Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park is a stunning 11-square-kilometer marine sanctuary located in Kwale District, south of Wasini Island and close to Shimoni on Kenya’s southern coast. Of all the Kenyan marine parks, Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park is regarded as the most gorgeous. It consists of four small islands encircled by coral reefs and spans an area of 39 km². Dolphins (both bottlenose and humpback), sea turtles (mostly green and hawksbill), seabirds, and a wide variety of coral fish are among the principal attractions. When they migrate from July to October, humpback whales can be seen with a little bit of luck. Visitors can take a dhow tour to see the reefs, islets, and aquatic life of this thriving reserve, which is adjacent to Diani Beach and the coastal city of Mombasa. It creates a natural coastal sanctuary for visitors looking for fine sands and stunning waters to lose themselves in the tranquilly of sea beach life when combined with the nearby Mpunguti Reserve, which covers 28 square kilometres. The Kenya Wildlife Service is in charge of overseeing the park, which lies 6 km off the coast of Kenya and features stunning coral reefs and a diverse array of marine species. The island is located close to the Tanzanian border and south of Kenya’s coastline. Beautiful wildlife including vibrant corals, reefs, dolphins, and other lovely sea turtles, fish, etc. May be found in the maritime National Park, a unique maritime park that is maintained by Kenya Wildlife Services. The experience is as lovely as the crystal-clear blue sea. The Kisite Marine Park is pristine, stunning, and sun-kissed. It was created to save the picturesque islands and unique habitats of numerous indigenous marine species and migratory birds that breed there. It is located in the coral gardens to the south of Wasini Island and consists of three small islands with coral rag forests that have sizable reef fringes on each. One of the best places to go snorkelling along the coast is Kisite. In addition, visitors can dive, see birds, and, of course, relax in the sun. Numerous small fish, octopuses, and clams can be found in the maritime environment. There is an abundance of marine life, such as dolphins, green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, triggerfish, moray eels, angelfish, butterflyfish, groupers, parrotfish, wrasses, pufferfish, damselfish, rays, snappers, and green sea turtles. Whale sharks and humpback whales are seasonal. Includes around 140 humans, sea turtles, whales, 56 types of corals, sea grass, and gastropods, 70 resident dolphins, and roughly 250 known fish species. Numerous seabirds in sizable breeding colonies, as well as globally noteworthy populations of crab-plovers and roseate terns. Pelagic feeders thrive there, and roseate and sooty terns breed there from July to September.
Activities at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
The Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, which is pristine, stunning, and sun-kissed, was created to save the picturesque islands and unique habitats of numerous indigenous marine species as well as nesting migratory birds. It is located in the coral gardens to the south of Wasini Island and consists of three small islands with coral rag forests, each of which has sizable bordering reef sections. One of the best places to go snorkelling along the coast is Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. The “home of dolphins” is the name given to the marine park. Visitors to this magnificent marine park can partake in a variety of activities, such as
Birdwatching
Kisite Island, a flat, treeless rocky outcrop with grassy patches around by sandy beaches that are exposed at low tide, is a significant birding location. From July to September, it is the perfect place for roseate and sooty terns to breed, and it provides excellent habitat for pelagic feeders. Kisite Island, a flat, treeless rocky outcrop with grassy patches around by sandy beaches that are exposed at low tide, is a significant birding location. From July to September, it is the perfect place for roseate and sooty terns to breed, and it provides excellent habitat for pelagic feeders.
Scuba diving
Scuba diving here is suitable for beginners as well as professionals due to the warm, clear water, immaculate corals, and an abundance of fish. The range of diving locations is 2 meters (6 feet) to 32 meters (100 feet).
Fishing
There are more than 200 different kinds of fish in the sea. You might choose to go deep ocean fishing or join the local fisherman for their daily routine. You can get all the equipment you need to go on this amazing maritime experience.
Snorkelling
One of the best places to go snorkelling along the coast is Kisite. Snorkelling is most effective two hours before or after low tide, when marine life is more active. However, early morning, when the sea is calm, is the ideal time to go. Try snorkelling in the azure water as well; it’s very amazing.
Visit the Shimoni Caves
These historic coral caves, which are situated in a tiny fishing community, have long served as “Kayas,” or places of prayer, for the local populace. But history and fate gave this peaceful location a darker side. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the caves used as holding facilities for enslaved people who were being transported to Zanzibar’s slave markets. Your admission fee will assist in covering the cost of education for underprivileged kids as well as the salaries of nearby teachers. Before sailing to the marketplaces of Zanzibar, the slaves were housed here.
Camping
When the weather is warmer, adventurers have long came here to enjoy beach camping with a campfire. There are several resorts that offer camping areas for those who enjoy the activity. The lodges and motels along the shore offer tent rentals for a nominal fee, or you can bring your own.
Sunbathing
One of the most fascinating things to do here is to sit by the beach and enjoy the warm tropical sun. This gives you a chance to unwind, clear your head, and indulge yourself while enjoying the beach life and finishing off a well-earned vacation with a bottle of wine or beer.
Go for a Boat ride
Prepare your lunch and set off to explore the sea. You will see several islands and the coastline, and you will get a great opportunity to see some of the bird nesting grounds while taking in the beautiful sea air. Seeing the dolphins was a very remarkable experience. You need to be fast with your camera because they frequently come and go in a matter of seconds.
Dhow cruises
The waves frighten you at first, but once you start seeing dolphins, you forget about the boat excursion, especially if you enjoy adventure.
How to get to Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park is situated in Kwale district on the South Kenyan coast, close to the Tanzanian border, off Shimoni and south of Wasini Island. The route to Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park is as follows. A lovely region of living coral gardens, the complex encompasses a sea area with four little sculpted islands. Kisite Island is a tiny coral island without water located 8 kilometres offshore in the Marine Park. At low tide, the coral platforms surrounding the elevated core section become visible. Closer to the larger Wasini Island, the three other coral islets in the park—Mpunguti ya Juu, Mpunguti ya Chini, and Liwe la Jahazi—are covered in scrub and do not have any notable wildlife or bird life.
