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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.
Hours of Operation
The entrance to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve is open between 6am and 6pm daily.
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 |
| 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 |
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.
To avoid the rainy season, it is best to consider visiting Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve between the months of May and October.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park is open daily from 6am and 6pm.
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.
Boat tours are the best way to experience the 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.
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.
The Shimoni slave caves are worth a visit when spending time at Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve.
The rare colobus monkey lives overhead – you can spot them high in the forest’s trees. Unfortunately, these forests are being decimated, threatening the monkeys’ survival. Enter Colobus Conservation Centre, an organization started by the local residents in Diani, after they became aware of the threat of human encroachment on the Angolan black and white Colobus monkey. Now, with the Centre’s programs of education and rehabilitation of both the monkeys and the forest, there is hope for the survival of the colobus and other species like the vervet, sykes, and baboon.
A Refuge for the Colobus Monkey
Enjoy a sun-drenched day of snorkeling, dolphin viewing, bird watching and sailing in the Kisite Mpunguti marine park.
This popular coastal sea and land excursion offers a full day of activities featuring sailing on a traditional Dhow.
The marine park is 6km from the Kenya Coast(at shimoni)and 8km north of the Tanzanian border.
Snorkelling, Dolphin encounters, seafood lunch
Enjoy a sun-drenched day of snorkeling, dolphin viewing, bird watching and sailing in the Kisite Mpunguti marine park. This popular coastal sea and land excursion offers a full day of activities featuring sailing on a traditional Dhow. The tour includes Dolphin encounters and a sea food lunch. Wasini dhow excursion pick-up points: Galu resorts, Diani resorts, Tiwi resorts & South Coast area beach resorts. Departure Times South Coast Resorts: Approximately: 0645hrsCollects from / drops back to Diani beach area resorts
A coastal rain forest in Kenya? Anything is possible here!
Visit Shimba Hills to experience cool sea breezes, frequent mists and early morning clouds. Known for waterfalls, forests and bird viewing.
Home to endangered Sable Antelope, Elephants, Giraffe e.t.c
A coastal rain forest in Kenya? Anything is possible here!Visit Shimba Hills to experience cool sea breezes, frequent mists and early morning clouds. Known for waterfalls, forests and bird viewing. Collects from / drops back to Diani beach area resort.Surf, Sun… Safari! Kenya is known for fabulous beaches and even more fabulous safaris. Here’s a fun way to take a break from the beach and sample some of our incredible wildlife. Natural World Kenya Safaris will pick you up from your resort and then it’s off to Tsavo East National Park for a very full day of discovery.
The largest park in Kenya and one of the most established, Tsavo East is renowned for its wild and rugged charm, plus its abundance of mammals and birdlife. Here you may spot unique species like the red-dust elephants who like to roll in the red-oxide soil of Tsavo.
Surf, Sun… Safari! Take a Break from Diani Beach at this Famous Park
Surf, Sun… Safari! Kenya is known for fabulous beaches and even more fabulous safaris. Here’s a fun way to take a break from the beach and sample some of our incredible wildlife. Natural World Kenya Safaris will pick you up from your resort and then it’s off to Tsavo East National Park for a very full day of discovery. The largest park in Kenya and one of the most established, Tsavo East is renowned for its wild and rugged charm, plus its abundance of mammals and birdlife. Here you may spot unique species like the red-dust elephants who like to roll in the red-oxide soil of Tsavo.Ali Barbour’s Cave is thought to be between 120,000 and 180,000 years old. Situated about 30km south of Mombasa and 200m back from the high water mark, it compromises a series of interlinking chambers at depths of up to 10m below ground level.
Dine beneath a star – filled night sky in a unique environment with an extraordinary level of service and genuine hospitality. Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant is situated 10 meters below ground in a ancient, naturally sculptured coral cave open to the sky.
The restaurant serves international cuisine specialising in seafood with other mouth watering choices available.
The restaurant is open for dinner from 06:30 PM every evening and reservation are recommended to ensure you have a table. Dress code is smart / casual.
Children 6 and under are not permitted in the Cave.
Dine beneath a star-filled night African sky
Ali Barbour's Cave is thought to be between 120,000 and 180,000 years old. Situated about 30km south of Mombasa and 200m back from the high water mark, it compromises a series of interlinking chambers at depths of up to 10m below ground level.Dine beneath a star - filled night sky in a unique environment with an extraordinary level of service and genuine hospitality. Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant is situated 10 meters below ground in a ancient, naturally sculptured coral cave open to the sky.The restaurant serves international cuisine specialising in seafood with other mouth watering choices available.The restaurant is open for dinner from 06:30 PM every evening and reservation are recommended to ensure you have a table. Dress code is smart / casual.Children 6 and under are not permitted in the Cave.Right at the heart of Msambweni bay, 12 km south of Diani Beach, lies the Chale Island. The Island is more of a heed place than an Island, and the native coastal people use it as a worshipping area.
It has a spectacular white beach, beautifully fringed by coral reefs, making it a haven for tourists seeking a more romantic treat.
