Relaxation , Wildlife and Watersports.
W
alking is an infinite pleasure along the sandy beaches stretching on each side of the oasis or on Kiwayu Island. Foot safaris over the dunes to watch the sun set over hundreds of miles of uninhabited game country . A local Boni guide will show you the way.
“This is the only place in the world we’ll keep coming back to”
Our beaches are frequented by two species of turtle: the green and the hawksbill. They lay their eggs in the dry sand above the tide line throughout the year although the most important nesting season are May to September and December to February. The nestings take place at night and this allows us to see these magnificant turtles laying their eggs close . This year we had 17 nestings in the bay close to the lodge . The hatchings , 55 days later , are a real wonder of nature to witness.
From October onwards you can take longer speed boat trips in the Kiunga Marine Reserve to Simmambaya island or Kui island , deserted white sand beaches with an elegant lunch of soup, crab or lobsters, fresh salad , freshly baked bread and mangoes. You will get the chance to snorkell and perhaps see dolphins swimming close to the boat . Alternatively much closer to the lodge for private lunches we have Kitangani on Kiwayu island or take a short walk to the far end of Kongoali beach to be under the shade of our bandas where lunch and a waiter awaits you.
Mangrove trips in our small motorised canoes are a perfect way to see the birdlife and experience the peace in the mangrove channels . The marine reserve is home to various raptors , the beatuiful Fish Eagle and Osprey are the most outstanding.
Boat trips can be arranged to visit the old town of Lamu (a World Heritage Site). This is a one hour forty minutes trip by our speedboat, which takes you past the historic islands of Manda and Pate.
Snorkelling off the coral heads is at its best from November to March. You are taken to the reef by boat closeby to the lodge .We take you to various coral heads which are home to the beautifully coloured tropical fish .
Kiwayu bay is perfect for windsurfing, or skimming the waves in one of our Laser sailing boats, while the adjacent north bay is perfect for body boarding. You can water ski in the sheltered mangrove channels or go exploring the channels in a kayak.
There is really excellent creek fishing in the miles of wide mangrove channels, where you find Groupers , Snapper, Trevally and Barracuda .Further out from the mangroves , just off the reef , you can fish for Kingfish , Jacks , Golden and Giant Trevally. These all provide for really first class and exciting sport . Flyfishermen will need to bring their own equipment .
Enjoy the thrill of deep sea fishing on our boat “Elusive” accompanied by our expert fishing crew , your typical catch might include yellow fin tuna, kingfish,dorado , wahoo , sailfish and lastly the famous blue , stripped or black marlin, which frequent these waters close to the lodge . Try your hand at flyfishing for a Sailfish, it is one of the most exhilerating sports and a must for all keen flyfisherman .Deep sea fishing starts around middle of October and ends early April when the lodge closes .
In the evening take a dhow cruise in our working dhow, with a sundowner in your hand, it provides the perfect end to the day .
Boats and Equipment at Kiwayu Safari Village
Deep Sea Fishing: ‘Elusive’ – a 28′ Fly Bridge Bertram Cruiser with twin inboard Yamaha 422 TDI engines fishing with 8 Rods . Elusive is captained by Captain Ali Mohammed and his experienced local crew of 2. Max Pax 4.
Lamu Excursions or any long distance excursion /Picnics
‘Chatu ´ with twin 85 HP outboard engines capable of 35
knots. Max Pax 8
Water-skiing:
2 Fibreglass speed boats with 85HP outboard engines
Evening Dhow Cruise :
An evening Dhow cruise through the mangrove channels in our 28ft working dhow.
Sailing:
The camp possesses three lasers for sailing across the sheltered bay .
Snorkelling/creek fishing/bird watching:
4 Fibreglass canoes with 15 HP outboard engines.
Windsurfing: 4 x Mistral Windsurfers fully equipped for beginners or intermediate.
Surfing: Miscellaneous bodyboards.The best month for bodyboarding is August .
Kayaking: 4 kayaks for exploring the mangrove channels around the camp or just paddling across the bay to see the turtles coming up for air.
Swimming Pool: Kiwayu does NOT have a swimming pool. There are sheltered areas for swimming in calm waters on the side of the bay near the lodge and in the mangrove channnels .
