Lamu Island: donkeys, donkeys, and more donkeys! Another 'vlog' post of sorts, for your viewing pleasure

This guy loads heavy coral stone on the back of this donkey, to be used in construction

An interesting sight on one of my strolls around the town

We only saw four cars during our week at Lamu town, and they were only on the wide road near the sea. Donkeys are the primary means of moving all the cargo that arrives by boat on the island. Donkeys and mikokoteni (large hand-pulled carts) are the only thing that can fit in the narrow, winding pathways of the town. As we did our shopping we had to always be alert to their movement, as they have the right-of-way!

Donkeys get a drink of water outside the Donkey Sanctuary

Donkeys are the backbone of the economy in Lamu Town, with an estimated 3,000 'beasts of burden' living there. They're used in agriculture and also in carrying household provisions and building materials. When goods are delivered from the mainland to this island, they're off-loaded from the boats and placed on the backs of donkeys to be delivered to their final destination.

Dr. Elizabeth Svendsen founded the Donkey Sanctuary in 1987 after seeing the poor condition of donkeys while on holiday at Lamu Island. Since then the health of the donkeys has improved considerably and the primitive practices of treating wounds and illness has been reduced. The Sanctuary provides treatment to all donkeys free of charge. A competition for the donkey in the best condition is held annually.

One day I took a stroll in this rural area between Lamu and Shela towns