Wasini Island and Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, Kenya.

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Kisite Marine National Park

Top choice in Wasini Island


Off the south coast of Wasini, this gorgeous marine park, which also incorporates the Mpunguti Marine National Reserve and the two tiny Penguti islands, is one of the best in Kenya. The park covers 28 sq km of pristine coral reefs and offers colourful diving and snorkelling, with frequent dolphin and turtle sightings. The marine park is accessible by dhow tour from Diani Beach or private boat hired in Wasini (per person from KSh2500 to KSh3000).

The best time to dive and snorkel is between October and March. Diving and snorkelling in June, July and August can mean poorer visibility and rougher seas, though the weather is changeable. During the monsoon season you can snorkel over the coral gardens – enquire about prices opposite the pier in Wasini.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Wasini Island attractions

1. Slave Caves

4.02 MILES

These caves are where slaves were supposedly kept before being loaded onto boats and shipped to Zanzibar. A custodian takes you around the dank caverns to…

2. Mkwiro

4.81 MILES

Mkwiro is a small village on the unvisited eastern end of Wasini Island. The gorgeous hour-long walk from Wasini village, through woodlands, past tiny…

3. Kaya Kinondo

24.34 MILES

This forest, sacred to the Digo people, is the only one of the area's sacred forests that's open to visitors. Visiting this small grove is a nature walk,…

4. Colobus Conservation Centre

27.67 MILES

Notice the monkeys clambering on rope ladders over the road? The 'colobridges' are the work of the Colobus Conservation Centre, which aims to protect the…

5. Marere Dam

27.82 MILES

A watering hole that attracts animals, including elephants. Also a great birdwatching spot.

6. Sheldrick Falls

28.14 MILES

These pretty 21m-high falls are laced with lianas and greenery, and have a natural plunge pool. Free, two-hour, 2km walks, organised by the Kenya Wildlife…

7. Ras Kigomasha Lighthouse

28.23 MILES

Located on the headland (ras) at the far northern tip of the Kigomasha Peninsula, this lighthouse was built by the British in 1900 and is still actively…

8. Elephant Hill

28.94 MILES

With the best viewpoint in the reserve, this hill is the place to see elephants. It affords lovely views out over the valley towards the ocean. Armed…