Your journey begins with a morning or midday flight from Nairobi to Manda Airport. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative and transferred by traditional dhow or motorboat across the channel to Lamu Island. Enjoy your first glimpses of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, bustling with donkeys, ancient Swahili architecture, and wooden boats.
A short scenic boat ride takes you south along the island to your lodge, nestled among sand dunes on a stunning 12km beach where the Lamu channel meets the Indian Ocean. Check into your spacious, palm-thatched banda with panoramic sea views, king-sized bed, and outdoor shower. Spend the afternoon unwinding — swim in the turquoise waters, walk along the empty beach, or relax in a hammock with a fresh coconut. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring fresh seafood and Swahili-inspired dishes under the stars.
Wake up to the sound of waves and birdsong. This full day is yours to embrace beach life. Optional activities include snorkelling in the nearby reefs, kayaking through mangroves, yoga on the beach, or simply reading with your feet in the sand. The lodge can arrange a guided visit to a local village or a short donkey trek if you’d like a cultural touch.
Dinner highlights local ingredients and community-supported produce. This day is all about recharging before your sailing adventure.
After a leisurely breakfast, pack a small bag for the sailing portion (main luggage stays safely at Kizingo). You’ll be transferred by boat to meet the Flipflopi Ndogo in Lamu waters. This colourful, one-of-a-kind dhow is built almost entirely from recycled plastic collected from beaches and communities across the archipelago — a powerful symbol of innovation and environmental stewardship by the Flipflopi Project.
Board your home for the next three nights. Meet the crew, settle into comfortable sailing accommodations (with mats made from repurposed flip-flops), and set sail into the archipelago. Depending on tides and winds, you’ll head towards quieter islands or mangrove channels. Enjoy swimming stops, fresh seafood lunches prepared onboard, and stories from the crew about the project’s mission to combat plastic pollution. Sunset views over the water are spectacular. Dinner and overnight aboard the Flipflopi.
Spend the full day exploring the Lamu Archipelago’s hidden gems. The Flipflopi sails gracefully using traditional dhow techniques fused with its unique sustainable construction. Visit remote islands for beachcombing, snorkelling in pristine coral gardens, or spotting dolphins and sea turtles.
The crew will share insights into local ecology, Swahili maritime heritage, and the Flipflopi Project’s community recycling efforts in Lamu. Expect delicious onboard meals using sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. In the evening, anchor in a peaceful bay for stargazing and perhaps a beach bonfire. Overnight aboard.
Today’s sail might take you towards areas like Pate Island or other parts of the archipelago known for their mangroves, traditional villages, and rich history. Opportunities for cultural exchanges with local communities (supported by Flipflopi initiatives) or simply enjoying the freedom of open-water sailing are highlights.
Swim, fish (catch-and-release or for dinner), and relax on deck as the dhow glides through the Indian Ocean. The intimate size of the Flipflopi allows for a deeply personal experience with the sea and the project’s inspiring ethos. Overnight aboard the dhow.
Your last full day is flexible. You might choose a spa treatment, deeper exploration of Lamu Town (via boat), a cooking class with local Swahili flavours, or simply more time on the glorious beach. Sunset drinks and a farewell dinner cap off an unforgettable week.
Enjoy a final breakfast at Kizingo before a boat transfer to Manda Airport for your return flight to Nairobi. Depending on your flight time, there may be an opportunity for last-minute shopping in Lamu Town for souvenirs like kangas or handmade crafts.
This itinerary offers the perfect balance of beach bliss and active discovery while highlighting Lamu’s natural beauty and the groundbreaking work of the Flipflopi Project.
