Kayaking Safari

Prices are subject to currency fluctuations and may change.

Do I need kayak experience?
Not at all! Kayak experience is useful but not necessary. The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit for adventure and fun. The choice of tandem, stable, sit-on-top kayaks makes it possible for novices to enjoy kayaking. Tandem kayaks offer more stability and improve energy efficiency. Sit-on-top kayaks allow easy entry and exit whilst in the water and do not require technical (Eskimo) rolls.

How fit should I be?
Whilst our expeditions are not designed to be too strenuous, you should be of good general health and physical condition. You should be reasonably fit, have no debilitating injuries and be able to swim. It is advisable that before you start your kayak expedition you exercise the muscle groups that will be used (shoulders, arms, torso). A good option is to do two weeks of light upper-body work, like rowing, skipping or gym circuits. If you are overweight, in poor health or have special medical needs please contact us for advice on your tour options. Those with health or medical risks should contact their physician for advise before beginning our expeditions.

Is there an age limit for participation?
Anybody above the age of 16 can participate in one of our kayak expeditions – as long you are reasonably fit (i.e. hiking fit), can use your upper body and have no health problems or debilitating injuries.

What travel documents will I need?
It will be necessary for you to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate when travelling in and out of Kenya. Please call on your local physician or travel clinic for advise on what vaccinations you may require. Certain countries require a visa for their citizens to enter Kenya, please ask your travel agent if you need one. It is possible to get a visa through your travel agent, Kenyan High Commission office or to simply obtain one upon arrival at Nairobi International Airport (current cost is US$50). Guests must have travel insurance that will cover them for the duration of the expedition.

What medical precautions must I take?
All tourists to Kenya should take malaria prophylactics. Malaria may be present in coastal villages and towns. Please see your doctor or pharmacist for the appropriate preventative medication. Yellow fever vaccination is necessary when travelling to Kenya, please ask your travel agent, physician or travel clinic for this and any other precautions they may recommend. Because of the outdoor nature of our kayak expeditions please take appropriate sun protection, including a wide brimmed hat, loose fitting clothing and sun cream. Whilst each tent has an insect screen and the coastal breeze does a good job keeping most flying bugs at bay, it is advisable you bring insect repellent.

What kind of weather can I expect?
The Lamu Archipelago lies just south of the Equator. It is a tropical climate and during the kayak season you can expect a lot of sunny, hot days, with warm tropical waters. Any non-seasonal rain is usually in short showers. During the off-season (May – July) the monsoon turns and the area experiences heavy showers and winds.

What should I bring?
All camping and kayak equipment is provided.

How do I get there?
International guests should fly into Nairobi and will be able to transfer to one of the domestic charters that fly to Kiwaiyu Airstrip. These scheduled flights depart from Wilson Airport in Nairobi. Alternatively if you are coming from another region within Kenya, then a chartered flight may bring you directly to Kiwaiyu Airstrip upon instruction. We will be able to organise your domestic flights upon reservation.

What are the local customs?
Lamu Town was designated a World Heritage Site in 2001 based upon its architecture, the cultural influences from India, China, Europe and traditional Swahili, the interaction between the various cultural groups and its important position as a centre for Islamic religion and Swahili culture. It is the oldest best-preserved Swahili settlement in the East African region. The local residents are friendly and hospitable and pride themselves on their knowledge of sailing, fishing, handcrafts and donkeys! Being an Islamic area locals do not drink alcohol and women are conservatively clothed. Alcohol is only found in those lodges that house international tourists. It is advisable that when in public areas tourists respect local customs.

What if I’m a vegetarian?
When making your reservation please specify any special dietary requirements or food allergies.

Will I need cash once on the expedition?
Each expedition is fully inclusive of accommodation and food. It is advisable to bring some loose cash should you wish to purchase any local crafts or offer tips to staff. It is not advisable to carry any large sums of money or valuable jewellery that may get lost or damaged.

