The Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park in Kenya is the only special home of the unique dolphins in Kenya. This is a peaceful island that invites exploration. This reserve features a picturesquely sculptured rocky coastline, low rag coral forest cover, various baobab trees and two small villages. It offers 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.
This national park was established to protect the scenic islands and special habitats of various endemic marine animals and breeding birds. It is positioned in the coral gardens south of Wasini Island and encompasses three small forest islands and each with considerable areas of fringing reef.
Attractions in Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park acts as one of the most rewarding snorkeling locations in the coast, and additionally, visitors during their visit can enjoy bird watching, diving, boat safaris, coral viewing, sunbathing, as well as swimming with the dolphins. There are over 250 recorded marine life species ‘’fish species’’ including dolphins, sea birds in large nesting colonies, and internationally significant numbers of roseate terns and crab-plover.
The Kenyan barrier reef and the most amazing features of the Kenyan coast. There 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 a significant break, except at the mouths of the rivers.
Moreover, the coral reefs stand as the rainforests of the sea and one of the most beautiful ecosystems on earth, sheltering nearly one million types of marine life.
This marine park is popular for its population of turtles, that is, Green and Hawksbill turtles normally seen in their hangout, Kijamba cha Kasa.
The fact about the living coral gardens, sculpted islands, wheeling seabirds and sparkingly clear waters thus making it famous Marine park. More to that,the inhabitant reef provides food and shelter for an entire marine community. A shifting rainbow of small fish ,octopus and calms hide in the gaps between the rainbow corals.
Note; Kisite Island is an important Bird Area ‘’IBA’’ which is a globally important habitat for the conservation of bird variety. Well, it is a flat, treeless rocky outcrop with many patches of grass and surrounded by a unique sandy beach that;s exposed during low tide.It is an ideal seabird habitat supporting the pelagic feeders and breeding colonies of roseate and sooty terns. Commonly arrives to breed in the month of July and usually leaves the park in September every year.
You can choose to engage in short hikes,through walking trails within the upper Mpunguti Island. Can also enjoy a magical sandy beach that is used by visitors for parties and wedding but only during low tides. Tourists are interested in the activity ,you can contact us Achieve Global Safaris via email for more information.
Activities to do in Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
There are impressive activities ,you can engage in ,such as Bird watching ,camping ,diving ,scenic ,snorkeling and sun bathing.
Snorkeling ; This Marine park is known for its unique coral reefs and diverse marine life thus making it a great location for snorkelling.
Dolphin whale watching ; Engage in boat tour inorder to enjoy spotting dolphins and most spotted during migration season, whales.
Birding ; Expect to watch various bird species in the park ,including pelagic feeders and breeding terns.
Sunbathing Visit here and get to relax on the beaches and enjoy the sun.
Camping: The area is safe for camping.
Getting there ;
By Road : This Marine park sits in Kwale County ,a distance of 574kilomters from Nairobi and 90kilomters from Mombasa .It lies 11kilomters off the Kenyan coast ‘’at Shimoni’’ and 8kilomter north of the Tanzanian border.
By Air: Fly from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport to Moi International Airport in Mombasa and Ukunda Airstrip. The park covers 100kilomter from Mombasa by road.
By Rail: Visitors are also advised to use Standard Gauge Railway ‘’SGR’’ from Syokimau ‘’Nairobi Terminus’’ to Miritin ‘’Mombasa Terminus’’ train stations then link by road.
By Boat: The park can also be reached by boat. Contact the KWS’’ Kenyan Wildlife Service warden for help.
Where to stay;
The park is set in the quietude of nature. Well, Kenyan Wildlife Service offers a modest and number of self-catering accommodation options targeting budget travelers. Tourists looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city right into the serenity of bush .During your stay,you will soak in your senses and reconnect with nature.
Kenya Wildlife Service ‘’KWS’’ provides classic bandas and guesthouses offer the perfect ambience. They have good amenities ;Ensuite bathroom facilities and a communal washing area with shower.On request ,guests can be provided with cooking stoves ,kitchen utensils ,crockery and glasses. On other side,guest may use the communal kitchen and dining areas equipped with chairs tables ,cooking facilities,electricity ,beddings,towel and mosquito nets.Also conference facility is available for hire but requires advance booking.
