KISITE MPUNGUTI MARINE PARK - Safaris and Travel Africa

The marine park is located on the south coast, 40km from Ukunda town in Msambeni District of coast province. The ecosystem covers a marine area with four small islands surrounded by coral-reef. Kisite island is covered in low grass and herbs while Mpunguti Islands have dense coastal equatorial forest. Sea grasses Cymodocea serrulata and Syringodium isoetifolium cover a large area of the sub-littoral zone of the reef. Marine algae include Padina commersonii, Dictyota bartayresiana, Bostrychia binderi, Ulva lactuca, Dictyosphaora sp., Udotea indica, and Halimeda opuntia. Major attractions include the Dolphins, coral gardens and it is an important site for snorkelling, diving and bird watching. The beautiful sandy beach is good for enviromental friendly recreational activities.

ACCESS

The park can only be reached by tour company boats and local community dhows. Kisite Marine Park, HQ situated at the mainland in Shimoni 200m south of the main Shimoni Pier.

ROADS

85 kms from Mombasa via Ukunda to Shimoni

Msambweni District, Coast Province. The Marine Park lies 6 Km off the Kenyan Coast (at Shimoni) and 8 Km North of the Tanzanian Border

SIZE / LOCATION

39sq km. (Kisite Park: 28km2. Mpunguti Reserve: 11km2).

CLIMATE

The Coast is humid with mean annual temperatures ranging from 22-34 C. rainfall is about 500mm pa.

SAFARI CARD REQUIRED?

At present the park does not operate on smart card system. Entry is by cash only (KSH or US$).

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight at special camp site. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

• Prestine Coral gardens

Kisite and Mpunguti Islands
Sandy islands formulate during low tide
Beautiful and special Sandy beach
Dolphin watch
Endermic coconut crab found at lower Mpunguti Island
Shimoni historical slave cafe Managed by local community while Kenya Wildlife Service provides Capacity building
Wasini Mangroove women boardwalk by Wasini women self help group while Kenya Wildlife Service provides Capacity building

MARINE LIFE

Comprises more than 250-recorded fish species,

Dolphins, Sea turtles, Whales, Corals, Sea grass, and Gastropods

BIRDS

Many Sea- birds in large nesting colonies and internationally significant numbers of crab-plover and roseate tern which are migratory from Europe coming to nest

WHERE TO STAY

In – Park Accommodation

There is Currently no accommodation in the reserve. Visitors can stay in Diani town which offers various accommodation options. There are lots of luxurious, comfortable and culturally rich hotels and lodges to choose from.

KWS Self – Catering Accommodation: