Kwale Island

Situated approximately one kilometer offshore in Manza Bay, Kwale Island (also known as the Kwale Island Marine Reserve) is a seasonally inhabited coral island in the Pemba Channel. Located within the Mkinga District of Tanga, this 12.128-square-kilometer sanctuary is protected under the Tanga Marine Reserves (TMRS) as an IUCN Category II site. Remarkably, dense mangrove forests blanket over 86% of the island’s total area.

Historically, the island served as a vital safe haven for the Wadigo, a coastal tribe. Fleeing frequent raids by Maasai warriors—who were reluctant to cross the ocean waters—the Wadigo people of Mwandusi village retreated to the natural protection of Kwale Island. Eventually, an expanding population and a severe lack of fresh water forced the community to return to the mainland, where the majority settled in what is now Kwale village. In more recent history, the island’s strategic location led to its use as a military fortress during both the First and Second World Wars.

Today, Kwale Island is enveloped in thick vegetation, featuring towering baobabs, dense thorn bushes, and sprawling mangroves. However, despite its marine reserve status, the terrestrial forests remain vulnerable to locals harvesting the trees for firewood. The island is also a fascinating archaeological site; the discovery of medieval Swahili pottery fragments reveals that it was once connected to the ancient Swahili coastal states before being largely deserted.

What to See

Visitors exploring Kwale Island can look forward to discovering historical ruins, navigating extensive mangrove forests, diving among beautiful coral reefs, and spotting a diverse array of birdlife.