Robinson Island

Hell’s Kitchen Marafa

About Robinson Island

Robinson Island, also known as “Manda Toto” or “The Small Island,” is a picturesque gem nestled off the coast of Malindi, Kenya. Located within the Lamu Archipelago, this tiny island has garnered attention for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and secluded atmosphere, making it a haven for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

The island’s name, Robinson Island, evokes images of adventure and solitude, reminiscent of the famous literary character Robinson Crusoe. Indeed, visiting Robinson Island feels like stepping into a world untouched by time, where palm-fringed shores meet azure waters, and the only sounds are those of the gentle waves and tropical birds.

One of the island’s main attractions is its stunning coral reefs, which teem with colorful marine life. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts flock to Robinson Island to explore these underwater wonders, encountering vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish, and even the occasional sea turtle or dolphin. The island’s clear waters offer excellent visibility, making it an ideal spot for underwater photography and marine exploration.

In addition to its natural splendor, Robinson Island boasts a rich history and cultural heritage. The Lamu Archipelago has been inhabited for centuries, and the island bears traces of its Swahili and Arab influences. Visitors can wander through the remains of ancient settlements, mosques, and fortifications, gaining insight into the region’s past and heritage.

Despite its remote location, Robinson Island is easily accessible from Malindi, with boats and dhow cruises ferrying visitors across the turquoise waters to its shores. Many tour operators in Malindi offer day trips and excursions to the island, allowing travelers to experience its beauty firsthand.

For those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life, Robinson Island offers an idyllic escape. Whether you spend your days lounging on the beach, snorkeling in the coral reefs, or exploring the island’s historical sites, a visit to Robinson Island is sure to leave you enchanted by its natural beauty and serene atmosphere.

Safari Itinerary

Different experiences, enclosed in a single day.

Departure from your beach resort or home in watamu at 08:00 towards Malindi town, we will travel along the road that leads to Lamu, up to the mouth of the Sabaki river.

Here we will stop to watch the hippos and flocks of pink flamingos. If the road is good, we can go to the famous Che Shale (Golden Beach), where the specks of pyrite mixed with sand make it golden.

We then continue the journey, passing right through the largest salt pans in Kenya, with natural pools colored in various colors, from white to pink, where flamingos and herons rest in their typical position on a single leg.

We leave our car, to get on a pirogue, where Caronte, will ferry us, singing, through a lagoon surrounded by mangroves and palm groves, to arrive at the island of Robinson.

Here, in a charming restaurant, made entirely with mangrove roots, makuti roof, and … white sand floor, a fish lunch will be served (oysters au gratin, shells, crabs, prawns, rice, baked fish, fruit and tea) on a table adorned with frangipani flowers and colorful bougainvillea.

After lunch, once rested on comfortable sofas, we will resume the road to head towards: HELL’S KITCHEN – MARAFA (THE KITCHENS OF THE DEVIL) We cross extensive pineapple plantations, villages and acacia woods to get to Hell’s Kitchen.

Nothing similar is found in all of Africa. It is a large canyon, formed in the Pliocene period, surrounded by very high vertical walls with reddish spiers and stone pillars that reach even 30 meters in height.

Originally Hell’s Kitchen, which is commonly called Nyari by the locals, (the place that breaks itself) was a place of sandstone rock. It was mainly the erosion of rain and wind that transformed it into the surreal canyon over the millennia: a miracle of unique nature, even according to several of the most authoritative geologists on the planet.

The best time to visit is towards sunset, when the setting sun merges with the red of the earth and creates a surreal atmosphere. In the light of the setting sun the rocks take on different colors ranging from white, to pink, to orange to red. After walking through the “valleys” of the canyon, we take the road back to your Hotel or home/Villas in Malindi or Watamu.