Kenya is the country of amazing wildlife tours and great sceneries, however, the Indian ocean coastline is also marvelous. As much as there is plenty to see in the mainland, the islands of Kenya are relaxing nooks with their blue oceans, smooth beaches, rich culture, and presentation of thrilling experiences. With the vibrant vibrancy of the Mombasa islands to its far off isolated retreats, and the Cuban islands being havens of peace, the ideal Kenyan islands can offer any of the above, be it a romantic holiday, a family vacation or a unique adventure.
We are going to discuss the 10 best Kenyan islands in this guide, which are sure to fascinate your heart, with their peculiar charm, natural beauty, and friendly atmosphere. These islands have it all whether you are eager to see the marine life, enjoy water sports, and generally relax.
1. Lamu Island
The most renowned of all the best Kenyan islands is Lamu Island, which boasts of relaxational environment, exotic culture, and clean shores. Lamu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is one of the most ancient Kenyan towns as it belongs to the Lamu Archipelago. The charming, narrow streets of the island are full of the way of donkeys (the primary transportation mean of the island) and spices smell of the nearest markets.
The centre stage is Lamu Town which has an ideal setting to enjoy Swahili culture through historical buildings, ancient mosques, and interesting art galleries. The beaches in the island like the Shela beach and the Kipungani beach are ideal to be used by individuals seeking peace and clear locations overlooking the Indian ocean.
In addition to its commanding calming atmosphere, Lamu provides a range of activities, such as sailing on the dhows and venturing into the mangrove forest, as well as having good sea food. In case you want to experience the culture and the unusual mix of history and rest at the beach, Lamu is surely among the most suitable Kenyan islands to explore.
2. Manda Island
Only a few minutes off Lamu Island, there is that of Manda Island, which is one of the less frequented and intimate locations in the Lamu Archipelago. Although there is a small population living in the island, the island is a secluded place where people can go to experience peace and nature. Manda is also said to have luxurious resorts and isolated beaches which make it the perfect place to honeymooners or tourists who want to break away and avoid crowds.
Several premier resorts occupy the island providing spectacular ocean and other island views besides a number of water sports such as snorkeling, diving and kite surfing. There are also a number of ruins and historical sites in Manda Island which is a good place to learn Swahili history. In need of complete privacy and luxurious stay, Manda Island offers one of the best options among Kenyan islands.
3. Wasini Island
Wasini Island is also one of the most suitable Kenyan islands to visit if one wants to get in touch with nature and have a more casual and rustic experience. Wasini, which is situated to the south of Mombasa, is one of the biggest destinations of the marine life in the area and so it attracts snorkelers, divers and other people fascinated by nature. The Island is located within the Kisite-Mpunguti marine national park which is among the most renowned marine parks in Kenya that has clear waters that are laden with colorful coral reef and various sea creatures like dolphins and sea turtles.
Swahili villages in Wasini Island are also there displaying the life of the grand coast. Guests have an opportunity to learn the local culture, taste fresh seafood, and visit the local Kisite Marine Park using a boat. Wasini Island is a Kenyan off the beaten path tourist destination to nature lovers and people looking to explore nature.
4. Pate Island
Another interesting site to visit to have a serene break is Pate Island, which is part of Lamu Archipelago. The island boasts of rich history that encompasses ancient Swahili buildings, traditional villages and serene beaches. Pate is also not touristy like Lamu and therefore is a perfect destination for people who want to have the authentic coastal lifestyle without the crowds.
There are also a high concentration of marine life like dolphins, sea turtles, and the island has some water activity opportunities such as snorkeling and diving. You may also take a boat ride to see the islands surrounding or rest your back on the peaceful beaches. Pate Island is an ideal destination among people who plan to experience the Swahili culture and nature in addition to the beautiful coastlines.
5. Funzi Island
Funzi Island is another island that needs to be mentioned as the best Kenyan Islands to visit in order to have an unparallel escape since it is at the mouth of the Galana river. This island is known to be remote in nature, which enables tourists to forget and admire nature. Funzi has an uncrowded, peaceful environment, which is ideal in cases when the tourist wants to enjoy the natural beauty of the coastline in Kenya and would like to do so alone.
