Which islands are in Indian Ocean near Kenya?
Which islands are in Indian Ocean near Kenya? In addition to having some of Africa’s best coastlines, Kenya’s mainland has some of the best islands in the Indian Ocean. These offshore gems, which stretch from Lamu and Kiwayu in the north to Chale and the Penguti Islands in the south, are like more tranquil versions of the beaches and resort towns found on the mainland. A night time getaway might be ideal on some of Kenya’s isolated islands. Recall that the inland lakes of Kenya have several islands, including Lake Victoria and Lake Naivasha. The Old Town of Mombasa is largely located on Mombasa Island, which is on its own island. You should plan your beach or activity getaway to Kenya’s Indian Ocean islands, which are the subject of our attention today. Our overview of the top ones is provided below.
Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve
The rocky islands of Watamu Marine National Park, surrounded by a perfect coral reef, have a beautiful lost world quality about them, especially if you visit early in the morning or stay late in the afternoon after all the other boats have returned to shore. It’s usually better to explore underwater; seek for the sea turtles that make these islands their home. Watamu is 40 minutes south of Malindi or two hours north of Mombasa by vehicle. Activities such as fishing, windsurfing, snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. Numerous lodging options are available. Nothing on the actual islands, however Watamu offers a wide range of lodging options to fit every budget.
Wasini Island
Wasini Island, in the extreme southeast of Kenya, consistently rates highly among visitors’ favourite Kenyan islands. Even though Wasini is only 5 kilometres (3 miles) long, it manages to blend breathtaking beaches, the hallmarks of Swahili architecture, and a lazy tropical vibe. The best part is that there are no cars, sporadic power outages, peaceful streets, and beachfronts illuminated solely by lamplight or the moon, giving the impression of being truly off the grid. Go from this place for a day, or as long you have to spare. Wasini Island can be reached by Boats from Shimoni on the mainland transporting tourists to Wasini if they are not on a guided safari trips. During your Kenya tours to Wasini you can go for Fishing, diving, swimming, and snorkelling .A few options that vary from affordable to moderate are the accommodations facilities in Wasini.
Kiwayu Island
Kiwayu, one of Kenya’s most attractive and charming islands, is secluded from the outside world and its cacophonous din. The white sand beaches, sandbars, coconut palms, and rocks are what give the area its attractiveness. Or perhaps it’s the baobab trees. Or the vibrant underwater reefs teeming with marine life, where you can spot fish of every hue, turtles, and dolphins. Most likely, it’s each of these. There aren’t many residents here, and the mountaintop views of the setting sun are breathtaking. But despite all, Kiwayu’s most seductive quality is its blissful sensation of seclusion. Take a private taxi boat from the island of Pate, a speedboat from Lamu, or a leisurely three-day dhow. Activities such as swimming, diving, kayaking, water skiing, kitesurfing, and deep-sea fishing. Friendly low-cost homestays or opulent luxury accommodations.
Lamu Island
Lamu is a unique, spiritual location. Lamu Town, the island’s largest settlement, is beautiful because of its exquisite architecture with Omani and Swahili influences, as well as its fragrant spice warehouses. Nothing compares to taking in the view of the roofs at dusk, especially when the call to prayer is echoing through the congested network of alleyways below. However, Lamu is also home to Shela Beach, one of Kenya’s most beautiful beaches, Matondoni Village, where people construct the traditional wooden sailboats. The best snorkelling in northern Kenya is found on Mini Manda Toto Island, which is located directly across the water from Shela Beach. Manda Island, which is visible from Lamu Town, marches to a very different beat than other Kenyan islands. Its sand dunes, mangroves, and the 15th-century Takwa Ruins and local fishing villages are all worth exploring. You can even join a turtle-conservation project here. known as dhows, and Kipungani Village, where you may witness life as it has been for centuries.
How to get there: Lamu’s Manda Airport (LAU), which serves daily flights to and from Malindi, Mombasa, and Nairobi, is located on the nearby Manda Island. Road travel is another option from other coastal towns in Kenya. In Lamu, one can engage in a variety of safari sports, including windsurfing, kayaking, diving, snorkelling, and swimming. Along with a few upscale locations in Kipungani, Lamu Town and Shela offer good lodging alternatives for every budget.
Manda Island
The best snorkelling in northern Kenya is found on Mini Manda Toto Island, which is located directly across the water from Shela Beach. Manda Island, which is visible from Lamu Town, marches to a very different beat than other Kenyan islands. Its sand dunes, mangroves, and the 15th-century Takwa Ruins and local fishing villages are all worth exploring. You can even join a turtle-conservation project here.
Chale Island
While Chale is actually a peninsula rather than an island, it feels more like an accessible paradise because, at low tide, you can swim-walk across the shallow waters that still separate Chale from the mainland. Once you arrive on Chale, you can expect to find a gorgeous beach, plenty of palm trees, and crystal waters. Chale is located north of Wasini along Kenya’s far south coast.
Funzi Island
If you think that every island in Kenya is about swimming and snorkelling, you might be mistaken. Funzi, on Kenya’s southern coast, is about 35 km/22 mi south of Diani Beach. It’s covered in mangroves and is best known for its excellent bird watching and crocodile or dolphin spotting tours. Of course, no one will mind if you swim or snorkel while you’re here.
Penguti Islands
This island is Situated off the southern shore of Wasini, the little Penguti Islands are a component of the stunning Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park. Kenyan islands all along the coast are known for their pristine splendour, and these two islets are no exception. Being deserted makes the islands even more beautiful. Kenya’s most beautiful coral reefs, where you can see dolphins and turtles, surround the islands.
Kirepwe islands
Choosing between Sudi and Kirepwe island in the Mida Creek area is a tough decision. Kirepwe appeals to us since it offers a true taste of island living. Swim in your knickers after visiting the ruins, go birdwatching or visit a Giriama village to get to know the people a little better. Not all of Kenya’s islands are about opulent vacations and sipping cocktails while taking in the sunset, as Kirepwe serves as a reminder.
Pate Island
Pate, which is a lesser-known island getaway in the region and a part of the Lamu Archipelago in far northern Kenya, perfectly captures the laid-back tropical charm that defines the country’s north. Here, the predominant colours are elemental ones: deeper-blue ocean, white beaches, red sand beneath feet, and deep-green coconut palms. Because their culture hasn’t been overtaken by tourists, the inhabitants are hospitable and easy going. Together with the ages-old towns of Pate and Siyu, add some ruins, and you might never want to go.
