CNN’s ‘Inside Africa’ Profiles Kenya’s Lamu Island

Following a recent profile on CNN International’s ‘Inside Africa’ programme on Kenya’s old fishing village, Watamu, the show returns to the Kenyan coastline once more.

This week on ‘Inside Africa’, there’s a special focus on the Swahili culture and traditions that form part of East Africa’s best travel destination, Lamu. ‘Inside Africa’ reveals that unlike other Swahili settlements along the East African coast, Lamu has been inhabited for more than 700 years.  

For centuries, Lamu was a thriving town, along Arabic, Portuguese, Indian and African trading routes.  Today, it’s one of the most historically important Swahili towns, and stands out for its charm.

‘Inside Africa’ takes viewers through the famed island of Lamu, showcasing the architecture, coral cutting activities and reveals that most buildings are a fusion of Indian, Persian, Arabic and European influences. It is these foreign influences that makes Swahili a unique culture though also some-physical culture are very much  influenced by Indians, Chinese, Arabs.

‘Inside Africa’ also meets with some Lamu residents, like artisans and builders who are key in preserving local customs and maintaining Lamu’s Swahili identity – one largely characterized by distinct architecture that has stood the test of time

Watch ‘Inside Africa’, CNN International this Friday, 30th May at 19:30

The show will be aired again at the following times:

Saturday 31st May 2030

Sunday 1st June: 0630

Monday 2nd June: 0330

Tuesday 3rd June: 1030

Thursday 5th June: 0730