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How this holiday makes a difference!
Our expeditions offer unique eco-friendly access to the wild and remote islands of Kenya’s north coast. Kayak tours are carried out in the Kiunga Marine Reserve, a 250 square kilometer reserve with over 50 islands - a spectacular reserve where the savanna wildlife meets the tropical marine life.
We’ve developed a close and beneficial relationship with both the local communities and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), employing local staff and guides, visiting villages and historical sites, buying produce from the local fishermen and markets and sharing a common interest in preserving and maintaining the culture and wildlife. Whilst in the Reserve a fee of US$10 per day per guest is paid. This fee goes towards conservation and community development in the region. Each kayak tour includes a visit to a local village which helps contribute to local trade and plays a key role in rewarding and encouraging good environmental practices. Guests will also learn about the local culture, foods and lifestyle and at key points along the tour will be able to visit historical landmarks and ruins.
We operate an eco-friendly camp, removing waste, not building any permanent structures and respecting the wildlife. It is because of the low impact nature of kayaking and our commitments to the environment and community that the safaris are permitted the unique opportunity to overnight in this protected marine reserve.
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| The season runs from mid July through to mid April & 2 Kayak Safari tours are available: |
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A 7-night tour from Kiunga Marine Reserve to Lamu Island – experienced paddlers |
All tours include available activities such as snorkelling, fishing, birding, swimming, kayaking, walking and relaxing.
4 – Night tour through Kiunga Marine Reserve
1, 440 USD per person sharing NETT - inclusive of all activities, meals and soft drinks, excludes airfares.
Flying from Nairobi into the southern point of Kiunga Marine Reserve you will be met at the airstrip by the expedition leader and will drive north through the remote and wild Dodori Reserve. The backup dhow will collect you and transport you to your first nights camp on one of the many picturesque and uninhabited islands.
The next few days you will slowly paddle south through islands, reefs and mangrove channels. On route experience the amazing marine life, multitudes of water birds and underwater reefs. You will pass some local villages and watch the local dhows set sail for the days fishing. Depending on the time of year you may witness turtle hatchlings, flocks of roseate terns, inquisitive dolphins and curious land animals.
Each day will involve about 10kms of paddling with minimal bay crossings or exposure to significant currents or swells. The level of fitness for this trip could be assimilated to that of doing a 10km hike/day. The distance can be easily covered each day but the emphasis is on enjoying the surroundings and not grinding from A to B. There will be time in each day to enjoy other activities and to explore or simply relax. The professional guides will keep the group moving and offer assistance and knowledge on the local culture and wildlife.
7 – Night tour from Kiunga Marine Reserve to Lamu Island
2, 520 USD per person - inclusive of all activities, meals and soft drinks whilst camping, as well as one night's accommodation in Lamu. Excludes all airfares and lodge drinks once in Lamu town.
This tour includes much of the 4-day tour’s activities plus a visit to the historic southern islands outside of the Kiunga Marine Reserve. After flying into the Kiunga Marine Reserve and paddling south through the channels, reefs and islands of the Reserve paddlers will approach Pate Island, pass Faza village and view the ancient Siyu Fort. Continuing south paddlers will cross Manda Bay, pass along mangrove channels and approach the oldest town on the east coast of Africa, Lamu.
This tour requires a higher level of fitness and kayak experience. Paddlers will be required to cross large bays with exposure to ocean swells and currents. Distances covered vary between 10 and 20km per day. There will still be plenty of time to enjoy activities such as snorkelling, fishing and exploring with the same level of comfort and relaxation offered in each night’s camp.
Throughout the whole tour the professional guides will direct the trip and keep you informed of the local cultures, historical sights and wildlife. On arriving in historical Lamu town your final night’s accommodation will be in a local lodge, the guides will escort you through the narrow streets and markets and on the final day the dhow will transport you to the local airstrip on Manda Bay for your flight back to Nairobi.
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