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Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park & Reserve

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KISITE MPUNGUTI MARINE PARK & RESERVE

"Home of the Dolphins"

Essentially unspoiled and entirely different in terms of culture and landscape from the mainland, this peaceful island invites exploration. It features a picturesquely sculptured rocky coastline, low rag coral forest cover, numerous baobab trees and two small villages. Once below the waves, but now merely washed by the incoming tide, the surreal grey-white coral gardens in Wasini Village are run by the friendly ‘Wasini Women’s Boardwalk’. They offer guided walks, cold drinks and a handicraft shop.  The two and a half acres of petrified coral gardens and mangrove swamps have a meandering boardwalk through the circuit.

Beautiful and sun kissed, Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park was established to protect the scenic islands and special habitats of a wide range of endemic marine animals and breeding migratory birds. It lies in the coral gardens south of Wasini Island and encompasses three small coral rag forest islands, each with considerable areas of fringing reef

 

  • Bird watching
  • Camping
  • Diving
  • Scenic
  • Snorkeling
  • Sun Bathing

By Road: Located in Kwale County, a distance of 574km from Nairobi and 90km from Mombasa, the park lies 11km off the Kenyan Coast (at Shimoni) and 8km north of the Tanzanian border.

By Air: From JKIA or Wilson Airport to Moi International Airport in Mombasa and Ukunda Airstrip. The park is about 100km from Mombasa by road.

 

By Rail: Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Syokimau (Nairobi Terminus) to Miritini (Mombasa Terminus) train stations then connect by road.

 

Location: Kwale District, Coast Province. The Marine Park lies 11 kms off the Kenyan Coast (at Shimoni) and 8 kms north of the Tanzanian boarder.

Distance from Nairobi: 574 kms.

Distance from Mombasa: 90 kms

* The Park can only be reached by boat. Contact the KWS warden (Kisite Marine National Park, KWS HQ is 200 meters south of the main Shimoni Pier) or your hotel or local travel agent.

KISITE MPUNGUTI MARINE PARK & RESERVE

Citizen

Resident

Non-Resident

Adults

KSH

Child

KSH

Adult

KSH

Child

KSH

Adult

USD

Child

 

215 125

215

125

17

13

MODE OF PAYMENT: Through Ecitizen  (https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke/ ) via MPesa, Visa Card, RTGS ,Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Special Services/ Activities:

Security/Guided tour per guide

 Ksh. 1,720 – up to 4 hours

 

 Ksh. 3,015 – Over 4 hours

Kisite is one of the most rewarding snorkeling locations in the coast and additionally, visitors can enjoy bird watching, diving, boat safaris, coral viewing, sunbathing and swimming with the dolphins. Marine life comprises about 250 recorded fish species, dolphins, sea turtles, and whales, a genera of corals, sea grass and gastropods.Visitors can spot seabirds in large nesting colonies and internationally significant numbers of roseate terns and crab-plover. 

The Kenyan barrier reef and the most outstanding feature of the Kenyan coast, is the pristine and well-developed coral barrier reef that extends all the way from Shimoni in the South to Malindi in the North, without significant break, except at the mouths of the rivers. The coral reefs referred to as the rainforests of the sea, are one of the most fascinating ecosystems on earth, sheltering nearly one million types of marine life.

The marine park is famous for its population of turtles: Green and Hawksbill turtles normally spotted in their hang out, Kijamba cha Kasa. An enchanted realm of living coral gardens, sculptedislands, wheeling seabirds and sparklingly clear waters, this world famous Marine Park promises an underwater world of unbelievable color and vibrancy. The reef provides food and shelter for an entire marine community. A shifting rainbow of small fish, octopus and clams hide in the gaps between the rainbow corals.

Kisite Island is an Important Bird Area (IBA). IBAs are globally important habitats for conservation of bird populations. It is a flat, treeless rocky outcrop with many patches of grass and surrounded by a magical sandy beach that’s exposed during low tide. This makes it an ideal seabird habitat supporting the pelagic-feeders and breeding colonies of roseate and sooty terns commonly arriving to breed in July and leave with their fledglings from September every year.

Kisite is one of the most rewarding snorkeling locations in the coast and additionally, visitors can enjoy bird watching, diving, boat safaris, coral viewing, sunbathing and swimming with the dolphins. Marine life comprises about 250 recorded fish species, dolphins, sea turtles, and whales, a genera of corals, sea grass and gastropods. Visitors can spot seabirds in large nesting colonies and internationally significant numbers of roseate terns and crab-plover. 

The Kenyan barrier reef and the most outstanding feature of the Kenyan coast, is the pristine and well-developed coral barrier reef that extends all the way from Shimoni in the South to Malindi in the North, without significant break, except at the mouths of the rivers. The coral reefs referred to as the rainforests of the sea, are one of the most fascinating ecosystems on earth, sheltering nearly one million types of marine life. 

The marine park is famous for its population of turtles: Green and Hawksbill turtles normally spotted in their hang out, Kijamba cha Kasa.

An enchanted realm of living coral gardens, sculpted islands, wheeling seabirds and sparklingly clear waters, this world famous Marine Park promises an underwater world of unbelievable color and vibrancy. The reef provides food and shelter for an entire marine community. A shifting rainbow of small fish, octopus and clams hide in the gaps between the rainbow corals.

Kisite Island is an Important Bird Area (IBA), which is globally important habitats for conservation of bird populations. It is a flat, treeless rocky outcrop with many patches of grass and surrounded by a magical sandy beach that’s exposed during low tide. This makes it an ideal seabird habitat supporting the pelagic-feeders and breeding colonies of roseate and sooty terns commonly arriving to breed in July and leave with their fledglings from September every year.

If you enjoy short hikes, you can do so on a walking trail within the upper Mpunguti Island. There is also a magical sandy beach that is used by visitors for parties and weddings but only during low tides. Visitors interested in the activity can contact the park for more information

 

Set in the quietude of nature, KWS offers a modest and wide range of self-catering accommodation options targeting the budget traveler. Whether you are looking to get away from the exhausting grind of life, a break away from the hustle and bustle of the city right into the serenity of bush, or you just long to soak in your senses and reconnect with nature, KWS bandas and guesthouses offer the perfect ambience.

Kisite Mpunguti N. Park offer:

Kisite Bandas Shimoni

Accommodation; 7units, 2pax per unit

Amenities; Ensuite bathroom facilities and a communal washing area with shower. There is also a communal dining area. On request, guests can be provided with cooking stoves, kitchen utensils, cutlery, crockery and glasses. Alternatively, guests may use the communal kitchen and dining areas equipped with chairs, tables, cooking facilities, kitchen utensils, cutlery, crockery and glasses, electricity, beddings, towels and mosquito nets. A conference facility is available for hire but requires advance booking. A house caretaker is available.

Rates;

Citizens & Residents: Ksh.2, 000

Non-Residents: US$ 20

Phone: 0800597000

Email: kisite@kws.go.ke

 

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