Far-Flung Lodges: Desert Rose, Kenya

Road trip through Kenya’s Northern Frontier to a desert oasis near Lake Turkana’s southernmost tip

By: Christina Erb 

 

Published in Outside Magazine (online)

 

In the far northwest corner of Kenya, situated near the southernmost tip of Lake Turkana, sits the eco lodge Desert Rose. The earth-toned lodge juts out from the slopes of Mt. Nyiru and is reachable via a 10-hour road trip—pack surplus gas and precisely follow the lodge’s extensive driving instructions—or a 90-minute flight on the resort’s private Cessna 206 aircraft.

Tucked away in 62 acres of orchids, cedar, and cycad trees deep inside Kenya’s Northern Frontier, the isolated, solar-powered lodge is miles away from any other sign of human habitation. Upon arrival, you’ll move into one of the lodge’s five Samburu-built houses carved out of local rocks and timber. Each morning, you’ll wake up to a traditional cup of freshly brewed Kenyan black tea and biscuits.
Adventures from the Desert Rose include dawn bush walks; climbing Kenya’s remote crags in the Ndoto Mountains; or riding a camel to spot wild boar, wild dogs, and elusive leopards. At night, indulge in sundowners, cocktails in the bush at sunset, and eat by the river to the twilight symphony of the bush. Beginning at $540, all-inclusive; desertrosekenya.com.

The Lamu Cultural Festival

Published in Departures.com

Lamu, an island located within the Lamu Archipelago near the northern coast of Kenya, is one of those tranquil spots that many travelers may not know. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, its old city is considered the eldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa—and its Lamu Cultural Festival, held November 15 to 18, showcases its heritage.

Marked by idyllic charm and a rich commitment to Swahili architecture and history, Lamu has brought a slice of island life to festival-goers since 2000. Expect traditional dances, local crafts, dhow boat races, a Swahili bridal ceremony, poetry, music and a food bazaar of traditional Swahili cuisine—all held throughout the town at landmarks like Lamu Fort, Mkunguni Square, Zahidi Ngumi Hall and the seafront. “Lamu: 30 Years Ago,” an exhibit by Okoko Ashikoye, a photographer with the National Museums of Kenya, helps orient guests even further, bringing a fascinating African destination into even clearer focus. Magicalkenya.com.

Kenya Festival A Showcase Of Culture, Old School

Published in Gadling.com

The annual Lamu Cultural Festival in Kenya is a showcase of tradition featuring much of what earned the island off Africa's northern coast its World Heritage Site designation in 2001. Coming up November 15-18, 2012, the three-day festival offers a unique opportunity to explore the history, people, sights and sounds of Africa.

Lamu Island is home to Lamu Town, Kenya's oldest continually inhabited town and one of the original Swahili settlements along coastal East Africa. The town's history dates back to 1441 and can be explored via a number of museums.

A full schedule of traditional dances, handicraft displays, competitions on water and land, Swahili poetry, donkey races, dhow races, henna paintings, Swahili bridal ceremonies and music. Since its inception as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, the festival has been a celebration of the island's unique Swahili heritage.

Getting there is tricky but, like so many other travel experiences, getting there is a great deal of the fun.

Scheduled flights daily from Nairobi, Mombasa, Diani Beach and Malindi land at close-byManda Island airport (MAU). From there, dhow ferries bring visitors to Lamu where there are no vehicles. None. No tour busses, taxicabs, rental cars or even public transportation. This is about as close to the Africa of hundreds of years ago as we can get.

It is possible to hire donkeys to ride around the island though.

Check out the Lamu Cultural Festival and other Kenya information atwww.magicalkenya.com.

Kenya Lamu Cultural Festival

Published in the San Francisco Chronicle

This year's Lamu Cultural Festival runs Thursday through Nov. 18. www.magicalkenya.com.

Photo: Kenya Tourist Board / SF

Kenya: Donkey races, dhow regattas and displays of Lamu Old Town's seven centuries of Swahili heritage are hallmarks of an annual event begun 11 years ago, when the Lamu Archipelago was named a World Heritage Site. This year's Lamu Cultural Festival runs Thursday through Nov. 18. www.magicalkenya.com.

Kenya: Lamu Cultural Festival

Published in the Miami Herald

Dhows and donkeys

Kenya’s Lamu Cultural Festival features dhow racing

KENYA TOURISM BOARD

Called Kenya’s “enchanted island,” Lamu has been welcoming visitors since the 14th century, including Portuguese explorers and Turkish traders and, more recently, “Freelanders” from Europe who thought to set up a utopian commune in the 19th century and easy going hippies in the 20th. Now you’re invited to the annual Lamu Cultural Festival, Nov. 15-18, celebrating the archipelago’s unique Swahili heritage. The festival showcases dances, local music, crafts, and land and sea competitions, including donkey races and dhow races. Visitors will also be treated to Swahili poetry, as well as the chance to be in the audience for a Swahili bridal ceremony.

Details: http://www.magicalkenya.com

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/11/02/3077785/kenya-lamu-cultural-festival.html#storylink=cpy