New Year's Lamu Dhow Race 2026 in Kenya

New Year's Lamu Dhow Race occurs on Shela Beach, Lamu Island, yearly, on January 1. As a highlight of New Year celebrations and the most prestigious race of the year, the dhow competition attracts dozens of local watermen along with hundreds of curious spectators. Other festivities feature parties that last all the way into the night.

Dhow Boats

A Dhow is an ancient handmade Arab boat constructed of local mangroves, wood, and fabric. The boats look amazing when sailing with African winds in the waters of the Indian Ocean. These vessels usually have thin, elongated hulls and triangular sails and are still used for transportation or fishing purposes in some regions. The Dhow isn't only a vessel for sailing but also an honorable display of the Lamu people's heritage.

Racing Season

While one of the most notable races takes place on New Year's Day, the Lamu Dhow races are frequent from July through April when the wind conditions are perfect and make for some of the most spectacular competitions. Other than that, locals gather to celebrate the holidays with a race, including on Easter Sunday, Ramadan, Maulidi, which commemorates birthday of the prophet Muhammad, and in November, during Lamu Cultural Festival.