Kiunga Marine National Reserve And Lamu
Sailing on a luxurious traditional dhow to Kiunga from Lamu island and stopping at the ports of Pate, Manda and Kiwayu will transport you to the magical world of bygone times when corsairs ruled and people awaited their return along the silk roads of the world.
Steeped in history, the genie really comes out of the lamp when you get to Kiunga – a marine protected area where the reefs are populated with the fluorescence of coral and fish. Migratory birds nest on islands, there are sea turtles, sea stars, array of coral reef fish, and dolphin pods to enjoy.
The single big triangular sail catches the kaskazi and kusi trade winds which fly this way and that through the Indian Ocean, sailing fast and smooth through the warm waters. Every evening there are sunsets and sundowners that have been the muse of bohemians, artists and writers for many years.
The clean air, fishing, snorkelling and swimming as well as the friendly boat culture of the Swahili, their cuisine and hospitality are all to be marvelled at. Their arts and crafts, carvings, music and proverbs are most intriguing to collectors.
Join me on a tailor made safari to Kiunga marine reserve, a place that I spent 6 years working as the WWF Project Executant, alongside the Kenya Wildlife Service, Fisheries and Forestry Service, AMREF, the tour operators and the community. Here we established the sea turtle conservation work; founded the concept of recycling flipflops that later became, Ocean Sole; sponsored secondary school education; initiated the mangrove research and developed an underwater monitoring programme with the help of scientists from CORDIO. We trained up the community to participate in the monitoring and created an understanding of the value of the magnificent marine life surrounding them.
This is a unique part of the world, rich in land and marine diversity and a real sense of a trading culture.
For those that enjoy the concept of a sea-safari on a 60ft luxury dhow, guided by a true marine conservationist, that loves this area, and the whole of the Lamu archipelago, contact us.
Additionally, those that are not sure about living on board a boat or dhow, we can create an epic itinerary for you, where you will leave connected to the natural and cultural richness of the Lamu – Kiunga archipelago.
A traditional dhow safari can be a couple of days or more.