From its adequately equipped water sports center to fascinating boat excursions, Chale Island ultimately has a lot to offer.
Different diving and water sports take place at the Island, with the Diving Crab offering boat snorkeling, beach snorkeling, kayaking, local catamaran sailing, and game fishing among other activities.
Shopping for souvenirs, clothing, swimwear, toiletries, and jewelry is part of things to do in Diani Beach. At Chale Island, two boutiques are adequately stocked.
For customized carvings, you can place an order from local woodcarvers. If you are staying on the island, you can go for shopping trips at Diani Kenya town
Turquoise waters, White sandy beaches e.t.c
Right at the heart of Msambweni bay, 12 km south of Diani Beach, lies the Chale Island. The Island is more of a heed place than an Island, and the native coastal people use it as a worshipping area. It has a spectacular white beach, beautifully fringed by coral reefs, making it a haven for tourists seeking a more romantic treat. From its adequately equipped water sports center to fascinating boat excursions, Chale Island ultimately has a lot to offer.The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season (December– February and June - August) when conditions are especially good for trekking to view mountain gorillas. Game drives in the national parks are also fruitful during this time.
Wear neutral colored, lightweight clothing on your Uganda safari. Dress in layers and bring a warm sweater for morning and nighttime game drives. For gorilla trekking, bring a waterproof rain jacket, hiking boots, long socks, hiking pants, bug repellant, and a daypack. A sunhat and gardening gloves are also a good idea; the jungle is dense and thick.
Natural World Kenya Safaris offers Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda with basic accommodations starting at $96 per person, per day, plus the Uganda gorilla trekking permit which costs $700 per person per day (the permits are required, and those fees are non-negotiable.) Costs increase from there.
Natural World Safaris can provide basic, mid-range, and luxury trekking safaris and is eager to work with almost any budget.
Suggested tips range from $10 to $20 per person per day for a private guide and the same amount for your driver if that is a different person than your guide.
If you are on a guided safari or gorilla trek in Uganda, your chances of encountering problems are minimal. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions on your safari, particularly when traveling through urban areas or in regions close to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The trek to spot gorillas can be strenuous. It could take anywhere from two to eight hours to find and observe the gorillas, depending on the time of year. Be prepared to hike for multiple hours through uneven terrain at high altitude. It is advisable to train before any gorilla trekking trip by walking uphill, or better yet, by taking day hikes.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, there are never any guarantees. There are no fences in the parks in Uganda and the gorillas are free to roam. However, our expert guides and gorilla trackers have years of experience taking guests to see these magnificent creatures. They know their favorite spots to congregate and work closely with park officials each day to provide the best possible chance of seeing gorillas in the wild.
Most mountain gorillas in Uganda live at between 4,900 to 7,500 feet. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the country’s mountain gorillas, has a high point of 8,550ft.
The best time to go on a gorilla trek in Rwanda is during the dry season (June - September) when conditions are best for trekking to view the country’s highlight: the fascinating mountain gorillas.
Wear neutral colored, lightweight clothing on your Rwanda gorilla trek. Dress in layers and don’t forget a sweater for chilly morning and nighttime game drives. For gorilla trekking, bring a waterproof rain jacket, broken-in hiking boots, long socks, hiking pants, bug repellant, and a daypack. A sun visor and protective gloves – such as gardening gloves - are also useful.
Natural World Kenya Safaris offers Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Rwanda with basic accommodations starting at $720 per person, per day, plus the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit which costs $1,500 per person per day (the permits are required, and those fees are non-negotiable.) Costs increase from there.
Natural World Safaris can provide basic, mid-range, and luxury trekking safaris and is eager to work with almost any budget.
Suggested tips for your guide are $25 per person, per day for a private guide and the same amount for your driver if that is a different person than your guide.
Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa, particularly if you are on a guided safari or gorilla trek. Your chances of encountering problems are minimal. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions on your safari, particularly when traveling through urban areas. Cross-border travel into the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Burundi is not safe, however, so steer clear of this.
The trek to spot gorillas can be strenuous. It could take anywhere from two to eight hours to find and observe the gorillas, depending on the time of year. Be prepared to hike for multiple hours through uneven terrain at high altitude. It is advisable to train before any gorilla trekking trip by walking uphill, or better yet, by taking day hikes.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, there are never any guarantees. There are no fences in the parks in Rwanda and the gorillas are free to roam. However, our expert guides and gorilla trackers have years of experience taking guests to see these magnificent creatures. They know their favorite spots to congregate and work closely with park officials each day to provide the best possible chance of seeing gorillas in the wild.
Most mountain gorillas in Rwanda live at between 8,000 to 13,000 feet. Volcanoes National Park has a high point of 15,000ft.
Contact us for more information
For more information about our safari excursions, or to book your dream safari trip with Natural World Kenya Safaris, simply get in touch with our friendly travel advisors. Give us a call on +254 704 001 122 or leave your details on our contact us page, and we'll reply as quickly as possible.
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