Kiunga National Marine Reserve

The marine ecosystem incorporates a chain of about 50 calcareous offshore islands and coral reefs in the Lamu Archipelago, running for some 60km parallel to the coastline and adjacent to Dodori and Boni National Reserves on the mainland.

The larger and more sheltered inner islands are covered with tangled thorny vegetation including grass, aloes and creepers. The small outer islands provide nesting sites for migratory seabirds. The reserve conserves valuable coral reefs, sea grass and extensive mangrove forests and is also a refuge for sea turtles and dugongs.

Major wildlife attractions include reptiles such as Sea turtles, Olive ridley, and Reef fish. Lobsters, Sea urchins, Sea star and also frequent sightings in the reserve. It is an important site for wind surfing, diving and snorkelling, water skiing and sunbathing.

ACCESS

Roads: Kiunga is a remote, unspoilt village on the mainland about 150 km east of Lamu

Airstrips: One at Dodori N. Reserve

By Sea: from Lamu you can get to kiwayu Island by dhow or Speedboat

SIZE / LOCATION

Lamu District, Coast province

Area: 270 km2

CLIMATE

The Coast is humid with mean annual temperatures ranging from 22-34 C. rainfall is about 500mm pa.

SAFARI CARD REQUIRED?

At present the park does not operate on smart card system. Entry is by cash only (KSH or US$).

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Coral reefs

Sand dune

Kiwayu Island

MARINE LIFE

Reptiles/fish: Sea Turtles, Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Turtles, Reef fish

Insects/arthropods: Lobsters, Sea urchins, Sea star, Crabs, Mosquito

WHERE TO STAY

Kiwayu Island is the only inhabited island to be included in the Kiunga Marine Reserve

In - Park Accommodation

There are two luxury tented lodges on Kiwayu

Munira Island Camp: 2 kms north of Kiwayu village, this is a group of simple Bandas with restaurant and bar facilities

Kiwayu Safari Village: nestled on a pristine palm- shaded beach this exclusive camp offers grass- thatched cottages, luxurious amenities and water sports

It is possible to find simple accommodation in Kiwayu village.

ACTIVITY OPTIONS

Wind surfing

Snorkeling

Water skiing

Sunbathing

Diving