Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park is situated on the southern coast of Kenya near Shimoni and south of Wasini Island in Kwale District near the Tanzanian border.
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. Kisite is one of the most rewarding snorkelling locations at the coast.
The main attraction to the park is the boat ride to the small islands at the middle of the ocean while watching dolphins, sunbathing at the island, snorkeling, watching and hearing the sound of the waves slapping along the walls of the reefs, and of course diving.
Being under the Kenya Wildlife Service, you need clearance from their offices by paying some fees before going for the tour.
There are also incredible natural formations, colorful habitats and limitless sea life. The Kisite Mpunguti is a protected sanctuary of coral reefs and small islands, home to dolphins, turtles, innumerable fish and sea birds. While at the jetty, you can see some of those formations as well as the surrounding vegetation.
The sea life is so lush here that you can expect to see curious dolphins leaping alongside your dhow. The warm, crystalline waters and rainbow coral reefs are a year-round invitation to partake of this outstanding reserve. The dhow takes plenty of time around the area known to have dolphins to allow everyone time to watch the spectacle of them swimming.
To tour the small islands and to get to Wasini Island you take a dhow cruise to explore the reefs, the islands and the aquatic life of this vibrant reserve. The dhows anchor at the island to allow the visitors to swim, snorkel and the divers to join the team before setting off to the next island. Here the waters and the sand is so clean and warm.
Along the wall of the reef, as you offboard to Wasini island, you are likely to see a variety of crabs and cowrie shells. The local community use the shells to make beautiful jewellery and key rings that you can purchase.
Our tour leads us to Wasini Island for lunch where we are served variety of sea foods and other coastal delicacies. The cassava in coconut source, coconut rice, chapati are served alongside crabs, octopus, shrimps, lobsters, chicken, sea vegetables and pilipili wa kukaanga.
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