Kiunga Marine National Reserve is located in Kenya’s northern coastline, Lamu county covering 270 square kilometres. The Reserve was gazetted in 1979, it is so unique with reefs interspersed with 50 limestone islands and coral reefs.
What to see at Kiunga Marine Reserve
The Reserve is an underwater world which provide vital nesting areas for migratory seabirds. The park provides a refuge for the rare sea turtles and dugongs. The unique dugong has a semi human physiognomy and is said to be the origin of the mermaid legend. Giant clams also lie within reefs. It contains a diversity of landscapes, seascapes, mangroves, mudflats, lagoons, sand dunes, beaches, sand islands, raised reef islands, sea grass beds and coral reefs. It also has the biggest mangrove stand in kenya with the tallest mangrove trees reaching 30 meters high.
The Reserve’s location is at the convergence of two major ocean currents creates unique ecological conditions that nurture three inter dependant marine habitats. 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 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 namely olive ridley and leatherback. Bird life 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.
How to get to Kiunga marine National Reserve
There are several transport options taking you to the park such as;
Roads: Drive to Mokowe jetty, get a dhow or speed boat to Lamu and connect to Mkokoni via a speed boat.
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.
What to carry while visiting kiunga marine
Packing right is important when going for an adventure, the following should be on your packing list; first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, camera, sunglasses, drinking water, food and appropriate beach wear.
Accommodations
The marine reserve does not offer self catering accommodations options. However, they are accommodation alternatives such as;
Munira island camp: the camp is a quiet haven nestled in the Lamu Archipelago, a well-kept secret far from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Kiwayu Safari Village: Kiwayu Safari Village is one of the original East African barefoot luxury lodges with an ambience of total relaxation and seclusion – enjoy world renowned fishing and long strolls along utterly deserted beaches.
Do’s and Dont’s at Kiunga Marine National Reserve
- Do not damage or remove corals, shells or any other sea flora and fauna
- Check local weather and sea conditions before taking into the waters
- Do not buy shells and other marine life products as souvenirs as this encourages further destruction of sea products
- Hand feeding fish is prohibited. It disrupts their normal feeding patterns
- Do not dispose off litter on the beach or in the sea
- Follow good practice dolphin and whale watching protocols
- Do not interfere, feed or touch the marine life
- Observe maximum speed of 40 km/hr