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Shela Lamu Lamu

Shela is a small village near Lamu. I lived there during my stay on the Kenyan coast. A friend had recommended the MSF or a house I could rent cheaply a nice room with a bathroom and a large balcony overlooking the sea

In fact

Hamid, the owner, rents 3 rooms on two floors and lives below. Like most of the time I was alone (the tourist season just starting), I could enjoy both floors and a small kitchen (under the makuti). A very nice location, right in the village.

Shela was originally a traditional fishing village or Swahili dhows were built. His character has changed somewhat with the arrival of wealthy foreign tourists (mostly European) who have purchased or built homes.

However the place has retained a certain charm with its labyrinthine streets, cats and donkeys, its carved doors and architecture that respects actually quite well the character of the place.

The mosques are numerous and one of them has a unique domed minaret. He recalled m'ad'ailleurs I photographed a mosque in Yemen.

The repair and construction of dhows are still part of local activities. We can observe several artisans at work on the beach.

The great attraction of Shela probably lies in its deserted beach about 12 km long, bordered by sand dunes. You can walk freely without almost never see a soul.

Only donkeys from time to time (loaded with sand), cows (yes) and even a few camels. And even turtles that were brought from the nearby island for the purpose of marking and identification.

At the beginning of the beach you can observe a kind of medieval fort, which I soon learn, is actually the private residence of a wealthy Kenyan who (despite appearances) has been built recently. A rather surreal!

Opposite Shela (on Manda Island) you can see several homes imposing architecture rather eclectic.

Some will say that these are houses built for wealthy foreigners, French industrialists, bankers, English or Italian directors. These houses have a private beach practically. In closing here is a picture of Shela but seen from inside the island.