Islands in Kenya

Wasini Island is a captivating island located on the southern coast of Kenya. One of the 3 islands of Kwale County, Wasini Island is most popular for its crystal-clear waters teemed with stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life. Visitors look forward to sight dolphins, green sea turtles, and humpback whales during their trip.

Area: 7 kilometres long and 3 kilometres wide
Timing: 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Activities: Snorkelling, diving, and dolphin excursions

Best Time: January - March, July - October

Chale Island in Kenya, located at the northern end of Msambweni Bay, is a culturally significant and beautiful destination. It's named after a revered Digo warrior, considered sacred by locals. Surrounded by white sandy beaches, this secluded private island offers a 5-star hospitality experience in luxurious resorts.

Length: 1.2 kilometres
Activities: Snorkelling and diving
Accommodation:  The Sands at Chale Island

Lamu Island in Kenya is a serene hotspot known for Shela Beach, Lamu Museum, and historic sites. Visitors can enjoy yoga, delicious cuisine, dhow boat rides, and relax on the pristine beach, experiencing a blend of Swahili, Omani, Portuguese, and Turkish cultures.

How to Reach: By air to Manda Airport
Getting Around: Locals use donkeys around the island
Activities: Explore Lamu Old Town, try Swahili dishes, attend the Cultural Festival, go on a sunset dhow cruise, and experience the Yoga Festival.

On Kenya's coast, Manda Island is a surfer's paradise with waves for all levels and a scenic coral reef. Explore historic ninth-century ports like Takwa, a recognized Kenyan National Monument since 1982, offering a glimpse into the island's rich history.

Activities: Exploring the historic town, surfing, kiteboarding, snorkelling, and other watersports
How to reach: By ferry or air
Accommodation: Manda Bay

Takawiri Island in Kenya's Lake Victoria, 15 kilometres from the mainland, is a hidden gem known for its white sandy beach, tall palm trees, and clear blue water—a perfect spot for a serene getaway.

Activities: Snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, and sportfishing
How to Reach: Ferry or water bus from Mbita to Mfangano Island
Accommodation: Takawiri Island Resort

Mfangano Island on Lake Victoria's eastern edge is a small community of local fishermen. Accessible by boat or plane, it offers sandy beaches, cool waters, and ancient rock art created by Twa hunter-gatherers 4,000 years ago in places like Mwanga cave and Kwintone forest outpost, reachable by a 45-minute hike.

Activities: Fishing, walking trails, village visits.
How to Reach: Speed boat from Mbita
Accommodation: Mfangano Island Lodge

Crescent Island in Kenya's Great Rift Valley, is a game sanctuary on the eastern side of Lake Naivasha. It looks like a green crescent moon from above. Accessible only by boat, it's home to various birds like pelicans and fish eagles, as well as safari animals such as wildebeest, waterbuck, zebra, and gazelle.

Timings: 08:30 AM to 05:30 PM
Entry Fee: Citizens/Residents: Adults - KSH 1000, Child - KSH 500
Non-Residents: Adults - $30, Child - $15
How to Reach: Boat transfer from Lake Naivasha
Activities: Guided walks, biking, bird watching, fishing, hiking.
Facilities: Restrooms.
Pets Allowed: No

Ndere Island in Lake Victoria, Kenya, became a bird sanctuary in 1986, untouched by people since. Covered in grasslands, it's home to impala, hippos, and rare spotted crocodiles, offering a peaceful haven for wildlife.

Timings: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: Citizens: Adults - KSH 300, Children - KSH 125
Non-residents: Adults - $22, Children $13
Residents: Adults - KSH 600, Children - KSH 350
Activities: Boat safaris, nature walks, birdwatching, hiking.
Accommodation: Campsites available

Funzi Island in Kenya's Kwale district features sandy beaches, nesting sea turtles, and beachfront bungalows. The Funzi Turtle Club promotes turtle nesting awareness, enhancing the island's appeal for nature enthusiasts.

Activities: Boat ride, crocodile spotting, sandbank tour, hike to Mwakinyevu Beach, turtle watching.
How to Reach: Ferry from Bodo village

Rusinga Island, on Lake Victoria's eastern part, is known for its fossil site Ekembo, showcasing a diverse collection of creatures from East Africa 20–17 million years ago. The island's fossil beds contain tens of thousands of specimens, providing a unique insight into the ancient ecosystems of the region. The island also has glittering black sand beaches.

How to Reach: Ferry from Mbita
Ferry Timings: 10:30 AM to 05:00 PM
Activities: Swimming, boating, hiking, and fishing
Accommodation: Rusinga Island Lodge

Migingo Island in Lake Victoria is tiny but bustling with one of Africa's busiest fishing villages. People from nearby countries live there for the plentiful Nile perch in the waters. Though not a tourist spot, now and then, Kenyan locals on fishing boats give a peek into the lively community on this small island.

Activities: Cultural visits, canoeing, and trekking
How to Reach: Speed Boat from Sori Karungu Town
Ferry Timings: 07:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 02:00 PM, and 05:00 PM

Kiwayu Island, located in Lamu Archipelago, Kenya, is a serene paradise with beautiful beaches, coconut palms, and vibrant marine life. The sunset views from its hills are breathtaking, and the island's true charm lies in its peaceful and isolated atmosphere, making it an enchanting destination.

Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM
How to Reach: Speedboat from Paté or Lamu
Activities: Kitesurfing, deep-sea fishing, water-skiing, snorkelling, sea kayaking, and swimming.
Facilities: Restrooms available

Paté Island in northern Kenya, part of the Lamu Archipelago, is a hidden gem with tropical charm. Elemental colours, welcoming locals, ancient ruins, and timeless villages like Paté and Siyu create a culturally rich and tranquil haven.

How to Reach: By boat from Lamu
Activities: Swimming, camping, cultural tours.

Kirepwe Island in Kenya's Mida Creek is a genuine and charming cultural escape. Explore a Giriama village, engage in birding, visit ruins, and take a swim. Kirepwe offers a simple and authentic experience as a reminder that not every Kenyan island is about luxury.

How to Reach: Boat from Mida Creek
Activities: Swimming, cultural tours and birding

Penguti Islands, off Wasini's south coast in Kenya, are part of the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park. Uninhabited and surrounded by stunning coral reefs, they offer a pristine setting to spot dolphins and turtles in clear waters.

How to Reach: Dhow from Diani Beach
Activities: Swimming, diving, snorkelling and wildlife viewing
Facilities: Restroom available