Wildebeest workshops

Welcome to Lamu - the new Zanzibar

Most people have heard of Zanzibar, but few know of its Kenyan cousin - the island of Lamu. Founded in the thirteenth century, Lamu flourished as a trading centre attracting different peoples, religions and a chequered history(notably as an important slave trading post). Today the atmosphere is distinctly more laid back. There are no cars(they would be superfluous among the towns' narrow, jumbled streets), so dhows, donkeys and legwork are the only ways of getting around. This isn't a problem as it's the crystal beaches that really draw the intrepid here(it is a difficult spot to get to overland, but there's an airstrip nearby).

For those who want to put a little back into the island Wildebeest Environmental Workshops have set themselves up to provide unemployed and often unemployable people with creative work while stressing environmental issues. Using mostly local and recycled materials, workshop members hammer, carve and stitch pieces together designed by themselves and international artists. Everyone shares a common goal - to protect earth's fragile ecosystems and promote environmental awareness at the grass roots level. Whether you're a budding Picasso or an occasional dabbler the islands' famous hospitality will soon have you feeling at home.

www.wildebeeste.com

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