Lamu

Tailor-made Lamu Holidays

When you land on the Lamu archipelago, it’s a truly euphoric moment. Its remoteness calls for a sense of adventure flying off grid to a far-flung island. Upon landing, hand-pulled carts trundle your baggage to a small dock for a 15-minute wooden boat ride to your hotel.

Your efforts are rewarded with an authenticity that you rarely encounter in today’s world. In Lamu’s UNESCO-credited Old Town, centuries-old Swahili culture has survived the test of time. Donkeys loaded with produce ramble along leaving a trail of droppings in their wake, call to prayer reverberates through the air, and pedestrians filter through the narrow streets built to shield the oppressive sun.

But it’s the village of Shela, one of Lamu’s four settlements, where you’ll want to base yourself. At the water’s edge, the chatter of fishermen as they tend to their dhows mingles with the hum of cocktail hour drawing a contingent of celebrities and expats who holiday in splendid white villas. Further in, tangled sandy lanes littered with cats link thatched stone houses to artisan studios, local restaurants and traditional mosques. All adhere to an integrated sense of community and a barefoot culture irreplicable anywhere else in the world.

Across the water, Manda Island defies the notion of a textbook beach holiday. Forget the glamour of Zanzibar or the polished Mauritian coast, its charm unravels under overwhelming sunset views without a stiff-collared butler in sight. Here the locals know that the secret ingredients to completely switch off is a digital detox and balconies that open up to the salty sea breeze.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Becky, who's travelled extensively in Kenya. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the safari rangers, local village chiefs and camp managers you'll be talking about for years to come. Start planning today, call us, email an enquiry or arrange a phone or video appointment for ideas and advice.

Becky Souissi

Alfred& Tailormade Expert

With over 20 years of experience, Becky’s passion for travel has taken her across the globe from the patterned promenades of Rio de Janeiro to the lakes of Vietnam. You’ll most likely find her in Africa where she travelled the continent trying and testing over 40 game drives. One of her favourite places in the world is the picturesque Maasai Mara for its early morning balloon rides and exceptional game viewing. It’s when among the local communities though where she feels most inspired.
Mohamed Iribo

Safari Guide at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp

Mohamed Iribo is a passionate safari guide who has worked across Kenya, including in Samburu National Reserve, the Maasai Mara and Meru National Park. Mohamed grew up at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where his father was a game ranger, so conservation is in his blood. Having worked with the Elewana Collection for eight years, the last four of those at Loisaba, he offers expert insight on animal behaviour and has an engaging sense of humour that guests love.
Janine Anjarwalla

Director of Sales and Marketing, Mara Engai Lodge

Janine Anjarwalla was born and raised in East Africa and has been working in the luxury hotel market for over a decade. She's passionate about promoting the region's culture, experiences and rich heritage to guests from all over the world and has proudly worked with Mara Engai Lodge since its inception. Janine loves to explore on safari and appreciates a good steak.
Mohanjeet Brar

Managing Director, Porini Camps

Mohanjeet Brar grew up in the forests of the Kenyan highlands, so he has a close connection with the country’s wild landscapes and local people. He’s a keen naturalist and conservationist with a doctorate degree in Plant Science, as well as a certified safari guide. Mohanjeet is now the Managing Director of Porini Safari Camps and is married with two kids who love going on safari.
Jonathan and Angela Scott

Big cat writers, photographers and filmmakers

Jonathan and Angela Scott are award-winning wildlife photographers, TV presenters, authors and conservationists. The couple live in Nairobi and have a permanent base at Governors’ Camp in the Maasai Mara, where they’ve been documenting the lives of the area’s lions, leopards and cheetahs for over 40 years. Jonathan and Angela famously filmed the BBC’s Big Cat Diaries in the Maasai Mara for 12 years and have continued this legacy with Big Cat Tales on Animal Planet.
Christine Macharia

Sales & Marketing Executive at GoVacation, Alfred&’s partner in Kenya

Christine Macharia was born in Laikipia, Kenya. After working in hospitality, Christine transitioned to the tourism industry in 2018 and currently works as a Sales and Marketing Executive at GoVacation. She loves showing off all the wonderful destinations East Africa has to offer and is passionate about offering outstanding tour experiences that touch the soul.