wild landscape.
Life on the water follows the rhythm of the channels and the tides, with each day combining navigation with time ashore in a village, a resort or a stretch of empty beach, and evenings often spent at anchor under a wide, unbroken sky.
Itinerary
Day1
Arrival at Manda Airport
Arrival at Manda Airport marks the start of the cruise, with welcome and check in to the cabins followed by lunch on board. The afternoon brings a walk and a swim on the wide beach of Shela, with time for a drink at the well known bar of the Peponi Hotel before dinner on board.
Day2
Lamu Town to Kipungani
Sailing around the island of Lamu leads first to Lamu Town and the village of Matondoni, both rooted in Swahili Arab culture and worth a stop for shopping and a walk through their narrow streets. The boat then anchors off Kipungani, where a swim in the sea is followed by a cocktail at the open air bar of the resort there.
Day3
Pate Island and Bori
The route continues to Pate Island, sailed through a striking channel lined with mangroves and past the uninhabited island of Manda Toto, with stops along the way for swimming and snorkeling. The night is spent at anchor off Bori, near a beach of fine white sand, with a visit to the local fishing village nearby.
Day4
Kisingitini and Kiwayu
Sailing on towards Kiwayu passes by the fishing village of Kisingitini, worth a short stop to see daily life along the waterfront. The boat anchors in the sheltered South Bay of Kiwayu, with the option of an excursion by donkey across the island to the wide beaches facing the open ocean.
Day5
Kiwayu Safari Camp
A passage through a narrow channel leads to the northern bay of Kiwayu, with good swimming along the way and the chance to stop for a drink at the exclusive camps in the area, including Kiwayu Safari Camp. Dinner is served on a hilltop at one of the camps, with sweeping views over the channels and the safari land of mainland Africa.
Day6
Kui Island and Kiunga National Park
An open water sail leads to Kui Island, inside the Kiunga National Marine Reserve, a protected sanctuary known for rare marine and coastal wildlife and considered one of the most beautiful anchorages in Kenya.
Day7
Return to Lamu
With the wind behind the boat, the sail back to Lamu and Manda Airport is fast and easy, ending the week with a farewell lunch on board before departure.
Important Note
This itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, currents and marine activity. Dive sites and schedule are adjusted daily by the team to ensure safety and the best possible underwater experience.
Cruise price details
Price per person
€ 835
Accomodation on selected shared cabin, check out single use and details
Cabin type
Standard double
Double cabin without private bathroom
3
cabin capacity
double bed
Price/person
Price may vary depending on the cruise date.
Included in the price
Crew
Boat services
Boat toys
Not included
Food
Fuel
Marine parks
Extra services
Car transfers
Local guides
Resorts dinners
Entire yacht price
€ 8350
Book the entire yacht for a private trip
Included in the price
Crew
Boat services
Boat toys
Yacht additional fees
Food
Fuel
Marine parks
Extra services
Car transfers
Local guides
Resorts dinners
Yacht - Polynesian catamaran J.Wharram Phai 63ft
Life on board has the feel of a small village afloat, with open communal decks at the center and quieter spaces fore and aft for those who want a little solitude.
The boat's design draws directly on the tradition of the Polynesian double canoe, with two hulls joined by a wide central deck that functions as a shared, open air living space, flanked by separate deck areas at the bow and stern that offer their own distinct mood, lively at times, quiet at others.
Guest cabins are arranged around this central deck, simple and comfortable rather than luxurious, with shared bathrooms reflecting the boat's expedition style character rather than a typical charter layout.
A small onboard crew, including a chef, takes care of meals and daily life throughout the cruise, in keeping with the relaxed, slightly improvised spirit of sailing in such a remote archipelago.
Built for warm climate, island hopping sailing rather than speed or polish, the boat moves easily between sheltered channels and open water, with a flat, open deck that keeps everyone close to the sea throughout the voyage.
Yacht
Model
1997 Polynesian catamaran J.Wharram Phai 63ft
Length
19.2 m
Yacht services
Tender size
4.5 m
Snorkeling equipment
Yes
Fishing equipment
Yes
Toys on board
Yes
Accommodations
Max guests
12
Double cabins
6
Bathrooms
3
Private Bathrooms
No
Crew
3
Chef on board
Yes
Other facilities
Material: Wood Epoxy -West system
Width: 8,50 m
Space on the deck: 160 mq
Engines: 2 inbord Yanmar Diesel 54 hp
Rig: gaff Schooner
Sails. Spinnaker, Yankee, Genoa 1 and 2, Stay sail, Sturm sail, 2 Main sails with 4 reefs
What to pack for a sailing holiday?
Pack smart for your yacht charter: choose a soft bag instead of a hard suitcase, bring lightweight layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and non-slip shoes for onboard use. A couple of swimsuits and motion sickness remedies can also make a big difference. Each boat has limited storage, so pack light, but wisely! Need help building the perfect list? Read our full guide: What to pack in a suitcase for a yacht charter
What's a Typical Day Like on a Yacht Charter?
Start your day with a swim in a quiet bay, sail to hidden beaches or seaside villages, and enjoy a slow lunch on deck. Afternoons mean snorkeling, sunbathing, or exploring ashore. As the sun sets, your boat anchors in a scenic cove or near a harbor, ready for a relaxed dinner and a night under the stars. Curious about the full experience? Discover more in our guide: What's a typical day like on a sailing holiday?
Who Handles Cooking and Cleaning on a Yacht Charter?
On skipper-only charters, guests usually share cooking and cleaning duties, think salads, pasta, and good teamwork. If there's a hostess, light meals and tidying are included, but it's still a casual, collaborative vibe. On fully crewed yachts, you'll enjoy full service with a chef and crew managing everything. Want to know what's included in your setup? Read the full guide: Who takes care of cooking and cleaning on a sailing charter?
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather During a Sailing Holiday?
Summer sailing holidays rarely face major weather issues, but when the sea gets rough, skippers adjust the route for your safety. Expect protected bays, marina stops, or a change in plan. These moments often lead to unexpected gems: local towns to explore, time to relax on board, or cozy dinners ashore. Curious about how crews handle these changes? Read the full FAQ: What to do in case of adverse weather conditions or changes to the itinerary
Gorgeous Lamu Kenya Fantastic captain Francesco
The Excellent crew catamaran Kaskazi
If you want to make an amazing trip to celebrate the new year do not miss this opportunity
We spent a week with Francesco, the skipper and his staff, onboard Kaskazi in Dec. 2013. Lamu is a paradise for sailing, diving or snorkeling and the yatch is simply spectacular. It offers all facilities and the fact of being a "multi-coque" means confortable sailing and stability. When sailing Lamu area, forget about crowed ports and prepare to enjoy a relaxing destination.
Kaskazi is a dream-carrier, based in one of the few still unspoiled and wild archipelagoes of the world and sailing the best part of the Kenyan Indian ocean coast.
Bart,who spent two weeks on Kaskazi in March 2013.
Shared cruises may require a minimum number of guests.
Price may vary depending on the cabin type, occupancy and cruise date.
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
per Person
€ 8350
Price may vary depending on the cruise date.
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
per Boat
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