The beaches of the island are also clean and mostly undeveloped and allow one to do birdwatching, fishing activities as well as boat tours. The next door Funzi Mangrove Forest is an amazing eco-tourism spot, which will offer the opportunity to the visitor to see the local fishing villages and local lifestyle, besides the various species of birds found there. Funzi Island is the place to be when one wants to take a relaxing holiday in the midst of nature.
6. Mombasa Island
Being one of the most active and popular beach cities in Kenya, Mombasa Island can provide both the city life and the access to the best beaches of the coast. Although the island has a busy city with rich history, culture, and business, however, it also has a number of relaxing beaches which makes it one of the best Kenyan islands to visit.
Mombasa is a cultural centre, and it has historical points like the Old Town, Fort Jesus and Swahili architecture which is famous. Beautiful beaches like the Diani Beach, the Nyali Beach and the Bamburi Beach other examples are also available on the island and are just good in water sports, relaxing, and sun bathing. Mombasa is equally an attractive travel destination where one can enjoy excellent markets, local food, and night life.
7. Kiwayu Island
Situated along the north coast of Kenya, the Kiwayu Island is a remote heaven to those who just want to leave the busy world behind. The island is an object of the Kiunga Marine National Reserve that is characterized by the clean beaches, the crystal clear waters, and coral reefs there. It is a paradise to snorkelers/ divers or even beach goers.
Kiwayu can be described as an untouched destination because of the mass tourism, hence a perfect destination to those travellers who are after a more intimate and chilled setting in Kenya oil-laden coastline. The island also has numerous forms of wild life, such as dolphins, turtles and white birds, and makes it a haven of nature and eco-tourism.
8. Chale Island
Another best Kenyan island is the Chale Island which is only a few miles south of Diani Beach. This tiny island is a rare combination of vibrant tropical plants, crystal-clear sandy beaches and high-end hotels. There are some unique resorts in Chale that offer guests an intimate experience with beachfront bungalows and private villas that are ideal in romantic escapes or a serene holiday.
The Chale Island Marine Park is situated on the island as well and offers the visitors snorkeling and diving in the crystal waterbed that is full of colorful marine animals. Chale Island is one of the best places to go in Kenya as an island resort to relax and enjoy adventure without forgetting about luxury.
9. Rusinga Island
Rusinga Island, which is found on Lake Victoria, is another type of island getaway than the coastal resorts in Kenya. Located in a secluded setting with a breathtaking view of the lake, Rusinga Island has a relaxed feel to it and is best suited to nature enthusiasts and people in need of an off-the-beaten-path getaway. Its diverse history has made the island famous and the island has archaeological sites where fossil discoveries dating back to the prehistoric period have been made.
The island is also renowned in regard to the beautiful sceneries, the birds as well as the fishing, boat tours and hiking. The Rusinga Island Lodge, a neighbour, is a comfortable place to stay as it is best suited to a person who wants to get to know Lake Victoria and the local local culture.
10. Siyu Island
The Lamu Archipelago is a quiet and historically dominated island named Siyu Island that many kinds of tourists do not visit tremendously. There are ancient ruins on the island such as the Siyu Fort, dating back to the 17 th century, which is also giving the visitors an idea about the remarkable history of the island. The fort is located above the Indian Ocean with spectacular landscapes of the surrounding area.
Compared to neighbouring islands, Siyu Island is relatively serene and is thus suitable to all travellers who desire to familiarise themselves to the locals without the hustle. The beaches of the island are clean, and you can use the same time snorkeling, watching birds, or taking boat trips around the archipelago. Siyu Island is one of the Kenyan islands one should go to in the case one wants to have an adventure that has not been traveled much.
Conclusion
The islands in Kenya have a unique range of activities including historical discovery and cultural experience as well as exquisite beaches and colorful marine culture. Are you attracted by that rusticness of Wasini and Pate, the serene getaways of Manda and Funzi or the opulence of Chale and Kiwayu, every one of these best Kenyan islands has something to offer to all kinds of travellers. Discovering the islands of Kenya will mean a memorable experience that will stay in the memory of the traveler long after the trip is over, whether he or she is a nature lover, an adventure-traveller, or a simple tourist. Therefore, prepare your bags and be ready to travel along the beautiful Kenya coast with its quiet islands!
