{"id":93954,"date":"2022-06-23T16:11:17","date_gmt":"2022-06-23T13:11:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/?p=93954"},"modified":"2022-06-28T15:57:58","modified_gmt":"2022-06-28T12:57:58","slug":"kisite-mpunguti-marine-park-reserve","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/fr\/kisite-mpunguti-marine-park-reserve\/","title":{"rendered":"Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park &#038; Reserve"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><strong><b>Brilliant Coral Reefs &amp; Countless Dolphins<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>This superb marine park is the Masai Mara of the sea \u2013 incredible natural formations, colorful habitats and limitless sea life. The\u00a0<strong><b>Kisite Mpunguti<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0is a protected sanctuary of coral reefs and small islands, home to dolphins, turtles, innumerable fish and sea birds.<\/p>\n<p>The sea life is so lush here that you can expect to see curious dolphins leaping alongside your boat. Enjoy some of the rewarding snorkeling and diving anywhere. The warm, crystalline waters and rainbow coral reefs are a year-round invitation to partake of this outstanding reserve.<\/p>\n<h2><strong><b>About Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park &amp; Reserve<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Not far from the coastal city of Mombasa, and closer still to Diani beach, visitors can take a dhow cruise to explore the reefs, the islands and the aquatic life of this vibrant reserve.<\/p>\n<p>Created as a marine wilderness to protect the coral gardens and four neighboring islands, the reserve is home to over 45 types of coral and 360 fish species such as grouper, pufferfish, blue-lined snapper, butterfly fish, triggerfish, plus moray eel, turtle and dolphin.<\/p>\n<p>Exploring this colourful aquatic sanctuary, you\u2019ll also find blue parrotfish, octopus, clams, sea cucumbers, reef sharks and sometimes in season (July \u2013 December) migrating Humpback whales who nurture their calves in these clear, warm waters.<\/p>\n<p>And then there are the dolphins\u2026 the reef habitat shelters over 200 of these lively and friendly cetaceans \u2013 spinner, humpback and bottle-nosed. Fortunate visitors can sometimes enjoy a swim with these playful creatures.<\/p>\n<p>The reefs and the protected islands here are home to sea birds living in large nesting colonies. You\u2019ll see the crab-plover and roseate tern.<\/p>\n<h3><strong><b>The Kenyan Barrier Reef<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Along the wall of the reef, just about every nook is inhabited by some sort of aquatic creature. This is a kaleidoscopic underwater world just waiting for your discovery.<\/p>\n<p>This entire protected sanctuary is 39 sq. km (15 sq. mi) in area, with four small islands surrounded by coral reefs.<\/p>\n<h3><strong><b>Location<\/b><\/strong>:<\/h3>\n<p>On the southern coast of Kenya near Shimoni and south of Wasini Island, near the Tanzanian border. Kisite Mpunguti is 120 km (75 mi) from Mombasa and 605 km (375mi) from Nairobi.<\/p>\n<h3><strong><b>Climate:<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The area here is humid and relatively cool with temperatures of about 22<sup>o<\/sup>\u00a0C (71<sup>o<\/sup>\u00a0F) and annual rainfall 19 inches.<\/p>\n<h3><strong><b>Best time to visit:<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>You can tour, swim and snorkel here all year round. However, the very best time to dive and snorkel is between October and March. The visibility from June through August is not as clear and the seas could be a bit rougher.<\/p>\n<h3><strong><b>Getting there:<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The park is only reached by boat, usually a cruise on a traditional dhow. You can book a tour with\u00a0<strong><b>Pride Drive Tour Solutions<\/b><\/strong>from the coastal resorts of Mombasa and Diani Beach.<\/p>\n<h2>Things to do and see<\/h2>\n<h3><strong><b>Snorkeling and Diving<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>With its warm, clear waters and spectacular coral formations, the underwater experience here is one of the best in East Africa. And because of the variety in dive sites \u2013 seven in all \u2013 there are opportunities for beginners as well as more proficient divers. Diving sites range from 2 m (6 ft) to 32 m (100 ft).<\/p>\n<h3><strong><b><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-93955\" src=\"http:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Snorkeling-and-Diving1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1900\" height=\"831\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Snorkeling-and-Diving1.jpg 1900w, https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Snorkeling-and-Diving1-300x131.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Snorkeling-and-Diving1-1024x448.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Snorkeling-and-Diving1-768x336.jpg 768w, https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Snorkeling-and-Diving1-1536x672.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1900px) 100vw, 1900px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-93956\" src=\"http:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Snorkeling-and-Diving2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Snorkeling-and-Diving2.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Snorkeling-and-Diving2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Snorkeling-and-Diving2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Snorkeling-and-Diving2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Snorkeling-and-Diving2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>Kisite Island<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Surrounded by a beautiful sandy beach, this island is a vital habitat for the various bird populations. In this vital seabird sanctuary, you\u2019ll see colonies of roseate and sooty terns breeding in July.<\/p>\n<h3><strong><b><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-93957\" src=\"http:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Kisite.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" \/>Turtles<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>You\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n<h3><strong><b>Shimoni Caves<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Located in a small fishing village, these ancient coral caves were for centuries \u2018Kayas\u2019 or sacred sites of worship for the local communities. However, fate and history brought a darker aspect to this tranquil spot. In the 18<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0and 19<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0century 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.<\/p>\n<h3><strong><b><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-93958\" src=\"http:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Shimoni-Slave-cave-in-Kwale-featured.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"693\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Shimoni-Slave-cave-in-Kwale-featured.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Shimoni-Slave-cave-in-Kwale-featured-300x130.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Shimoni-Slave-cave-in-Kwale-featured-1024x444.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Shimoni-Slave-cave-in-Kwale-featured-768x333.jpg 768w, https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Shimoni-Slave-cave-in-Kwale-featured-1536x665.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/>Discover Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park &amp; Reserve<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>You\u2019ll be enchanted by the rainbow of undersea life, amazing turtles, friendly dolphins and some of the best coral reefs in the world. Discover the premier diving and snorkeling at Kisite Mpunguti\u2026 so close to your resort!<\/p>\n<p>Join us on safari to this world-class marine park. We have safaris departing from Mombasa and other coastal resorts going to Kisite Mpunguti and other prime Kenya Parks. Check out the complete range of safari tours in Kenya<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_93960\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-93960\" style=\"width: 2560px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-93960\" src=\"http:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/kisite-mpunguti-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/kisite-mpunguti-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/kisite-mpunguti-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/kisite-mpunguti-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/kisite-mpunguti-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/kisite-mpunguti-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/kisite-mpunguti-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-93960\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA<\/figcaption><\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Brilliant Coral Reefs &amp; Countless Dolphins This superb marine park is the Masai Mara of the sea \u2013 incredible natural formations, colorful habitats and limitless sea life. The\u00a0Kisite Mpunguti\u00a0is a protected sanctuary of coral reefs and small islands, home to dolphins, turtles, innumerable fish and sea birds. The sea life is so lush here that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":93957,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[56,14656,14659,14657],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-93954","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destinations","category-kenyan-destinations","category-kenyan-insights","category-travel-insights"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/93954","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=93954"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/93954\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/93957"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=93954"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=93954"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=93954"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}