The fourth Horn of Africa course took place in Lamu, Kenya from 4 to 10 June 2011. The directors, Mark Bradbury and Ken Menkhaus, were joined by Sally Healy as Deputy Director of Studies. Lecturers new to the course included Christopher Clapham, Semhar Araia, Jatin Dua, Aklilu Amsalu and Laura Hammond. Lectures were held, as in previous years, at the Factory Arts Centre, with evening sessions at Lamu House hotel. A dhow trip to the ancient Takwa Ruins on Manda Island, a guided tour of Lamu Old Town, and a public lecture at Lamu’s historical fort were organized in association with Kenya’s National Museums.