Kiunga Marine National Reserve is situated along the Indian Ocean coast of Lamu District, coast province, in Kenya. The reserve covers 270 square kilometers (100 sq. mi). The reserve covers an area with approximately 50 islands and coral reefs in the Lamu Archipelago. It borders the Boni and Dodori National reserves. The outer islands of the reserve hosts many seabirds and the species nesting here includes roseate tern, sooty gull, white- checked tern, bridled tern, brown node and among others.
Kiunga Marine National Reserve was gazetted in 1979 which incorporates a chain of about 50 calcareous offshore islands and coral reefs in the Lamu Archipelago, running for some 60 kilometer parallel to the coastline off the northernmost cost of Kenya, north east of Pate Island.
Attractions in Kiunga Marine National Reserve.
Marine Life.
Marine life in the Reserve includes the reptiles or fish such as the turtles, reef fish, ridley, leather back and turtles. Marine life includes rubberfish, butterfly fish, zebra fish, scorpion and others in the clear waters while hunting sharks, turtles, rays, star fishprowl the reef in search of food. The moray likes hiding in holes while small crabs, wrasses like spinny- finned fish and sharks lurk in the caves; sea urchins, brittle stars, sea cucumber, notable species of mollusk feed on algae alongside shifting clouds of tiny demoiselle fish.
Bird species.
The reserve consists magnificent sea birds in large nesting colonies and globally significant numbers of crab plovers as well as nesting species like the roseate tern, sooty gull, brown node, bridled tern.
Kiwayu Island.
This is a stunning remote and beautiful island is around 10km long and on average only about 500 wide. It’s essentially a sand spit, with mangrove forests and a small village in the landward lagoon, abroad sandy beach and some modest reefs on the ocean side to thrill while on Kenya Safaris Tours .
Lamu Archipelago.
The national reserve is also part of the Lamu Archipelago, a cluster of hot low-lying desert islands that run for some other 60 kilometers parallel to the coastline of northern Kenya. Lamu has survived for over one thousand year old civilization , it was found by the Arabs in the seventh century for trade in ivory, horn ,rhino, slaves, and currently it acts as unique showcase for the traditional Swahili culture, bustling, historic town and as attractive pristine beaches in Africa.
Activities done in Kiunga Marine National Reserve.
Diving.
This is underwater swimming activity involving the use of self contains underwater breathing apparatus, the reserve has remarkable diving sites for traveler to enjoy this thrilled activity and the equipment’s for diving can be hired at the park.
Snorkeling.
Snorkeling activity is full of excitement and fun as you get ready in right gear to enter under water and get to enjoy swimming in the clear water and the view for marine life is rewarding.
Sun bathing.
This is the activity that is done outside along sand beaches of marine reserve which is quite amazing experience.
Water surfing.
Water surfing is a surface water sort that is a combination of surfing and sailing which is done by the tourists on the reserve.
Water Skiing.
Water Skiing is a surface water sport in which an individual is pulled behind a boat or a cable ski installation over a body of water, skimming the surface in the marine by the tourists.
Best time to visit Kiunga Marine National reserve.
The Reserve is all year visited by the tourists because Kenya’s coastal waters are ever warm, so diving without a wet suit is also impressive.
Entrance fee of Kiunga Marine National Reserve.
| Category | Citizen (KSH) | Resident (KSH) | Non- Resident (USD) |
| Adult | 130 | 130 | 17 |
| Child | 125 | 125 | 13 |
Where to stay in Kiunga Marine National Reserve.
Kiunga Marine National Reserve has a quite number of accommodations including the budget, mid-range, luxury in that there is Hawthorn Suites, Hotel Marines Court, Hotel Radhe, Temple Guest House, and among others. In the reserve there are camping sites such as the Munira Island Camp and among others.
How to get to Kiunga Marine National reserve.
Kiunga Marine National Reserve can be reached by both the road, air and also by the sea means of transport to reach the reserve.
By Road means. Kiunga is a remote, unspoilt village on the mainland about 150km east of Lamu.
By Air means. The travelers can use the domestic charter flights from Wilson Airport and flies you to the nearby reserve, Dodori National Reserve, then there you can be picked up by our tour guide and drives you to marine reserve.
By Sea means. There is also another option to reach the reserve that is the sea, here you can travel by sea from Lamu where you get can get to Kiwayu Island by speedboat or dhow.
In Kiunga Marine National Reserve, the visitors can view the teeming sea life in the coral reefs, sea grass and the mangrove forests which are a refuge for sea turtles and dugongs, the reserve as well provides ideal opportunities for surfing, diving, water skiing, snorkeling, sunbathing and other related activities.
