Kiunga Marine National Reserve covers an area with approximately 50 islands and coral reefs in the Lamu Archipelago. It borders the Boni and Dodori National Reserves.
The Coast is humid with mean annual temperatures ranging from 22 to 34 °C. Rainfall is about 500 mm/year. It is located at an altitude of 30 meters above MSL.
The outer islands of the Reserve host many seabirds. Species nesting here include roseate tern, sooty gull, white-cheeked tern, bridled tern, and brown node
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 host many seabirds and the species nesting here include roseate tern, sooty gull, white-checked tern, bridled tern, brown node, and others.
Kiunga Marine National Reserve was gazetted in 1979 it incorporates a chain of about 50 calcareous offshore islands and coral reefs in the Lamu Archipelago, running for some 60 kilometers parallel to the coastline of the northernmost coast of Kenya, northeast of Pate Island.
Attractions in Kiunga Marine National Reserve.
Marine Life.
Marine life in the Reserve includes reptiles or fish such as turtles, reef fish, ridley, leatherback, and turtles. Marine life includes rubber fish, butterfly fish, zebra fish, scorpions, and others in the clear waters while hunting sharks, turtles, rays, and starfish prowl 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, and notable species of mollusk feed on algae alongside shifting clouds of tiny demoiselle fish.
Bird species.
The reserve consists of 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, and bridled tern.
Kiwayu Island.
This is a stunning remote and beautiful island that 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 years of civilization, it was founded by the Arabs in the seventh century for trade in ivory, horn, rhino, and slaves, and currently, it acts as a 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 an underwater swimming activity involving the use of self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, the reserve has remarkable diving sites for travelers to enjoy this thrilling activity and the diving equipment can be hired at the park.
Snorkeling.
Snorkeling activity is full of excitement and fun as you get ready in the right gear to enter underwater and get to enjoy swimming in the clear water and the view of marine life is rewarding.
Sunbathing.
This is the activity that is done outside along sand beaches of marine reserve which is quite an amazing experience.
Water surfing.
Water surfing is a surface water sport 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 budget, mid-range, and luxury in that there is Hawthorn Suites, Hotel Marines Court, Hotel Radhe, Temple Guest House, and others. In the reserve, there are camping sites such as the Munira Island Camp among others.
How to get to Kiunga Marine National Reserve.
Kiunga Marine National Reserve can be reached by road, air, and also by sea means of transport to reach the reserve.
By Road means. Kiunga is a remote, unspoiled village on the mainland about 150km east of Lamu.
By Air means. The travelers can use the domestic charter flights from Wilson Airport and fly to the nearby reserve, Dodori National Reserve, then there you can be picked up by our tour guide and drive to the marine reserve.
By Sea means. There is also another option to reach the reserve which is the sea, here you can travel by sea from Lamu where you can get to Kiwayu Island by speedboat or dhow.