Best Tourist Places to Visit in Kiwayu, Lamu Archipelago, Kenya, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Kiwayu, Lamu Archipelago, Kenya, Africa

Kiwayu, also spelled Kiwayuu, is an island belonging to the Lamu Archipelago, coming under the Kiunga Marine National Reserve in Kenya. It is also noted as a tourist destination, housing the tidal pools and snorkeling pools that are situated on the eastern part of Kiwayu. There is a school and an airport with schedule flights from Lamu and Nairobi. Kiwayu is geographically positioned between 2°00′20.81″ S latitude and 41°16′33.95″ E longitude and around 280 miles southeast of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya and around 30 miles north of Lamu Island.

How to reach Kiwayu?

Kiwayu houses an airport with connection from the national capital, Nairobi and Lamu, served by Safarilink.

Kiwayu is reached from Lamu Island by a motor boat, which takes around 2 hours while by dhow, takes around 7 hours.

Kiwayu is a small island, which can be explored by walk and for easy exploration, visitors can take help of natives as they are keen to help visitors.

Shopping and Food in Kiwayu:

There are shops and restaurants limited in number in Kiwayu, so would be better if one bring daily usable items and other necessities before leaving the mainland Kenya and lso one can reach nearby Lamu Island.

Things to do in Kiwayu:

Beach exploration
Snorkeling
Diving

Tourist Attractions in Kiwayu:

Kiunga Marine National Reserve:

The Kiunga Marine National Reserve is spread over an area of 270 square kilometers, covering around 50 islands and coral reefs including Kiwayu Island. The reserve holds many spectacular beaches, tidal pools and diving spots that are well catered by both modern and traditional restaurants.

Lamu Island:

To the southwest of Kiwayu Island, the Lamu Island is an island with many interesting features like Friday Mosque in the village of Shela, Lamu Museum, Siyu Fort and Lamu Old Town. Lamu Island is located around 30 miles away from Kiwayu, connected by dhow and motor boat.

Dodori National Reserve:

The Dodori National Reserve is situated in Lamu East District, towards the northwest of Kiwayu Island. It is made up of mix of woodland and forest area, covering a total of 877 km². Other than adventure sport lovers, the park is also famous among tourists who are fond of nature.

Kiwayu Airport:

The Kiwayu Airport is small, modern and well constructed airport, located around 21 feet (6.4 m) above sea level. It is one of the major landmarks as well as tourist attractions in Kiwayu Island.

Other attractive places in Kiwayu include:

Watamu Beach
Marafa-Hells Kitchen
Mida Creek Reserve
Tsavo East
Bio-Ken Snake Farm
Haller Park
Diani Beach
Watamu National Marine Park
Spiaggia delle Tartarughe
Watamu Turtle Watch
Mzima Springs
Mombasa Marine National Park
Vipingo Ridge
Roaring Rocks
Fort Jesus Museum

When to travel Kiwayu?

Probably from December to February and July to September is the ideal time to travel Kiwayu as when the weather remains dry and supportive for beach exploration.

Where to stay in Kiwayu?

Kiwayu Safari Village beach resort is a common option for accommodation for all types of travelers visiting the Kiwayu Island. It features 18 cottages with all basic and modern facilities like bedrooms, showers, flushing toilets, dining room and bar. It can be booked through online through travel agents, which is also a recommended option as resort gets fuller during peak season. Here is the list of some standard hotels in Kiwayu and nearby Lamu Island (around 30 km):