Tusitiri Dhow

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

Tusitiri is ideal for families or a group of friends wanting a unique and private experience amongst the beautiful and historic islands of the north Kenyan coast. Tusitiri 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.

Life on-board is relaxed and centred 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 comfortable white linen bedrolls are set up on deck. On Tusitiri, all the beds are star-beds! All guests sleep in luxury bedrolls (mattresses and white linen, duvets and pillows) on Tusitiri’s wide deck, under the stars. These can be arranged as double or single beds. The large day cushions are arranged around the bedrolls to act as a partition and provide some privacy.

Tusitiri Dhow is based in the pristine Lamu archipelago on the north Kenyan coast. Lamu is a rare gem in the Indian Ocean. Although quiet and seemingly forgotten, the archipelago has welcomed travellers for over a thousand years and is steeped in history dating back to the spice trade. Lamu Town is the oldest living town in East Africa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably the most complete Swahili town still in existence. 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’.

A Tusitiri Dhow safari is an enchanting coastal experience, as action packed or blissfully relaxed as desired. Activities included are:

• Sail on Tusitiri.
• Snorkel the coral reefs.
• Paddleboard in quiet lagoons and mangrove creeks.
• Deep-sea fishing and creek fishing.
• Water-ski and wakeboard.
• Walk, relax and picnic on pristine beaches.
• Sundowner drinks on beaches or sand dunes.
• Explore the narrow streets and sites of Lamu and Shela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The following activities are best arranged prior to arrival and incur an additional cost:

• Scuba diving, very seasonal – by prior arrangement only.
• Excursions to Kiwayu Marine Park.
• Cultural excursions to the ancient Takwa Ruins.

Tusitiri Dhow operates all year around with the exception of the rainy season from May to July, when Tusitiri is closed for maintenance. Tusitiri does not typically run safaris at this time, however, with adequate notice they are happy to discuss potential bookings in this season. Being on the equator and at the coast, the weather is generally very warm, usually with a sea breeze. The hottest months of the year in Lamu are February to April.

Lamu Island is easily accessed by air. Guests fly to Lamu’s Manda airport by daily schedule flights from Nairobi (1.5-hour flight) and other select domestic airports, or by private charter flights. On arrival, guests are collected by speedboat from the airport for the short transfer to Tusitiri on her mooring.

“During the day, guests can fish for tuna, snorkel and water-ski; at night, after a seafood feast, mattresses are laid on deck so everyone can fall asleep whilst watching meteors shoot
across the Milky Way.” The Times Travel Magazine