Outstanding Snorkeling, Diverse and Abundant Marine Life
Entrance is USD17 per Adult, USD13 per child
Crossing point for the Great Migration
Jun - Oct, Dec - Mar
Jul - Sep
Location
The Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve is located on Kenya’s east coast, approximately 350 miles from Nairobi and only 55 miles from the coastal city of Mombasa.
Size
The size of the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve is 15 square miles.
History
The Kisite Island and Mpunguti Island were included as part of a group of protected reserves and marine parks in the 1970s. The Kenyan Government then established the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve in 1978. The body aims to protect dramatic coral gardens, scenic islands, and incredible marine habitats in the area.
Entrance Fees & Permits
Entrance fees to the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve are USD 117 Per Person, for 3-12 years and 30 USD per person. View our WASINI DHOW & DOLPHIN EXCURSION.
By Road
The drive to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve is over a distance of 50 miles towards the coastal city of Mombasa, along the Mombasa Road.
By Air
Flights from Nairobi’s main airport, Jomo Kenyatta (NBO) to Ukunda (UKA) will take approximately 80 minutes. From Ukanda guests will be transferred to Diani Beach, a 15 minute ride, where they will board their boat transfer to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve, a distance of 33 miles.
Weather & Climate
The climate in this coastal region is humid, with temperatures averaging between 70 F and 93 F during the year. The short rains fall between October and December, with heavier rainfall occurring between March and May.
Avoiding Crowds
The dry season between July and the end of September is a popular time to experience the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve. As well as from late December to the end of February, with a break in the rainfall bringing clearer skies, warm, humid days and great visibility. Therefore, visitors wanting to avoid crowds should consider travelling to the reserve either late October, early November or perhaps during the month of June when fewer people and boats will be present.
Value for Money
With accommodation options in nearby Mombasa, spending time at Kisite Mpunguti is great value for money.
Popular Marine Life Sightings
With one of the largest numbers of diverse marine life, the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve offers a plethora of mammals and sea life for visitors to enjoy either on boat excursions or when diving and snorkeling. Dolphins sightings are most popular, however there is the chance you could spot the migrating Humpback whale if visiting between July and December.
The Aquatic Landscape
Discover beautiful coral reefs of Kenya’s Barrier Reef which runs from Shimoni to Malindi, a picturesque underwater kingdom. Nearby, the Shimoni Slave Caves offer a contrast to the water wonderland. The stark, stone buildings are a reminder of a darker side to the country’s history, a fascinating exploration for visitors to the area.
Boat Rides
Hotels and lodges in and around nearby Mombasa offer boat rides to the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. Taking guests out on whale and dolphin watching experiences and a chance to do some snorkeling around magnificent coral reefs.
Visit to Shimoni Slave Caves
Organized visits to the former, 1750s slave quarters and natural cave systems w can be arranged. The town is now a quiet and tranquil community, a vast difference to the horrors it saw centuries ago.
Shimoni Cultural Village Tour
Visit the local community at Shimoni and experience day to day living in this quiet and charming rural village. Hear stories and learn traditions of the tribes that have been living in Shimoni for centuries.
Wasini Dhow & Dolphin Excursion from Diani
Snorkelling, Dolphin encounters, seafood lunch
Enjoy a sun-drenched day of snorkeling, dolphin viewing, bird watching and sailing in the Wasini Kisite Mpunguti marine park at Shimoni.
This popular coastal sea and land excursion from Diani offers a full day of activities featuring sailing on a traditional Dhow.
The accommodations to be found within the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park or just outside comprise budget cottages or bed and breakfast-style options. International guests will most likely be staying in or close to nearby Diani Beach and Mombasa, where options range from boutique hotels to classic hotels. Nearby Chale Island also offers accommodation in a stunning coastal setting.
Distance from Diani Beach lodges – Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve.
Lodge or Hotel Distance to park entrance (in miles)
The Sands at Chale Island 38 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Diamonds leisure beach & golf resort 30 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Diani reef beach resort & spa
53 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Neptune palm beach boutique resort & spa 24 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Neptune paradise beach resort & spa 36 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Neptune village beach resort & spa 38 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Waterlovers beach resort 28 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Eleven pearl boutique hotel & spa 26 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Diani sea resort 28 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Sands at Nomad hotel 27 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Sands at Chale island 38 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Leopard beach resort & spa 36 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Southern palms beach resort 31 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Swahili Beach Resort 36 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Baobab beach resort & spa 29 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Papillon lagoon reef 33 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Distance from Mombasa lodges – Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve.
Lodge or Hotel Distance to park entrance (in miles)
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa 54 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Severin sea Lodge 54 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Neptune Beach Resort
55 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Voyager Beach Resort 50.2 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Serena Beach Resort & Spa 54miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort Convention Centre and Spa 24 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Travellers Beach Hotel & Club 19 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Nyali Sun Africa Beach Hotel & Spa 55 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Hotel English Point Marina 19 miles from the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Visit to Shimoni Slave Caves
Organized visits to the former, 1750s slave quarters and natural cave systems w can be arranged. The town is now a quiet and tranquil community, a vast difference to the horrors it saw centuries ago.
When is the best time to visit Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve ?
To avoid the rainy season, it is best to consider visiting Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve between the months of May and October.
How much does an experience in Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve Cost?
Tours of Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve will average a price of around USD 150 per person. Visitors will have a chance to enjoy a boat ride, enjoy dolphin watching and enjoy some snorkeling on their day out.
How to get to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve?
From Nairobi, the drive to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve is a long one taking around seven hours along the Nairobi-Mombasa Road. The drive from the coastal city of Mombasa will take approximately two hours. Visitors can fly to Uganda where they will be transferred to Diani beach and a further 15 minute boat ride will take them to the Reserve.
What makes a visit to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve so special?
The beauty of the coral reefs and the incredible number of turtles are just two of the many reasons that the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve is special and worth a visit.
What animals can I see in the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve?
Dolphins and turtles are the highlight when visiting the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Reserve. As is the rest of the incredible marine life, an array of over 250 fish species being recorded.
When is Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve open?
The Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park is open daily from 6am and 6pm.
Do you need to book in advance to visit the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve?
A tour to the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park should be pre-booked as there will most likely be a lengthy transfer to the reserve from your hotel near Mombasa or even further afield in Nairobi.
What’s the best way to see Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve?
Boat tours are the best way to experience the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
What hotels, lodges, and camps are near Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve?
Most of the accommodation found in the area of Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park will consist of humble cottages and simple bed and breakfasts. The more boutique and larger accommodation options are found closer to the city of Mombasa or nearby Chale Island.
What restaurants are near Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve?
There are no specific restaurants that stand out in the region of Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. Meals will be enjoyed at the hotels and lodges the guests are staying at or in nearby Mombasa.
What attractions are near Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve?
The Shimoni slave caves are worth a visit when spending time at Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve.
