Kiwayu Island
Kiwayu Island : Of all the islands along Kenya’s coast, Kiwayu Island is undoubtedly the most picturesque. Along with being a priority conservation site in the Western Indian Ocean and a well-known biodiversity hotspot inside the larger Kiunga Marine National Reserve, the region is home to a variety of marine animals, including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and the shy and endangered dugong. An important turtle breeding location is the island. Turtles such as olive ridley, hawksbill, and leatherback use the area for nesting and feeding, while loggerhead and leatherback turtles use it as a feeding ground. The island’s eastern region, Shimo la Tewa, boasts a thriving and varied coral ecology. Long, deserted beaches offer fantastic snorkelling just a few metres off the coast. Mokokoni village is located on the mainland, directly across from the northern end of the island, and Kiwayu village is located on the southern end of the island.
Three maritime ecosystems are supported by the distinct ecological circumstances produced by the meeting of two major ocean currents: mangroves, sea grass beds, sand dunes, and coral reefs.
On the island, fishing is the primary source of income. There is also one well, one school, and no clinic. Kiwayu’s tidal pools and snorkeling/diving areas on the eastern side of the island are the main draws for travellers. It’s among the best spots on the island for snorkelling.
The island is ideal for honeymooners and those looking for a lovely atmosphere away from the bustle because it is so serene and calm, with less people on it. Explore this incredible hidden island and take in the gorgeous, pristine beaches and crystal-clear blue waters.
How to get there
Hiring a dhow from Lamu is the most convenient method to get here.
From Lamu, a speedboat ride takes around two hours; alternatively, some tourists choose to take a dhow, which can take one to two days, depending on the wind. When the wind is favourable, sailing is pleasant, and guests can explore and fish from their own boat while visiting the island.
Private charters can use the airport, and the beach may be used for landing or take off during low tide. It is possible to arrange everything by flight if you would want to travel conveniently.
Mkokoni Wildlife Conservation
A tiny but important region, the Mkokoni Wildlife Conservation Trust covers about 36 square kilometres. It is distinguished by a distinctive dune system that serves as a rain-catching system, as well as by seasonal inland water holes, acacia woodland, dynamic tidal beaches, coastal mangrove forest, and grassland. The Mkokoni Wildlife Conservation Trust is bounded to the east by the Kiunga Marine Reserve, to the west by the Dodori Reserve, and to the south by the Dodori River. Among the many different kinds of birds, plants, and small mammals that frequent this delicate passage are the African Hunting Dog, Cheetah, Adders Dyker, Elephant, and buffalo, as well as the Green, Olive Ridley, and Hawksbill Turtles.
The islands are home to a variety of sea migratory birds that are important local attractions. These birds need to be protected in order to prevent the islands from being occupied and to allow the migratory birds to continue using them for breeding.
With assistance from other reputable conservation groups like the Kenya Wildlife Service and East African Wildlife Society, the Mkokoni Wildlife Conservation Trust seeks to safeguard the overall integrity of this region through the profits from tourism, skill and capacity building, and community-based initiatives that improve environmental clean-ups, health, education, and sanitation, as well as the preservation of wildlife and habitat.
Activities at the beach: diving, snorkelling, and wind surfing.
Swimming and tanning.
Safaris on dhow cruises, fishing, and observing birds.
The Best Time to Go:
The warmest months are January through March. Chilly weather from July to September.
April and May are the longest rainy months while November experiences brief showers.
Accommodations:
There are several choices available at Majlis Resort, Manda Bay, Kizingoni Beach Houses, Kipungani, Kizingo Lodge, and Kijani Hotel.
How to Travel There:
From Lamu via road (approximately 150 km east).
Dodori National Reserve airstrip.
From Lamu by sea in a speedboat or dhow.
What to Pack:
- Footwear (flip-flops or sandals).
- T-shirts to shield the sun.
- Fins, mask, and snorkel (rental available).
- Insect repellent, hat, sunscreen, and camera.
- Reference materials.
- An abundance of water for drinking.
Discover Kiunga Marine National Reserve’s various ecosystems, abundant marine life, and stunning coastline. This area is ideal for nature lovers and anybody looking for a quiet getaway with unspoiled beaches.
Mike’s Camp
Mike’s Camp is situated on Kiwayu Island, one of the Lamu Archipelago’s numerous pristine islands off the coast of Kenya. With calm creeks on one side and smooth, white beaches and turquoise waters on the other, you are essentially given your very own private island where you may be secure and unaffected. You’re surrounded by an unspoiled paradise of breathtaking natural beauty, located in the Kiunga Marine National Reserve, and you’ll never want to leave.
Mike’s camp is built using only local materials and has no concrete at all. It is perched atop dunes, offering breathtaking views and easy access to the ocean and creek. The camp has an aurora that you just can’t find anywhere else. All visitors become members of the family, gathering around the same table for meals with their raconteur host Mike.
The camp take great satisfaction in being environmentally conscious and are almost entirely self-sufficient, relying solely on wind and solar electricity instead of diesel generators, despite their remote location and lack of need for civilization.
The wonderful donkeys, who they take care to ensure have the greatest possible life on Kiwayu, bring in the water for showers and washing. While they accept that some visitors prefer sealed bottled water, they also give it and make every effort to use water in glass bottles that can be reused. Drinking water is generated locally via desalination. Mangrove wood, kiberiti, and palm leaves, or makuti roofing, are among the locally available and naturally occurring elements used to build the camp.
Despite their extreme remoteness, getting here is surprisingly simple! There are multiple daily flights to the closest town, Lamu, after which it’s just a short speedboat ride or a leisurely dhow tour.
