Go sailing in the camp’s Jahazi or dhow, to roam the Kiwayu archipelago of islands and sample some of the undisturbed Bajuni culture in this very sparsely populated area.
Bird watching is particularly rewarding, not only for the great variety of seabirds to be seen, but also for the dry thorn country varieties seen in such abundance within few yards of the beach. So is the wild game, like Lesser Kudu, Buffalo and other species, which can be seen in the reserves.
Deep sea fishing off Kiwayu is world famous. In a 28 ft fully equipped Bertram sport fisherman, “ELUSIVE”. The exprienced Captain, Ubi Saragoni, knows the local waters intimately after fishing here for many years. Record size sailfish, marlin and tuna are just a few of the trophies to be captured.
Kiwayu Safari Village's seafood cuisine has been highly praised by various gourmet magazines and connoisseurs. It includes an abundance of fresh crab, lobster and fish, though with prior warning Kiwayu Safari Village is able to cater to all special dietary requirements. Naturally the bar is stocked to international standards.
The seafront environment provides for excellent sport. Fifty kilometres of wild, uninhabited coastline offer unlimited boat trips along the beaches and islands, through natural channels and inlets, through the mangrove forests or to visit the friends the dolphins.
Snorkeling off the coral heads is at its best from November to March. Guests are taken to the reef by boat and the equipment is provided. Diving trips in the lagoon for beginners and offshore for certified divers can be arranged.
Kiwayu Bay is perfect for windsurfing, kite-surfing or to skim the waves in one of the sailing boats (Laser), while the adjacent North-Bay with its open ocean waves invites and challenges the classical surfer.
There is excellent creek fishing in the wide mangrove channels - rock cod, snapper, barracuda, the bone fish and many other species. The fringes of the lagoon pose a challenge to every marine fly-fisher. The inland mangrove channels are home to many different birds: listen to the cry of the fish eagle and the chatter of the hundreds of carmine bee-eaters as they swoop over the headlands.
Walking 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 with a chance to detect the elusive lesser kudu coming through the doum palms are as exciting as to see the wild animals coming to refresh themselves at the water holes below.
An experienced tracker from a local tribe will point out the pugmarks and spoor of a lion or the prowl for baboon, and while he accompanies guests he will let them know what this great nature is all about.
Kiwayu Safari Village beaches are frequented by two species of turtle: the green and the hawksbill turtle. They lay their eggs in the dry sand above the tide line throughout the year although the most important nesting season is usually September and October. In 1998 the number of recorded nests numbered 74.
Guests can take short or longer dhow trips to the island or adjacent coves and beaches with an elegant lunch of soup, pizza, crab, lobsters, fresh bread and mangoes.
Boat trips can be arranged to visit the old town of Lamu (a World Heritage Site). That is a two-hour trip by speedboat, which takes guests past the historic islands of Manda and Pate.
Enjoy the colorful sunset, play games or read a book in the cushions, while enjoying a perfectly mixed cocktail and biting from the bar.
Before dark or after dinner guests will have a chance to meet other pleasant Kiwayu guests and enjoy a nice conversation with people from all over the world. Wildlife ecologists, tribal anthropologists or specialists in deep-sea fishing are often the resident guests and might share some of their experiences and knowledge of the bush, the wildlife, the people and the Indian Ocean. African tales and songs fly high with the flames at a bonfire on the beach.
Boats and Equipment at Kiwayu Safari Village
Deep Sea Fishing 'Elusive' - a 28' Fly Bridge Bertram Cruiser with twin Volvo Penta TAMD40 engines.
6 Rods complete with Lures.
Captained by Ubi Saragoni with a crew of 2. Max Pax 6.
Lamu Excursions or any long distance excursion /Picnics 'Cobra' - a 30' Rigid Inflatable with 200HP inboard engines capable of 35 knots. Max Pax 8
Water-skiing
2 Fiberglas speed boats with 80HP outboard engines>
Dhow Trips
A motorised Traditional Local dhow 'Uwazalo', with inboard engine
Sailing
A Traditional Local Dhow with sail, 'Tusitiri'.
Snorkelling/creek fishing/bird watching
4 Fibreglass canoes with 15 HP outboard engines.
Sailing
3 x Lasers
Windsurfing
4 x Mistral Windsurfers fully equipped for beginners or the very experienced
Surfing
Miscellaneous surfboards
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.
Scuba Diving
Scuba prosuits, Aqualung regulators , Scuba pro and Mares BC’s and steel 12lts diving cylinders . This activity is at certain times of the year and with set dates . Please enquire for further details.
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.
Deep Sea Fishing
In Detail - for truly committed. The 28-Foot Bertram Cruiser with twin Volvo Penta TAMD40 engines, is fully equipped with rods and lures for catching Marlin, Sailfish, Barracuda, Tuna and a beautiful local fish called a Felusi.
There are outriggers, one fighting chair, Penn international reels, and light tackle. It is designed for 4 fishermen but can take up to 6. There is a toilet and fresh water shower on board and half-day trips are provided with a cool box with drinks and snacks and a full day includes a picnic lunch.
Captain Ubi Saragoni, has fished the local Kenyan Coastline for twelve years and has spent the last three years fishing the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica before returning to Kenya a few months ago.
He speaks Italian, English, Spanish, French and Kiswahili and is assisted by an experienced crew of 2. The crew are also experienced in Fly Fishing though Kiwayu does not have tackle for fly fishing and the client will need to bring their own.
The fishing season runs from late October through to April though January is often windy. Marlin and Sailfish are usually tagged and released in keeping with Kiwayu's preservation of the environment.
Prices are available on request. Fishing can be booked either through this web site, or, directly with Mr Saragoni at Kiwayu Safari Village.
Weddings at Kiwayu Safari Village
Kiwayu Safari Village is a unique and special place when considering getting married on the beach. It is the perfect size for exclusivity and what could be more romantic than saying vows with the sun setting behind over a blue lagoon with soft warm water lapping at the feet and nobody else except family, friends and a few turtles to witness the ceremony.
Kiwayu Safari Village can arrange every detail for the bride from flights, flowers and even a disco and fireworks, to little gifts for guests in each room. There are endless beach activities to keep the guests amused from picnics in hidden coves, dhow sailing and endless walks along miles of empty beach. For those who prefer something more adventurous there is Deep Sea Fishing and water-skiing available.
Request a wedding check list from this web site, with more details.
