Marine Conservation initiative created by Des Bowden has won the prestigious global UNDP Equator Prize 2017. As the first locally managed marine area on the Kenya coast, Kuruwitu Conservation and Welfare Association (KCWA) was selected from over 800 entries from 120 countries to claim the award as 'an outstanding example of nature-based local solutions to sustainable development.'
Photo Source: kuruwitukenya.orgThe initiative was as a result of the massive degradation that was taking place at the reef due to an expanding population trying to make a living out of marine resources, together with climate change and uncontrolled fish and coral collection by the aquarium trade.
A little over a decade later, a myriad marine species began thriving within the revitalized coral gardens. With growing numbers of visitors paying a conservation fee to snorkel within the Marine Park, the fishermen started seeing that there is potentially more money to be made from showing the fish to visitors than from catching them, and the marine conservation area is creating jobs for guides, boat captains and rangers, who watch over the ocean, above and below the surface, day and night.
It is an ultimate tourist destination and offers diving, glass bottom boat, snorkeling, fishing, dhow sailing and dolphin watching. There are no hotels along Kuruwitu beach, only holiday homes which are perfect for family and friends' getaways. Here are some of the holiday homes you can try out:
Photo Source: kuruwitukenya.org - Shwari House, Kuruwitu Beach
Photo Source: kenyaholidaylets.comThis is an ideal 5-bedrrom house that's located on Kuruwitu beach. The average cost per night ranges from Ksh.25,000- Ksh.30,000. It is family-friendly: all bathrooms are ensuite and there is a glass bottom boat available for hire along with a dory, a catamaran and various dhows which sail from Kilifi. It has a beach front which makes it perfect for a holiday
- Neem Tree, Kuruwitu Beach
Photo Source: kenyaholidaylets.comA lavish family holiday 3-bedrooemd home with a lovely infinity swimming pool and fabulous pool house, sea-front, beach access and mature gardens. Early booking is advised and costs per night are dependent on the season- to inquire on costs, contact: 0713 294 444
- Vipingo Beach House
Photo Source: kenyaholidaylets.comA large and simple 5- bed roomed double story family house on the beach-front with its own swimming pool. It has a lovely verandah at the front, a children's playground and the beach bar is just a walk away where you can enjoy scrumptious home cooked meals and drinks throughout the day. The Vipingo Ridge Golf Estate is a 10-minute drive away. Cost per night are dependent on the season- to inquire on costs, contact: 0713 294 444
- Clamclara Cottage & Clamclara Beach House
Photo Source: kenyaholidaylets.comThese are two beautiful properties along the Kuruwitu beach that are ideal for a squad getaway, it has adequate capacity for 14 adults and two kids and charges Ksh. 50,000 a day. Clamclara has its own private tennis court and large swimming pool. As well as a private beach bar and beach.
Photo Source: kenyaholidaylets.com 
