HEALTH

It is said that there is no malaria on the island because the sub-species of mosquito which carries the malaria parasite is not found on Lamu.  This is not strictly true as there have been local cases of malaria from time to time but we have never heard of anyone developing it on the island.

We do not take prophylactics and although we aim to apply insect repellent in the evening we usually don’t bother as the wind seems to waft away the mosquitoes.  None of our neighbours take precautions either.  But it is obviously up to you to take your own decision about this.

Check with your doctor whether they would advise yellow fever and diphtheria inoculations.  Our doctor says they are not necessary – but again up to you.

MEALS

·      Early morning tea and coffee will be available in the main banda from 7am onwards.  You can ask for it earlier if you want.

·      Breakfast consists of tropical fruit and freshly squeezed juice, eggs (whichever way you want them), tomatoes and toast and jam. Tea and coffee.  Order your cooked breakfast from Wilfred as you go up to the dining room.  It happens around 9am.

·      Lunch is at 1pm ish. Wilfred will make a large salad and pizza or pasta followed by fruit salad.

·      Dinner is served around 8.30pm.  It consists of a large main course usually fish but you can ask for meat or chicken If you want it and vegetables followed by a pudding.

Locally caught prawns, crabs and lobsters are usually available at a couple of days notice.  A particular favourite of ours are clams, supplied by Ali Vongole, who digs for them on the beach.  You will need to pay the fishermen directly and Wilfred will advise you on the price.

Please keep to the meal timings as much as possible.  The staff are working hard and it becomes difficult for them if the routine is broken.

POWER

All our power comes from the sun. There is a bank of solar panels behind the kitchen which connect to batteries in the store room.  

You can recharge your phones and batteries in your banda.  The power and sockets are standard UK 13 amp specification; you do not need any adaptors.  Please be sure to turn these off as soon as possible as the power can run down easily. Please also make sure to turn lights off when not needed. Hairdryers and anything else with a heating element cannot be used as they will blow the batteries.

COMMUNICATIONS

Regretably, 3G has become pretty good as a new mast on the mainland transmits a good signal.  Mobile phones do work most of the time and so does the internet. 

WATER

Comes from our well and seems in plentiful supply. But please be wary of using too much. Take short showers and make sure taps are properly turned off.

The eco-loos are delicate creatures so please be economical with the loo paper and do not try to dispose of anything else down the loo. If there’s a problem with any of them, let Frederick know.

MONEY

Kenya’s currency is Kenyan Shillings (Ksh).  100 Ksh is roughly equal to 1$ so I usually just knock off two noughts to get an idea of what I am spending.  You do not need to bring much money to Lamu as there is little to spend it on.  The boat transfers to and from the airport are about $90 each.  You will need to pay for these directly to the boatman Sule who will transport you either to the airport or to Lamu and Shela. There are ATMs in Lamu town if you do need to get hold of money.  

The only thing you do need to be prepared for is tipping the staff.  We suggest 1,000 ksh ($10) a day per person staying which you then should distribute equally to each member of staff. 

There is a safe in the storeroom, next to the kitchen where you can lock away your valuables and money.  We have never had anything stolen but it’s a good idea to lock your money up.

WHAT’S THERE

A library of books

Alcohol: white and red wine and spirits with mixers (all charged additionally)

Soft drinks: the usual along with the delicious Kenyan ginger beer, Stoneys

Tomato juice: (usually) and ingredients to make Bloody Marys

Beer: the refreshing Kenyan Tusker

Plenty of ice and cold drinking water

Body boards

Beach chairs

Bats and Balls for beach games

Kites

Games: cards, Articulate, Bananagrams, Boggle, Monopoly, Backgammon, Chess, Scrabble, Pointless, Scattergories.

First Aid kit and medicines