Along the shores of Lamu, where the Indian Ocean meets centuries-old Swahili culture, the tides bring more than shells and seaweed. They carry stories—stories of a world struggling with its own waste. Thousands of discarded flip-flops, worn smooth by waves, wash up on the beaches, silent reminders of a global problem.
But in Lamu, those stories do not end on the shore.
They begin again.
It was during a recent visit to Lamu that we discovered the inspiring work of the Flipflopi Project—an initiative that immediately stood out as something truly special for our clients. In a place where traditional wooden dhows have sailed for generations, a new kind of vessel is redefining the future: a dhow built almost entirely from recycled ocean plastic.
Born from a simple yet powerful idea—to transform waste into something meaningful—the project brought to life Flipflopi Ndogo, the world’s first sailing dhow made from recycled plastic. Launched in 2018, this nine-metre vessel was built using plastic collected from Kenyan shorelines and crafted with traditional Swahili boatbuilding techniques. Its vibrant exterior, made from thousands of recycled flip-flops, is both a work of art and a powerful symbol of what is possible when innovation meets heritage.
But Flipflopi is more than a boat. It is a movement.
In small coastal workshops, collected plastic is given a second life—cut, melted, reshaped, and reimagined by local hands. Here, recycling becomes an act of creativity and resilience. Communities that once faced the burden of plastic pollution are now part of the solution, gaining skills, creating opportunities, and redefining the value of waste.
At the same time, the project invests deeply in education. In schools and communities, children and young people learn about the impact of plastic pollution and, more importantly, about their own power to create change. Through workshops, clean-ups, and hands-on experiences, Flipflopi plants the seeds for a more conscious and responsible future.
When the Flipflopi dhow sets sail, it carries more than a crew—it carries a message. Along the East African coastline, the project connects communities, organisations, and decision-makers, raising awareness and inspiring action towards reducing single-use plastics and building a circular economy.
For our clients, the experience comes to life on the water. Sailing along Lamu’s breathtaking coastline aboard Flipflopi Ndogo is both peaceful and deeply inspiring. Surrounded by mangroves, pristine beaches, and traditional dhows, guests gain a deeper understanding of sustainability while enjoying one of Kenya’s most beautiful and culturally rich seascapes. By joining a sailing journey aboard Flipflopi Ndogo, you become part of a greater story—one where travel creates positive impact and helps shape a more sustainable future.
At its heart, the project is community-driven. Built by local craftsmen and supported through tourism, Flipflopi reinvests in education, clean-up initiatives, and the next generation of innovators—ensuring that every journey contributes to lasting impact.
In a world facing growing environmental challenges, Flipflopi stands as a powerful reminder: change is possible. And it can start with something as simple as a discarded flip-flop.
A story of transformation.
A story of hope.
A story still being written—with every tide that comes in.
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