What happens if I fall ill or am injured?
The expedition carries a comprehensive first aid kit and the guides are trained in first aid. Should you have a serious condition the trained staff will be able to stabilise you for transfer to a medical facility. The expedition carries a marine radio, there is often cell phone reception and there is the support dhow (with backup engine). Whilst we believe we are thorough in our safety and guiding there is always an inherent risk of injury when participating in an outdoor activity. When you choose to participate in one of our expeditions you must also assume responsibility for the possibility of personal injury. You should also comply with safety advice from your guides and do your best to contribute to your own personal safety and that of the groups. On expeditions into remote areas preparation and prevention are your best defence, please ensure you have followed the checklist carefully, have taken the appropriate preventative medicine, have adequate sun block and insect repellent and are physically prepared for the expedition.

Where will we camp?
Each night of your expedition will be spent on one of the many islands within the Lamu Archipelago. Preselected sites have been chosen, depending upon the route and weather. Most nights on the 4-night tours are on uninhabited islands within Kiunga Marine Reserve. On the 7-night tour you will spend one night in a lodge within Lamu Town on Lamu Island.

What are the camp facilities?
Despite the wild and remote area every emphasis has been placed on comfort and enjoyment - no sleeping bags or ‘cosy’ domed tents. Our accommodation is in classic cottage shaped safari tents that you can stand in, custom designed for improved ventilation and comfort, with rollout mattresses, bedding and a side table. Outdoor facilities include safari hanging showers and temporary outhouses. Being in a nature reserve all efforts are made to be eco-friendly and guests will be encouraged to participate in eco-camping etiquette. Camp staff will be on hand to set up each day’s camp and to ensure no litter is left when they break camp. The camp kitchen will be supported by gas cookers and will be managed by the experienced camp chef.

Kayaks – All the kayaks are imported new from the manufacturer in South Africa. They are designed specifically for use in the temperatures and coastal waters of Africa. Due to the warm temperatures of the Lamu Archipelago all kayaks are sit-on-top touring kayaks with no splash skirts or hot neoprene covers. As well as reducing the heat otherwise created under a splash cover, sit-on-top kayaks allow easy exit/entry whilst snorkelling or swimming, do away with the need for technical rolls and provide freedom of movement when fishing or taking pictures.

Tandem kayaks are preferred allowing paddlers to better match strengths, improving energy efficiency and making it easier for paddlers to enjoy the surroundings. For more experienced paddlers there is the option of a solo kayak or solo fishing kayak. Each kayak has deck webbing, hatches for storing masks, cameras, snacks, etc and rod holders. It is not necessary for paddlers to be experienced or super fit, the general rule is that if you are fit enough to swim and have no debilitating injuries you will be able to paddle.

Camp – Accommodation is in a classical mobile safari camp transported and set-up with the help of the backup dhow and crew. Keeping with the reputation of Kenya’s safari style and incorporation thoughtful coastal themes each nights camp offers comfort and relaxation after the day’s activities.

Tents are custom designed using durable ‘rip-lock’ canvas and offer excellent ventilation and comfort for two. At the end of the day experience a refreshing shower under the stars and sit down to dinner crafted by the camp chef. Many dishes incorporate fresh seafood and guests will have the opportunity to contribute to the meals catch. Whilst you enjoy paddling through the islands and reefs of the Kiunga Reserve, the support dhow will move ahead to set-up the evening’s camp; always within radio reach of the kayak guides.

Kit – Each guest will be provided with a 20l dry-bag for personal kit they may wish to paddle with. They will also be issued a PFD and paddle to use for the duration of the expedition. Masks, snorkels, flippers and spinning rods are provided, but if you have your own please feel free to bring these along. Bedding, flashlights, lamps and general camp equipment is provided.

Not provided - Specialised fishing gear, sunscreen, toiletries,insect repellent.

4 – Night tour through Kiunga Marine Reserve

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

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.

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 KiungaMarine 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 KiungaMarine Reserve with our mobile camps set on uninhabited islands. All tours include available activities such as snorkeling, fishing, birding, kayaking, walking and relaxin.