Destinations Services Limited

Kiwayu epitomizes everybody’s dream of a desert island paradise. It is located in Kiunga Marine Reserve high up in the north of the Lamu archipelago. Life here revolves around the rise and fall of the sun.  Nothing seems to matter when you stay here. It is very far from modernity. Kiwayu is a natural, simple but luxurious retreat where all one can hear is the sound of the sea, the wind rushing through palm leaves and the melodic twitter of exotic birds. It is on miles of deserted beaches with soft white sand and the soothing sound of the waves. There is immense space and area around the lodge to practice all activities. Beach boys do not exist here. Kiunga Marine Reserve has got a wide range of birdlife.

What makes this camp unique?

1. Location – It is located in one of the most unspoilt beautiful pieces of coastline in Kenya between the Kiunga Marine Reserve and the Dodori Forest Reserve.
2. Marine Life – Green turtles are found and seen daily swimming in the bay in front of the lodge. The nestlings hatch mainly in July, August and September. Humpback whales can be seen during October and the Dolphins from November to March. Sailfish and yellow tuna are abundant from October to December for the fishing lovers.
3. History – Kiwayu was set up by Alfredo and Lisa Pelizzoli. It is a family business that started in the year 1973.

Accommodation

Kiwayu has 18 beach front Bandas each with spacious en –suite bedroom, dressing area and sheltered veranda. It also has 2 family banda consisting of 2 connecting bandas each with spacious en-suite bedrooms. There is the Baobabs of Kitangani which is a 1 en-suite double bedroom with sitting room, private seating/dining area on the beach.

The spacious cottages are spread out along 1km of private sandy shoreline and thus one will experience tranquility and ultimate privacy. De-salinated drinking water is available in the rooms. There is delicious daily set menu, based on fresh seafood produce.

Meal Plan is Full Board

Activities

1. Laser Sailing
2. Windsurfing
3. Snorkeling
4. Body Boarding
5. Kayaking
6. Deep Sea Fishing
7. Reef Fishing
8. Creek fishing in the mangrove channels
9. Guided dune walks/bird watching
10. Evening Dhow Cruises
11. Visit to Swahili fishing village of mkokoni
12. Mangrove trips in motorized canoe
13. Private Lunch on Kiwayu Island
14. Private Lunch on Kongoali Beach
15. Day trips to Lamu by boat or by scenic flight
16. Speed boat day excursion with picnic lunch
17. Snorkeling at Kui or simambaya

Responsible Tourism

1. Locally available natural materials have been able to construct Kiwayu. There are no concrete, nails etc
2. Women of the surrounding villages have hand woven the dried palm leaf matting called mekeka
3. Fish, crab and lobsters are all purchased from local fishermen
4. 65% of the staff of Kiwayu come from the local villages
5. US $9 that is paid by the guest per night is given to Mkokoni Community Conservation Group to be used for education mainly in the secondary school. There is 1 student who is studying medicine in Eldoret and another at Kenyatta University in Nairobi who have been sponsored y the community group.
6. Formation of Kiwayu and Mkokoni Conservation Area Trust with the aim of promoting conservation, education and sustainable development of the area.
7. There is an ongoing refurbishment programme at Kiwayu as the attrition from wind and salt is fast which provides continual employment and revenue whether direct or indirect for many families in the area.