Attractions of Kiunga Marine National Reserve

Attractions of Kiunga Marine National Reserve : Kiunga Marine National Reserve is a coastal paradise brimming with natural beauty and marine diversity. It is located along the Indian Ocean coast in Lamu District, Coast Province, Kenya. This 270 square km reserve is made up of sandy beaches, coral reefs, and calcareous islets. A detailed look of Kiunga Marine National Reserve’s offerings is provided below:

Key features

• There are roughly fifty calcareous isles and coral reefs in the world.
• Sharp undercuts and sheer walls rising from the ocean floor.
• Larger islands with low, prickly flora growing on them.
• Seabirds use the exposed coral blocks on outer islands as nesting grounds.
• Place and Delimitations
• Situated in Kenya’s Coast Province’s Lamu District.
• More than 37 miles in length, running parallel to the coast.
• Borders the terrestrial reserves of Boni and Dodori.
• Biosphere Reserve: Vital to seabird, green turtle, and dugong nesting grounds.
• Has mangroves that are comparatively unspoiled.
• It is only allowed to fish traditionally using approved methods.
• Animals and aquatic life
• Sea Life: Perfect snorkelling coral reefs.
• Whale sharks seen seasonally.
• Renowned for the variety of its species and for its aesthetic appeal.
• Aeries and Nest Building Birds of prey: Seabirds abound on little outlying islands.
• Sites where seabirds nest, such as Dromas ardeola.
• Kiwayuu Island records over 800 Dromas ardeola.
• Turtles and Dugongs: The ideal home for marine turtles, such as Olive Ridley and Leatherback varieties.
• Random reports of dugong sightings.

When visiting this stunning marine park, one can engage in a variety of activities.

Fishing in the deep sea

September marks the beginning of fishing season, which lasts until May.

Seasons

Kusi: May through October: Mostly a wet season with strong south-easterly winds, choppy waves, and lower temperatures (averages of 26 to 28 degrees Celsius). Currently being caught are the following species: GT, Barracuda, Wahoo, Felusi (Dorado), Yellowfin Tuna, Kingfish, and Rainbow Runner.

November through April is Kaskazi’s dry season, which features calmer waves, clear visibility, and pleasant north-easterly winds. The average temperature in Kaskazi is between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius. Species of billfish that are typically caught during this season Sailfish (December–January) November–December: Striped Marlin. Black and Blue Marlin (Dec – April).

To make a reservation for deep sea fishing, get in touch with Focus East Africa Safaris.

Dhow cruises

Discover the surrounding islands and the seas while sailing a native fisherman’s dhow. It is possible to schedule cruises in the morning or evening.

We can set you up with a fun-filled day out on a local sailing boat, complete with a picnic lunch to savour on one of the islands. You might as well take the dhow fishing.

Birdwatching

Both types of scrub-by-the-desert country and a wide diversity of water birds can be found. The flocks of northern carmine bee-eaters, which roost on the mangrove islands annually, are a spectacular spectacle and provide for wonderful evening watching.

People & Culture

As you visit the neighbourhood to learn about the local culture, interact with the locals.  One of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in East Africa, it is now recognised as a World Heritage Site. If you like architecture and taking a step back in time, you should definitely come.   Takwa Ruins is an ancient town that can be reached by boat during high tide.

Wildlife

Although the majority of the creatures, such as the greater Galago bush baby, white-tailed mongoose, porcupine, hyena, genet, and rarely leopard, are nocturnal, we do occasionally spot dik-dik, buffalo, elephants, and bushbuck.

Beachcombing

You may walk along three km of the beach at low tide.  Sometimes you’ll spot a local fishing guide, but nobody else. You can enjoy strolling along the beach, tossing stones into the water and taking in the sight of the pure beauty of the water.

The water is renowned for providing fantastic boating experiences. While windsurfing and laser sailing are available for experienced sailors or when accompanied by a member of our staff, paddleboards and kayaks are accessible for use all day. Water-skiing, snorkelling, fly-fishing, bottom fishing, banana rides, and inflatable tube rides are extra-charge activities that can keep you occupied for hours. For a price, a skilled instructor can arrange a week-long kite surfing training.

Sun exposure

Would you like to unwind by the water and take in the stunning sand dunes? The beaches beside the sea are ideal for unwinding.

You can include all of these in your package to Kiunga Marine National Reserve. Contact Kenya Safaris, and we will work with you to customise the ideal package to meet your needs.

The Kiunga Marine National Reserve has many attractions.

Kiunga Marine National Reserve was Established in 1979, Kiunga Marine National Reserve is a network of over fifty calcareous offshore islands and coral reefs in the Lamu Archipelago. The reserve runs roughly 60 km parallel to the northernmost Kenyan coast, northeast of Pate Island. The islands, which are mostly located inshore and about 2 km offshore of the bordering reef, are made of old, deteriorated coral and range in size from a few hundred square metres to more than 100 acres. Their walls are typically severely undercut on the landward side and rise sharply from the surrounding seabed. Low, tangled, prickly flora, including grass, aloes, and creepers, covers the bigger islands and the more sheltered inner islands.

Reptiles including olive ridley turtles, sea turtles, and reef fish are among the attractions here. Other tourist-friendly activities include sunbathing, water skiing, diving, snorkelling, and surfing.

Due to its proximity to the Indian Ocean, Kiunga Marine National Reserve is well-known for its marine life and beach activities, which provide visitors with an excellent chance to experience beach life.

One can enjoy a variety of activities in this stunning marine park to pass the time during their visit. Among the attractions are.

Fish and reptiles: reef fish, leatherback turtles, sea turtles, and olive ridley turtles

Reptiles like sea turtles, olive ridley sharks, and reef fish are among the most popular nature attractions. In the reserve, sightings of lobsters, sea urchins, sea stars, and more are common.

Arthropods/insects: crabs, sea urchins, sea stars, lobsters, and mosquitoes

Island of Kiwayu

Long, deserted beaches offer fantastic snorkelling just a few metres off the coast. Mokokoni village is located on the mainland, directly across from the northern end of the island, and Kiwayu village is located on the southern end of the island.

Seabirds

Beautiful islands in the sea serve as migrating birds’ breeding grounds.

Dune Sand dunes

The stunning sea sand dunes provide an excellent setting for sunbathing, and you’ll love playing in the sand as you lie beneath the water.

Carol reefs

Lovely beaches with fine sand