Destination Overview
Destination: Kiwayu
Country: Kenya
Saltwater: Blue water, Inshore fishing
Capacity: 6 per week
Season: Early November to Late March
Specialties: Blue water fishing, Family orientated, Non-fishing activities, Oceanfront property
Species: African Pompano, Barracuda, Bonefish, Cubera Snapper, Dorado (Saltwater), Giant Trevally, Marlin, Queenfish, Sailfish, Yellow Fin Tuna

Kiwayu

Perfect combination of 5* ecotourism lodge and inshore fishing for sailfish and giant trevally.

Kiwayu is located on the Kenyan mainland about 30 kilometres north of Lamu in the Kiunga Marine Reserve. The Kiunga Marine National Reserve encompasses Kiwayu Bay and Kiwayu Island and was gazetted a protected area in 1979. The reserve's location at the confluence of two major ocean currents creates unique ecological conditions that nurture three inter-dependent marine habitats - mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs. The Kiwayu Safari Village is set in a breathtakingly beautiful bay opposite Kiwayu Island, nestled amongst the mainland dunes. There are few places in our world which can boast such total seclusion, visited only by fishermen, and the dhow that still comes to collect sweet water.

The fishing is split into two distinct fisheries, inshore in the lagoons and mangrove areas, and offshore. Inshore, the channels with their coral heads are perfect for both novice and experienced fishermen with plenty of species to target. There are also numerous sand flats to explore. The reef, which runs the entire length of the archipelago, also attracts many offshore species such as Spanish mackerel, wahoo, jacks and that buffalo of the reef, the giant trevally. The peak season for sailfish is October to mid-December (late October and November have minimal wind). Yellow fin tuna, skip jack, bonito and dorado are present all year and this region is no stranger to black, blue and stripped marlin. The fishing package, which is exclusive to Aardvark McLeod, is 6 full days fishing based on 2 days big game fishing offshore fly fishing for sailfish, tuna, dorado and possibly marlin on Elusive (28ft Bertram). One day on Chatu (23ft Boston whaler) heading north to fish the Kui region, and 3 days on smaller boats exploring and fishing the Simambya region and Kiwayu south region. All fishing is on a shared basis of two to a boat with a skipper and crew/guide.

The camp has 21 cottages, built in the traditional "Bajuni" style using mangrove poles, palm thatch and matting. The suites are set amongst the star palms along the beach, each has en-suite facilities and an extensive verandah for lounging (complete with hammock and Lamu beds). There is also a dining room and a separate lounge and bar area. The white coral beach stretches for miles on each side of the camp. In addition to the fishing, snorkeling, wind surfing, laser sailing, water skiing are all available. You can explore the mangrove forests and picnics can all be arranged. Flights for this trip will be arranged on Kenya Airways as their schedule combines well with the internal flights to Kiwayu.
Client Comments:
"George Moorhead and his team are well on the way to creating what I believe could be one of Africa's Premier saltwater fly fishing destinations. From and anglers' point of view Kiwyu is simply a must fish destination!" - p.g., UK

Travel Tips:
Kenya is 3 hours ahead of GMT and flying time from London is approximately 8 ½ hours plus transfer time. British Airways, Kenya Airways and Virgin Atlantic all fly from London Heathrow direct to Nairobi.

Kiwayu is reached by a safari link flight which takes you straight to the lodge.

Visa's are required for British passport holders and can be purchased either on arrival or in advance.

Please contact Aardvark McLeod with any questions or for booking information.