Where to stay in Kiunga Marine National Reserve
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Overview
Kiunga Marine National Reserve covers about 250 km² of coast and sea in Lamu County, between Lamu and the border with Somalia. It was gazetted in 1979 and is part of the Kiunga Biosphere Reserve.
The reserve protects around 50 small coral islands, coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves and long beaches.
Kiunga is remote and has very few visitors. Because of insecurity near the Somali border, check current travel advice before you plan a visit.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Marine life
Green, hawksbill and olive ridley turtles nest on the beaches, and dugongs have been recorded in the seagrass.
Birds
The islands are important nesting sites for seabirds, including roseate and bridled terns.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: July to March, outside the long rains, when the sea is calmer and clearer.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Jul – Oct | Cool, dry season | Breezy, with good visibility on calm days. |
| Nov – Mar | Hot, dry season | Calm, warm sea and the best snorkelling. |
| Apr – Jun | Long rains | Wet and windy. Rough seas. |
Parts of north-eastern Kenya near the Somali border are covered by government travel warnings. Check current advice before you plan a visit.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manda (LAU), Lamu | Domestic flights | Flights from Nairobi and Mombasa. |
By road
Access is by boat from Lamu. Visits should only be planned with up-to-date security advice.
Entrance & Fees
Kenya Wildlife Service charges a daily conservation fee per person, paid electronically through eCitizen. Kiunga is one of KWS's marine protected areas.
| Visitor | Adult | Child / student |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | US$25 | US$15 |
| African citizen | US$15 | US$10 |
| Kenyan resident | KSh 675 | KSh 350 |
| East African citizen | KSh 500 | KSh 250 |
Boat hire is extra. Confirm the current rates on the KWS website before you go.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the KWS conservation fees schedule (October 2025).
