Activities in Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park : Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve is a protected area located on the southern coast of Kenya, near the town of Shimoni. The park covers an area of approximately 39 square kilometers and was established in 1978 to protect the coral reefs, sea grass beds, and mangrove forests in the area.
The park is home to a diverse array of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, humpback whales, and a variety of fish species. Visitors to the park can enjoy activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and boat tours to explore the park’s reefs and marine life. The park also has several sandy beaches where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.
In addition to its natural attractions, the park is also an important cultural site for the local Digo and Duruma communities, who have traditionally relied on the park’s marine resources for their livelihoods. The park’s management works closely with these communities to promote sustainable fishing practices and to ensure that the park’s resources are protected for future generations.
Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve is a unique and beautiful destination for anyone interested in marine conservation, wildlife viewing, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of Kenya’s southern coast
Attractions of Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve
The park is known for its diverse marine life and beautiful coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. Some of the attractions of the park and reserve include:
Snorkelling and diving: The coral reefs of Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve are home to a wide variety of marine life, including colourful fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and even whales. Snorkelling and diving are popular activities here, and visitors can rent equipment and take guided tours to explore the underwater world.
Snorkelling and diving are popular activities in Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve. The park’s coral reefs are some of the healthiest in the region, with an abundance of hard and soft corals, sponges, and sea fans. Snorkelers can explore the shallow waters of the reefs, which are home to a colourful array of fish, such as parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish. The park’s clear waters also provide excellent visibility, making it easy to spot marine creatures from the surface.
For those who want to explore deeper waters, diving is the way to go. The park offers a variety of dive sites, ranging from shallow coral gardens to deeper walls and pinnacles. Divers can expect to encounter a range of marine life, including rays, eels, octopuses, and larger fish such as groupers and snappers. One of the highlights of diving in Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve is the opportunity to encounter dolphins and whale sharks, which are occasionally spotted in the area.
It’s worth noting that the park is a protected area, and visitors are required to follow certain guidelines to help preserve the marine ecosystem. For example, touching or standing on the coral is prohibited, and visitors are asked to avoid feeding or harassing marine animals. It’s also important to choose a reputable tour operator when planning a snorkelling or diving trip to the park to ensure that they adhere to responsible tourism practices.
Dolphin and whale watching: Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve is known for its resident population of bottlenose dolphins, which can often be seen swimming and playing in the park’s waters. Humpback whales also migrate through the area from July to September, providing an opportunity for visitors to witness these majestic creatures up close. It is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and a wide range of fish species.
Dolphin watching is a popular activity in the park, with several tour operators offering boat tours to see the dolphins. The most common species of dolphin found in the area are the bottlenose dolphin and the humpback dolphin. These friendly and playful creatures are known to swim alongside boats, making for an unforgettable experience.
Whale watching is also possible in Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve, particularly during the months of August and September. Humpback whales are the most common species found in the area, but other species such as the Bryde’s whale and the sperm whale have also been spotted.
To ensure the safety and well-being of the marine life, visitors are required to follow certain guidelines while dolphin and whale watching in the park. Boats must maintain a safe distance from the animals, and loud noises and sudden movements should be avoided. Visitors are also advised to wear life jackets while on the boat.
Dolphin and whale watching in Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve is a thrilling and educational experience that allows visitors to witness the beauty and majesty of these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.
Activities in Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park : Beaches: The park and reserve are located on a stretch of coastline that includes several beautiful beaches, such as Wasini Island and Shimoni Beach. These beaches offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing in a picturesque setting.
Activities in Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park : Birdwatching: The park and reserve are also home to a variety of bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, herons, and egrets. Visitors can take guided birdwatching tours to observe these birds in their natural habitat. Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park is an excellent location for birdwatching in Kenya.
Some of the birds you can expect to see in Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park include the African fish eagle, common tern, white-faced whistling duck, grey heron, African spoonbill, osprey, and many more. The park is also home to several species of kingfisher, including the pied kingfisher, malachite kingfisher, and giant kingfisher.
In addition to the birds, Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park is known for its stunning coral reefs and marine life. The park offers excellent opportunities for snorkelling and diving, where you can see a variety of colourful fish and other sea creatures.
To make the most of your birdwatching experience in Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park, it’s recommended that you hire a local guide who can help you identify the different species of birds and their behaviours. You can also bring along a pair of binoculars and a field guide to birds to assist in identification.
Remember to respect the park’s wildlife and environment by observing from a distance and avoiding any disturbance to the birds and other wildlife.
Activities in Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park : Cultural experiences: The nearby village of Shimoni offers cultural experiences for visitors, including tours of the village, visits to the slave caves, and a chance to learn about the local Swahili culture.
Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors, with its stunning marine life, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions.
