Marilyn

Group of six trying to decide where to spend a few days at the end of a trip to Kenya and Tanzania. Both have been recommended. Have you been to either in the last few years, which do you prefer, and why? Thanks!

Zambezi

Going to Lamu at this time is out of the question because of the Somalia terrorist attacks against villages in that area of Kenya and the overall political unrest in Kenya. That leaves Zanzibar, which I have visited several times, first in 1968 and last in 2006. During the last stay, I was so disenchanted with the island's over-population, the general tourist industry there, and the commercial emphasis that I vowed never to return. By contrast, when I had visited Lamu in 2005, I found it delightfully authentic with minimal tourist development and touts. I would return in a minute if it were safe.

I will concede that many foreign tourists, hailing from the crowded communities of the US and Western Europe and accustomed to throngs of both locals and visitors, enjoy the hubbub, noise, traffic, bars, and endless shopping opportunities of Zanzibar. The island has scarcely any authenticity left to it, however. ZZ

sandi

Agree with above that Lamu is not the place to visit at this time. However, there are a number of other lovely resorts on the Kenyan coast that are south of Diani that are safe.

When it comes to ZNZ, you'll require another Visa and Yellow Fever inoculation and proof of same for entry to the island... besides, of course the flight to/from which is more expensive than if considering the Kenyan coast. As regards the island being crowded, depends on where on the island you stay as some areas are so quite you wouldn't know anyone else was there. The hotels/resorts at the very north are the busiest with lots of bars,, eateries and discos, unlike other areas of the island.

Marilyn

Thanks, Zambezi and sandi. We have decided to ditch the beach plans and spend more time at wildlife camps. Perhaps Zanzibar should remain a fantasy for me, rather than confronting the reality.