01 May 2016

Paradise at Fly Islands & exploring the Kamiali Wildlife Area

The Kamiali Wildlife Management Area is a reserve protected by the government and managed in partnership with the local people and NGOs. According to our local guide, travellers started coming to this area in 2010 and approximately eight ships visit per year. Upon arrival to village, we were welcomed by several local guides and administrators. Some of our group climbed aboard outrigger canoes for a paddle upriver, while others hiked part of the muddy David Suzuki Trail in search of birds. Afterwards, we walked along the palm tree-lined beach promenade indulged in fresh coconuts, and stopped to watch a canoe carver hard at work. In the distance, we could here children singing in a Sunday service. We learned that the 1,000 plus residents of Kamiali enjoy fresh river water piped down from the mountains; and this is also the first village where we’ve seen painted canoes and generators for electricity.

Over lunch, the Spirit of Enderby transferred us to the Fly Islands for an afternoon of snorkelling and beach time at (no exaggeration) a slice of paradise, above and below water. This small islet had soft golden sand, gently swaying palms, bath tub temperature water, and a colourful menagerie of marine life to explore.

Back onboard, we watched another episode of the BBC’s outstanding series “Pacific Ocean” followed by wildlife photography lecture by our guide Dr. Martin Cohen.