Fodor's Expert Review Kiwayu Island

This strip of sand known as Kiwayu Island is 50 km (31 miles) northeast of Lamu. Its main attraction is its proximity to Kiunga Marine National Reserve, a marine park encompassing Kiwayu Bay. The confluence of two major ocean currents creates unique ecological conditions that nurture three marine habitats—mangroves, sea-grass beds, and coral reefs. Here you have a chance of catching a glimpse of the most endangered mammal in Kenya, the manatee; because of its tasty flesh, this gentle giant has been hunted to near extinction all along Africa's eastern coast.

Your lodge or hotel can arrange a trip for you; it's 90 minutes by speedboat and about $100. Stop by the laid-back, charming, owner-run Mike's Camp Kiwayu for a delicious lunch and even better cocktails. Ask Mike for the best spot to harvest and shuck rock oysters, or to find mud crabs in the mangrove.