Kayaking Safaris is Kenya's first sea kayak touring safari, offering unique eco-friendly access to the remote, wild and beautiful islands of the Lamu Archipelago.

Accommodation is in classic safari-style tented camps. Paddle through the amazing Kiunga Marine Reserve. Learn about the ancient civilizations of the region, the marine ecology and enjoy activities such as snorkeling, fishing, birding and exploring the wildlife of the tropical islands.

The season runs from August through to April.  Tours are conducted exclusively within the Kiunga Marine Reserve with our mobile camps set on uninhabited islands. All tours include available activities such as snorkeling, fishing, birding, kayaking, walking and relaxing.

Flying from Nairobi into the southern point of Kiunga Marine Reserve you will be met at the airstrip and will drive though 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. If you are visiting from Lamu Island there are speedboats or air charter services to bring you to the marine reserve.

The next few days you will explore the islands, reefs and mangrove channels and experience the amazing marine life, multitudes of water birds and underwater reefs. You will pass 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 no more than 10-15kms of paddling and exploring, with minimal bay crossings or exposure to significant currents or swells. The level of fitness for these trips could be assimilated to that of doing a 10-15km 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. Throughout the whole tour the professional guides will direct the trip and keep you informed of the local cultures, historical sights and wildlife.

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.