Tusitiri Dhow

Location: Tusitiri Dhow is a traditional wooden sailing boat originally built for carrying exotic spices and goods along the Indian Ocean trade routes, docked in Lamu, Kenya. Tusitiri was hand crafted as a trading vessel over 50 years ago. She has since been meticulously restored and today she is a luxurious vessel offering dhow safaris in the pristine Lamu archipelago in Kenya. 

How to get here: Fly to Lamu (LAU).

Structure: Life on-board is relaxed and centered on Tusitiri’s broad deck, with sumptuous cushioned seating areas and a dining area arranged around the wooden mast. Meals are prepared in the open-air galley kitchen at the bow, and served in the shaded dining area. There are beautiful views over the ocean, quiet corners to relax, and the day-cabins below deck provide storage and changing facilities. At night brass lanterns light up the deck, and after dinner, comfortable white linen bedrolls are set up on deck. On Tusitiri, all the beds are star-beds! During the day, fish for tuna, snorkel and waterski. At night, after a sea-food feast, mattresses are laid on deck so everyone can fall asleep whilst watching meteors shoot across the Milky Way.

Why staying here: Tusitiri Dhow is ideal for families or a group of friends wanting a unique and private experience among the beautiful and historic islands of the north Kenyan coast. The dhow can be chartered on an exclusive use basis for multi-night dhow safaris for up to 10 guests, and is also available for day trips from Lamu for up to 25 guests.

Lamu is a rare gem in the Indian Ocean, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although forgotten, the archipelago has long white sandy beaches are fringed with palm and acacia trees; turquoise waters teeming with marine life are curved and shaped by mangrove forests. The archipelago is unspoilt and has become known as a world-renowned fishing, cultural and historical marine ‘Mecca’.