Popular islands in Kenya : Kenya, the stunning country in East Africa, is known for being the home of the safari, but it also has a scattering of unspoiled islands. While the bulk of Kenya’s islands are dispersed throughout its expansive Indian Ocean coastline, several are located in the country’s inland lakes.
Mombasa Island.
Mombasa, which was discovered in the sixteenth century by Omani traders, is a fascinating fusion of African, Arab, and Indian cultures. Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Spice Market are located on the island, which is East Africa’s largest port, on Langoni Road, west of the Old Town. The scene is set by Mombasa’s network of alleyways, souks, and cobblestone walkways; in the distance, traditional dhows can be seen sailing the water.
It should be noted that Mombasa Island should not be mistaken with the Mbasa Islands, which are well-known tourist spots with over 100 kinds of birds identified as a bird sanctuary.
Chale Island.
The Sands at Chale Island, a resort designed to blend in with the island’s natural surroundings, is located in the northern portion of Chale Island, not far from the mainland. On the other hand, the southern portion of the island is home to an ancestral village site known as Mijikenda kaya and is covered in native forest. One of Kenya’s sunniest islands, Chale is located just four degrees south of the equator.
Takawiri Island.
Takawiri, an island in Lake Victoria, is a hidden treasure in Western Kenya. Sport fishing, sailing, windsurfing, swimming, snorkeling, and guided day tours are all available on this island with its white sand beaches, tall palm palms, and crystal-clear Blue Ocean. The little yet charming Takawiri Island Resort offers cabins and camping on the island.
Manda Island.
You can travel by flight or ferry boat to this island off the coast of Kenya. Manda Island is a haven for surfers, capturing the biggest swells of any Kenyan shore. Nevertheless, Manda provides access to a picturesque coral reef and accepts surfers of all skill levels. The wrecks of the ninth-century ports of Takwa and Manda town are also open to visitors on this Kenyan island. In 1982, the former was designated as a Kenyan National Monument.
Lamu Island.
With its wide, white Shela Beach, unique Lamu Museum, and numerous old ruins and archaeological sites, this tranquil island is one of the most visited on Kenya. On Lamu Island, travelers may indulge in gourmet dining and yoga retreats, take a dhow boat ride, or just unwind on the immaculate beach while admiring the unique blend of Turkish, Portuguese, Omani, and Swahili traditions.
Mfangano Island.
Local fisherman and their families live on this small island near the eastern end of Lake Victoria. The island, which is accessible by boat or small plane, has a few attractions including lounging on the sandy beaches, swimming in Lake Victoria’s refreshing waters, and seeing prehistoric rock art. The geometric drawings in Mwanga Cave and at Kwintone Forest Outpost, which are 45 minutes apart by foot, are the only examples of Mfangano’s rock art. These paintings were created approximately 4,000 years ago by Twa hunter-gatherers.
Funzi Island.
In Kenya’s Kwale area, Funzi is one of a patchwork of islands covered in mangroves, renowned for its pristine sandy beaches and sea turtle breeding grounds. Makuti-roofed beachside huts provide as accommodation, and popular visitor safari activities include crocodile safaris on the neighboring Ramisi River, cultural tours of the surrounding fishing hamlet, and just lounging on the beach and indulging in feasts of delectable fresh seafood.
The Funzi Turtle Club is a local organization that works to increase public knowledge of nesting turtles and measures to protect their natural habitat.
Ndere Island.
Ndere translates to “Meeting Place” in the Luo tribe’s native tongue. Luo mythology tells of tribal forefathers who were so enchanted by the island that, after a lengthy voyage up the Nile Valley, they rested near Ndere. Fish Eagles and Swifts are among the many different bird species that call Ndere, which is situated near Lake Victoria’s Winam Gulf. Ndere is home to the uncommon spotted crocodile, hippo, and impala in addition to its human inhabitants. Walking along the shoreline on guided nature walks is the major safari activity offered to visitors to the island.
Crescent Island.
Crescent Island in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley seems to be a green crescent moon encircled by water when viewed from above. The island was formed in the 1980s when Lake Naivasha’s water levels drastically dropped. It is actually a peninsula that can only be reached by boat, not an island. Visitors may witness a variety of birds, such as fish eagles, cormorants, and pelicans, along the coasts of the area. Additionally, there are land species like gazelles, zebras, wildebeests, and waterbucks that are more frequently seen on safari in Kenya.
Migingo Island.
This little half-Acre Island in Lake Victoria is not marked on most maps. Additionally, Kenya and Uganda, who both claim it as their own, are at odds over its territory. Because the popular Nile perch, which is essential to the livelihood of many anglers in East Africa, is abundant in the waters surrounding the little island, it is home to a large population of fishermen and their families from both nations.
With the exception of the occasional visit from local Kenyans in rickety fishermen’s boats, there is very little to no tourism on Migingo.
Wasini Island.
You want to spend the entire day lounging on the white sand beaches of Wasini, a little island south of Mombasa, because of its laid-back vibe. The island, which is only three miles long, boasts some of the best snorkeling on the Indian Ocean coast, the tranquil atmosphere of Lamu, and the labyrinthine passageways of Zanzibar. The island, which is home to local fishermen and is dotted with mango trees, is well-liked by those who like to venture off the usual road.
Rusinga Island.
Ten miles long Rusinga Island is located at the mouth of the Winam Gulf in the eastern portion of Lake Victoria. Its mild offshore winds and shimmering black sand beaches make it a great place to go fishing, swimming, and boating. The most well-liked accommodation option in the area is the rustic Rusinga Island Lodge, from where guests may embark on guided walks to the island’s ongoing archaeological dig and go birdwatching. The famous primate fossils found on Rusinga by Louis and Mary Leakey in 1948 prompted palaeontologists from The American Museum of Natural History to reopen the archaeological sites, which they still visit today.
