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Lamu Fort

Kenya, Lamu Island, Lamu. A sailing boat (mashua) framed in an arch of Lamu Fort, which is now a museum.

Getty Images/AWL Images RM

This squat castle was built by the Sultan of Paté between 1810 and 1823. From 1910 right up to 1984 it was used as a prison. It now houses the island’s library, which holds one of the best collections of Swahili poetry and Lamu reference work in Kenya, while the upstairs walkway is a gallery space for temporary exhibitions (stunning photos of the Tana River delta, when we visited). Entry is free with a ticket for Lamu Museum.

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