Kenya’s Exotic Islands

Posted at April 28, 2010

Majority of the exotic Islands found in Kenya are mainly at the Kenya coast with the exception of a few found else where. Out of these, a few are inhabited with the rest remaining unexplored having little known of their potential.

The most popular and commonly visited of these is the Mombasa Island which is the biggest in close contention with Lamu archipelago which is a group of islands located in the Indian Ocean close to the Northern coast of Kenya between the towns of Lame and Kiunga in Lamu district.

From this archipelago you find some of the most exotic of Islands to ever exist anywhere in the world, they include Lamu Island, Pate Island and Manda Island which are the largest of all the islands within the archipelago. Other smaller Islands include Kiwayu and Manda toto Islands.

The archipelago boasts of several archaeological/historical sites with a major significance, such as Takwa and Manda Town both on Manda Island and Shanga on Pate Island. Recent excavation is continuing to shed important new light on Swahili history and culture.

Outside the Kenya coast are a few other islands namely Cresent Island in Lake Naivasha, central Island in lake Turkana, Migingo Island in Lake Victoria, Rusinga Island in Lake Victoria, Ndere Island in Lake Victoria and Wasini Island in the Indian Ocean.

Mombasa Island:
This island is a coral outcrop located in the Indian Ocean connecting to the main land by the Makupa Causeway to the north-west, by the Nyali Bridge to the east and by the Likoni Ferry to the south. A road and rail bridge also serves the mainland container port near Port Reitz.

The Island holds the second largest city in Kenya i.e. Mombasa’s old town, reminiscent of the days when Arabs exercised their power and influence evidenced through the culture and more so in the architecture and language which is Kiswahili with lots of phrases derived from various Arabic dialects.

The best way to explore the town is on foot with an experienced guide, as the streets are too narrow to accommodate a large number of vehicles. Majority of the population here are of Arab origin whose forefathers once roamed the same streets of the town.

Lamu Island:
Named a world heritage site, the Island forms part of the Lamu Archipelago. Lamu Old Town prides itself in being one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. Built in coral stone and mangrove timber, the town is exemplified by the simplicity of structural forms enhanced by such features as inner courtyards, verandas, and elaborately carved wooden doors.

Lamu has hosted major Muslim religious festivals since the 19th century, and has become a significant center for the study of Islamic and Swahili cultures. They include Maulidi festival occurring during the Islamic month of Rabil awal (June) and Lamu cultural festival in the month of August. The island is linked by boat to Mokowe on the mainland and to Manda Island, where there is an airport.

There are no roads on the island, just alleyways and footpaths and as such residents move about on foot, by boat, or a ride on a donkey also used in transportation of goods and materials.

Also unique to Lamu is the fact that it hosts three museums and a Fort with an impressive exhibition space, namely: Lamu Museum, Lamu Fort, German Post Office Museum, and Swahili House Museum.

Manda Island:
This splendid Island is also part of the Lamu archipelago located on east coast side of the Indian Ocean and is linked by ferry to Lamu. It also has the only airport in the archipelago i.e. Manda Airport. The island is separated from the mainland by the narrow Mkanda channel.

The island offers tropical vegetation and swaying palms with a beautiful stretch of virgin beach. Its exclusive atmosphere is accentuated by the fact that the only access to it is by boat or air. Manda Island is an ideal place for romantic holidays with the person/s closest to your heart as it offers seclusion and a total private ambience.

Pate Island:
This island is also another part of the Lamu archipelago in the Indian Ocean. From the 7th century, Paté Island was an early site of Arabic colonization. It long contested as a Swahili port with Lamu and with Takwa on Manda Island and was the port around the 14th century, but was soon overtaken by Lamu in the 19th century. In common with most islands at the coast, there is no motorized transport on the island.

Pate Island is home to numerous historical sites including Pate Town, Siyu, Mtangawanda and Faza. All these settlements remain inhabited, with the major commerce coming from fishing and mangrove felling. At present the level of research, and attempts at preserving these once great Swahili city-states, is minimal.

However it is hoped that with increased tourism, and outside interest in the area, this situation will be a thing of the past.

Wasini Island:
The island is some 10 km from the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park famous for its annual attracts of thousands of overseas and local tourists despite the fact that the Island is sparsely populated and undeveloped with practically no cars or roads. Shimoni, across the channel, is the stopping off point to reach this island, and is some 75 km south of Mombasa.

This coral island is reminiscent of early Swahili civilization, inhabited by the Vumba people, an indigenous group of Bantu speaking peoples with a rich history. They speak Swahili and Kivumba and number about 1500 people. Mkwiro and Wasini are the two villages present on the island each at opposite ends. Their history dates back to the invasion and settlement of Arab influence from the Persian Gulf states, and from the island of Zanzibar.

Central Island:
This island is a volcanic island located in the middle of Lake Turkana in Kenya and is also the location of Central Island National Park governed by the Kenya Wildlife Service. The island has 15 craters and cones with three occupied by lakes namely Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake, & Tilapia Lake. One group of craters appears to be more recent with ropy lava and scoriae showing little weathering.

All beaches on the island are less than 12 m above sea level which indicates the island structure is recent. Central Island has a magnificent flora vegetated by spiny grass and thorn bush.

Ndere Island:
A small island in Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria in Kenya covering an area of 4.2 km2. It opened to the public in November 1986 when it was gazetted as Ndere Island National Reserve leaving it uninhabited ever since.

Ndere means “meeting place” in the language of the local Luo tribe. Legend has it that, Kit Mikayi, mother of the tribe, rested up near Ndere after her long journey south down the Nile valley. She found the lush shorelines so pleasing that she and her people stayed. Wildlife present in the island include African fish eagles, swifts, hippopotamus, Nile crocodiles and a recent introduction of 50 impalas to the island.

Kiwayu Island:
A small island located in the eastern part of the Lamu Archipelago, situated in the Kiunga Marine National Reserve. The island is quite remote with the main economic activity being fishing. The island only has one school, no clinic and only one well.

Never the less the island has it share of tourists visiting the area with the main attraction being the tidal pools and snorkeling/diving pools located on the eastern side of the island. Access to basic needs such as medical attention is in Lamu Island accessed through a dhow trip which is a 7 hour trip or a motor boat which is a 2 hour trip.

To the west of Kiwayu are The Dodori and Boni Game Reserves. The wild areas protect the fauna and flora of eastern Kenya. The animals found on the reserves are often migratory such as elephant and buffalo with lion, cheetah, serval, caracal, lesser kudu, monkeys and the rare African hunting dog being permanent residents.

Crescent Island:
This island is located in the waters of Lake Naivasha whose access is via a boat ride. The crater was formed through volcanic activities and is one of the few places where one is allowed to walk and have a real up-close view of the wildlife without any fear of attacks.

The private game sanctuary boasts of herds of wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, gazelle and other plains game. For visitors to Lake Naivasha a visit to the island is the best way to spend a morning or an afternoon in pure bliss.