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Best 11 Reasons To Visit Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park in Kenya
The best 11 reasons to visit Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park in Kenya are; Scenery, Coral reefs, Sea birds, Underwater world, Boat rides and Shimoni caves. Did you know that the Kenyan coast has the most famous and wonderful collection of wild sea life and are not restricted on the land? The interesting Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park is the best destination for a traveler that loves everything on the sea to visit.
The Kenyan Barrier Reef
A wonderful feature of this marine environment, this unspoiled coral barrier reef runs quite a distance along the coast. Sometimes referred to as the rainforests of the sea, these ecosystems shelter and provide food for countless marine life.
This entire protected sanctuary is 39 sq. km (15 sq. mi) in area, with four small islands surrounded by coral reefs.
Climate
The area at Kisite Mpunguti national park is humid and relatively cool with temperatures of about 22o C (71o F) and annual rainfall 19 inches.
Here are the best 11 reasons to visit Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park in Kenya for a life changing experience.
1. Unmatched scenery at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
Before getting lost in all there is to discover below sea level, the scenery alone in Kwale District is amazing and wonderful. The marine park is located 90 kilometers from Mombasa town with less populated beaches and shorelines. Through the marine park, you get to see the wild side of the sea with beautiful rock features, vast clear waters and beautiful blue skies and the scenery here is nothing short of divine.
2. Majestic coral reefs at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
Coral reefs in the sea are what forests are to land. Corals reefs act as homes for millions of sea life. From microscopic plankton to the large starfish and octopus the coral reef barrier present at Kisite is so vast, it spreads all the way to Malindi unbroken and you will therefore get to witness one of the most extraordinary features of the sea.
3. Mysterious sea birds at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
The trees are the occasional breeding and nesting grounds for hundreds of sea birds. Unlike other aviary, sea birds do not like or live on trees or other plants. They love the bare rocks, which allow them the free space they are accustomed to in the ocean. As a result, Kisite is listed as an Important Bird Area. Visiting anytime between July and September will guarantee you a peek into this wonder.
4. The intriguing underwater world at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park is one of the most ideal places for diving. The clear and clean waters boast of thousands of sea life that has been referred to as a rainbow. Snorkeling here will allow you to see beautifully colored fish of all sizes, shapes and forms, an experience not many can boast of. Among the common fish found at the park, include parrotfish, rubber fish, scorpion fish, different sized sharks and stingrays. There are also a number of mollusks including crabs, sea cucumbers and starfishes.
5. Dolphins and whales at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
The most interesting part of visiting Kisite Mpunguti is the chance to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat. These friendly mammals love playing in the water, and when they feel comfortable, enough can come within inches of you. The park has three major types of dolphins namely spinner, bottle-nosed and humpbacked dolphins. This totals to approximately 200 individuals. Visiting the marine park between July and December might guarantee you a chance to spot humpback whales that come to give birth in the warm Kenyan waters.
6. Shimoni Caves at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
These are located in a small fishing village, these ancient coral caves were for century’s sacred sites of worship for the local communities. However, fate and history brought a darker aspect to this tranquil spot. In the 18th and 19th century the caves became pens for captured slaves on their way to the slave markets in Zanzibar. Your entrance fee will help pay the salaries of local teachers and school fees for children in need.
After having a tremendous time at the marine park, you will have one more adventure waiting for you. The Shimoni Caves sit less than 10 minutes’ walk from the park. Shimoni caves are famous because of their 19th-century history where they were used as slaveholding cells.
7. Turtles at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
You’re likely to spot plenty of these wonderful land and sea creatures plying through the clear waters. Look for green and hawksbill turtles gracefully swimming or sunning themselves on the rocks.
8. Birding at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
Birding at Kisite Mpunguti national park is more impressive during rainy seasons when migratory birds from North Africa and Europe are present while the residential birds are breeding and aquatic birds can be seen around during this season.
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9. Guided walks at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
This is an interesting activity as a tourist can be able to walk along the beach shores and come across beautiful Marine life like turtles and many other features.
10. Sailing at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
Best time for sailing in the park is in the dry seasons when the waters are more clear for better gainful views of Marine life and snorkeling.
11. Boat rides at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
For more enjoyment of experiencing the ocean, travelers can go for boat riding along marine waters with packed lunch box as you will be sailing on water vessel while getting happy with great views of marine life which gives lots of excitements.
Best Time to Visit Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
Kisite Mpunguti marine national park is best visited during the dry season from June to October and December to Mid-March. During this period of the year ‘’dry season, the waters are very clear and travelers can enjoy views of the marine life clearly. Still a good temperature to do diving, snorkeling, boat drives, swimming can be good during that time.
Whales can be greatly viewed between August and October, while in wet seasons from November to Mid-December and March to May; it can be challenging time to enjoy park’s activities.
Accommodation at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
The park has got various classified accommodation facilities where tourists can enjoy their night rest from such lodges and campsite are; Mpunguti campsite, blue monkey beach cottages, wasini island guest house, Shimoni reef lodge, Betty’s camp and Chobus campsite and many others.
Getting to Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
Kasite Mpunguti Marine national park is positioned in Kwale at coastal province of Kenya, just 8 kilometers north of Tanzania border and 11 kilometers off the mainland, the distance from Nairobi Capital city is about 500 kilometers and from Mombasa is 90 kilometers. You can as well access park by boat from the main land.
Come and experience lots of the unusual creatures in water such as the unique coral reef and marine life that are not easily seen in African water bodies. Kenya is more blessed to host such unique creatures on African continent. On your next visit or once you visit, try to take time to have all these activities for incredible experience on Kenya safaris.