The second RVI Horn of Africa Course took place from 20 to 26 June 2009 in Lamu, Kenya. The Course was directed by Mark Bradbury and Ken Menkhaus. New teaching staff this year included Tobias Hagmann, Haroon Yusuf, Jason Mosely, Hussein Mahmoud, Sada Mire, Kjetil Tronvoll, Amina Soud and Nisar Majid. Lectures were held in Lamu Old Town; course participants stayed mainly in private residences on the island. There was a historical tour of the town, a trip by racing dhow to explore archaeological remains on Takwa Island, and a final reception at Lamu Fort.