Lamu: Floating hotels, boat bars and restaurants attract holiday lovers in droves

Lamu, the picturesque archipelago off the coast of Kenya, has recently become a hub for a unique set of floating amenities that has been drawing inquisitive tourists from around the globe.

It seems that many have had enough of brick and mortar already – and are looking to experience new things this festive season.

From floating petrol stations to floating boat bars and restaurants, and even repurposed boats transformed into floating hotels, Lamu's allure is expanding beyond its natural beauty.

Local businessmen are moving the fan from the sandy beaches and into the waters – and many revelers are loving it already.

There is – however – some level of concern from some of the locals with regards to environmental impact of some of these developments.

Some feel that the ocean could be polluted, which could affect fishing and general marine environment.

Frida Njeri who owns a floating bar and restaurant and is also the Vice Chair of the Lamu Tourism Association – told Wananchi Reporting that Environmental sustainability is at the forefront of this burgeoning trend.

“Some of us are breaking away from the conventional mainland bars and restaurants,” said Frida – noting that she used locally sourced materials like plastic drums, timber, and palm to put up the structure. 

This festive season, many visitors can be seen embarking on a boat rides to reach some of these unique establishments.

Their efforts are creating employment to the marginalised of Lamu, to the fishermen who often have to contend with low catch or bad weather. 

Said Abdul-Swamad has repurposed his boat into a mobile petrol station. 

The island boasts four floating petrol stations, catering to the growing number of motorboats. 

These stations, essentially boats modified to accommodate fuel pumps, were conceived as a preventive measure against potential fires in Lamu's closely clustered old town. With narrow streets and houses in close proximity, the risk of a fire spreading quickly was a genuine concern, prompting the need for this inventive solution.

''Lamu Island is an ancient Swahili town where the houses are closely situated, making the establishment of a traditional petrol station hazardous. This is precisely why I chose to repurpose my old boat and transform it into a floating petrol station,'' said Abdul-Swamad.

The floating petrol stations incorporate measures to prevent oil spillage, ensuring that the pristine ocean remains untouched.

One can tell that environmental sustainability is at the forefront of this burgeoning trend. Waste management is carefully addressed, with floating restaurants employing tanks to collect and treat toilet waste, later disposed as water. 

As Lamu continues to evolve, these floating wonders stand as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of tradition, innovation, and environmental responsibility in this captivating corner of the world.