Basecamp Adventures

Safari by sail - for the laid back!

Pass by the mangroves with their weird looking tangle of roots, spot a Pied Kingfisher hunting for food hovering above the waterline. Head for the open sea accompanied by dolphins curiously watching you, put goggles on and enter into the fairytale world of the coral reef with its exquisite beauty. Barbecue on the beach for lunch, your catch of the day and have a siesta in the shade of a palm tree. Full day out, start from Shela early morning and return back in the afternoon.

Safari by sail - for the adventurous!

This sailing trip will take you to exciting and remote places off the beaten waters. Choose among one or several nights out on the Indian ocean. Tailor made programmes at your request. Jump on board the elegant Mirfat, which means lady in swahili, a ten meter long traditional dhow with a three point lateen sail equipped with a safari shower, snorkeling equipment, first aid kit, life jackets and a dingy. Comfortable sun deck with cushions and good shade. Mirfat sleeps four people comfortably. Be amazed by the beauty of this ten year old dhow, enjoy the exquisite meals, the good service and the professional guiding by the captain and his crew.

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Safari by donkey - an hilarious adventure!

Donkey riding

Take a donkey ride west across the sand dunes, drink coconut milk in the shade of a palmtree. Arrive at the village of  Matondoni, visit the dhow building site and shop for some geniune crafts made by the women’s village co-operative. Jump on board a traditional dhow and enjoy a sunset sail back towards Shela laying with a drink on deck. Start after lunch, reach Matondoni early afternoon and return to Shela before dinner.

Lamu Stone Town Walk - experience true swahili culture!

Take a professionally guided walk in Lamu stone town and its surroundings. Wander the maze of narrow, cool and quiet alleys, pass the heavy gates of massive  stone buildings with beautifully carved doors - the very signum for the swahili architecture heritage. Discover intimate courtyards, stop by for a visit at the old Fort and learn more about Lamu and its history. This excursion takes you about two hours and is best to do in the morning before it gets too hot. Add on a visit to the Takwa ruins on Manda island, a 30 minute boat ride from Lamu town. This was a flourishing town in the sixteenth and seventeenth century, and as many places left in haste and no one knows the reason why. Houses, a mosque, a pillar tomb and a city wall remains as proof of an industrious and healthy community. The location of the old ruined town is magnificient and the site is well worth visiting.

Visit to the Lamu dhow revival  project - a joint cultural conservation venture hosted by the National Museums of Kenya, Lamu & Basecamp

Walk through Lamu town and reach the northern quay, where Basecamp and NMK (National Museum of Kenya) dhow Swalihina is being restored. Learn about the secrets of traditional dhow building, meet the local craftsmen and experience true handicraft.  

A yoga class - for your body & soul!

Visit the beautiful Yoga House situated in the sand dunes of the interior of Shela village. Treat your body and soul with a one hour revitalizing yoga class.