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Description
An Enchanted Underwater World with Paradise Islands and Pristine Mangrove Forests
Further north along Kenya’s spectacular Indian Ocean coast is the Kiunga Marine National Reserve. This pristine ecosystem incorporates a chain of about 50 calcareous offshore islands and coral reefs in the Lamu Archipelago. Visitors can view the teeming sea life in the coral reefs, sea grass and extensive mangrove forests which are a refuge for sea turtles and dugongs. The reserve provides ideal opportunities for wind surfing, diving and snorkelling, water skiing and sunbathing.
Kiunga has got it all. Containing a diversity of landscapes, seascapes, mangroves, mudflats, lagoons, sand dunes, beaches, sand islands, raised reef islands, sea-grass beds, and coral reefs, this the biggest mangrove stand in Kenya with the tallest mangrove trees reaching 30 meters high.
Attractions & Activities
The reserve’s location at the convergence of two major ocean currents creates unique ecological conditions that nurture three inter-dependent marine habitats; mangroves, sea grass beds and coral reefs. The coral reefs found within Kiunga are comprised of mainly patch reefs, with fringing reefs in the northern part. Vegetation includes Microscopic marine plants and dugong grass, coastal scrubland and mangrove swamps. The marine life consists of fringing offshore reefs with approximately 50 coral islands hosting an abundant reef fish population. Kiunga is home to the Dugong, the most threatened marine mammal. Also present are the sea turtles (olive ridley and leatherback). Birdlife includes a host of seabirds in large nesting colonies and international significant numbers of Crab Plover and Roseate Tern.
Visitors can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, sun bathing, water skiing and Mangrove tours. The most rewarding time for snorkeling over the coral reef is two hours either side of low tide. This is the time when the greatest amount of marine life is revealed including the endangered sea dugongs and turtles that live here.
Citizen/ Residents:
Adult: KES 130
Child/Student: KES 125
Non-Residents:
Adult: $17
Child/Student: $13
Mode of Payment
MPesa. Visa Card. Direct deposits to KWS bank accounts. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
Roads: Drive to Mokowe jetty, get a dhow or speed boat to Lamu and connect to Mkokoni via a speed boat, then drive to Kiunga (4WD recommended)
Airstrips: From Mombasa, Malindi or Nairobi, fly to Manda airstrip and connect by sea at Mokowe jetty.
By Sea: From Lamu you can get to Kiwayu Island by dhow or speedboat.
By Rail: Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Syokimau (Nairobi Terminus) to Miritini (Mombasa Terminus) train stations, then connect by road/sea.
Working Hours
- Monday Open all day
- Tuesday Open all day
- Wednesday Open all day
- Thursday Open all day
- Friday Open all day
- Saturday Open all day
- Sunday Open all day
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