East Africa has always been well known for its laid-back attitude, what more would you expect from the people whose language coined the phrase “Hakuna Matata”? Relaxation is part of the people’s culture in this region and the stunning islands and coastlines naturally do help encourage this way of thinking. It also makes for ideal conditions for wellness retreats.
The wellness tourism industry has exploded in recent years, with people travelling to every corner of the Earth in search of wellness. Wellness is now accepted as a holistic ideology, where the mind, body, and soul are in perfect harmony. People travel to serene, exotic locations and camp in some of the most unique places in the world on their journey towards wellness. One of the many unique travel destinations on the list of wellness seekers is the Lamu Yoga Festival in Kenya.
What is the Lamu Yoga Festival
The Lamu Yoga Festival, as the name suggests, is a yoga festival that takes place in Lamu, Kenya. Lamu Island is a unique, exotic location, making it the perfect yoga destination. The tranquillity of the island has a certain appeal that instigates a sense of wellness and a notion of self-healing. The Lamu Yoga Festival, which occurs once every year (the seventh festival will occur between March 4 to March 8, 2020), is a culmination of over 150 yoga classes, hosted by over 25 teachers in Shela, Lamu town and Manda Island. Each teacher specializes in a unique yoga style and you can participate in any of the fun activities that take place during the festival to learn about the Swahili culture.
Lamu Yoga
Image Source: ElseWhereMan.Com
History of the Lamu Yoga Festival
The idea for the Lamu Yoga Festival began in Shela. Monika Fauth, who was teaching yoga at the Banana House and Wellness center, started providing yoga lessons at the Shela Beach in 1998. With the growing support of the community and the growing demand for yoga, Monika hosted the first Lamu Yoga Festival in 2014.
What Happens at the Lamu Yoga Festival
The Lamu Yoga Festival is a five-day festival. During this time, participants engage in various activities and yoga lessons. Some of the many activities include Mandala Painting, a Healthy U Cooking class, Mangrove & Dhow Swim, Dune walks, Swahili Dinner, bonfires, and much more. In addition to these fun activities, participants also engage in a variety of yoga classes and workshops, including yoga on the beach, Stand up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga, and the many different yoga styles the teachers have to offer.
What Happens at the Lamu Yoga Festival
Image Source: LamuYoga.Org
How to register
Tickets for 2020 have already been sold out. Because of the island’s capacity, the festival has a cap on the number of tickets sold. Registration usually opens in September in the prior year.
To register, individuals have to fill out a form on the website: Lamu Yoga.
They currently offer two packages:
- $173 for a complete all-inclusive package, which covers meals, activities, and yoga classes)
- $138.40, which includes yoga classes and a present only.
They accept MPESA, Western Union, or Bank Transfer.
Accommodation
You need to book accommodations separately. There are many hotels and accommodations available in Shela, including the Bahari Guest House, Banana House, Janataan Hotel, Shela Royal House, The Moon Houses, and many more.
A complete list can be found at Lamu Yoga.
Beach Yoga, Image Source: BananaHouse-Lamu.Com
Travelling to Shela
Shela is located in Lamu Island. To get to the island, you can take a flight to Manda Airport. Fly Sax, Safarilink, Skyward Express and Fly540 all provide services to the Manda Airport. Once at the airport, you will be transferred to the island by a boat that is usually arranged by the hotel that you are staying at. However, to go by bus, you can travel from Mombasa or Malindi. Modern Coast is one of the most highly recommended bus services in the region.
Lamu Yoga Dhow, Image Source: GoPlacesDigital.Com
On your road to wellness
Now that you have a better idea of what the Lamu Yoga Festival is all about, do you really have a reason to miss out on a retreat of this kind? Don’t you owe it to yourself to take time out and destress?
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to the yoga island retreat in Lamu and de-stress yourself!
You can head over to our “car hires” and “Flights” sections to book your flight to Lamu or to arrange a transfer to the island!
