Sea creatures

Because Kenya is renowned for its bush game drives, many tourists miss out on the fact that the country is also endowed with a rich marine environment that includes coral reefs, fisheries, mangrove forests and sea grass.

Along the coastal area of the country's south, visitors can find the little-known Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park. This park, a sanctuary of coral reefs and small islands, is home to dolphins, turtles, innumerable fish and sea birds. It also features incredible natural formations, colorful habitats and limitless sea life.

The marine park was established as part of efforts to protect the scenic islands and special habitats of a wide range of endemic marine animals and breeding migratory birds that inhabit Kenya's coast. It was designated as a marine protected area in 1978.

The marine park is home to more than 45 types of coral and 360 fish species such as grouper, puffer fish, blue-lined snapper, butterflyfish, triggerfish, turtles and dolphins. Marine lovers also have the opportunity to see blue parrotfish, octopus, clams, sea cucumbers and reef sharks, and between July and December they may spot migrating humpback whales that nurture their calves in these clear, warm waters.

With seven dive sites ranging from 2 meters to 32 meters, the marine park offers an excellent spot for beginners as well as more proficient divers. Visitors can also make a stop at Kisite Island, decked with a beautiful beach. The island plays an important role as a habitat for bird species in the area, and visitors can see colonies of roseate and sooty terns breeding on the island in July.

Furthermore, explorers can visit ancient coral caves that for centuries have acted as sacred sites of worship for local communities. These sacred caves are laden with historical significance because in the 18th and 19th centuries they became holding pens for captured slaves on their way to the slave markets of Zanzibar.