Where to stay in Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
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Overview
Kisite-Mpunguti lies off Shimoni on Kenya’s south coast, near the border with Tanzania. It’s made up of Kisite Marine National Park (about 28 km²) and Mpunguti Marine National Reserve (about 11 km²), both set up in 1978.
The area protects coral reefs, small coral islands and seagrass beds around Kisite Island and the Mpunguti islands. Fishing is banned in the national park, so the reefs are in good condition.
Most visitors join a dhow trip from Shimoni for snorkelling, diving and dolphin watching, often with lunch on Wasini Island.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Marine life
Bottlenose and humpback dolphins are often seen. The reefs have hundreds of species of fish, as well as turtles and corals.
Whales and birds
Humpback whales pass between about July and October. Kisite Island is a nesting site for roseate terns.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: July to March, outside the long rains, when the sea is calmer and clearer.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Jul – Oct | Cool, dry season | Breezy, with good visibility on calm days. |
| Nov – Mar | Hot, dry season | Calm, warm sea and the best snorkelling. |
| Apr – Jun | Long rains | Wet and windy. Rough seas. |
Book a morning dhow trip, when the sea is calmest.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moi International (MBA), Mombasa | Coastal arrivals | About 2 hours by road to Shimoni. |
| Ukunda (UKA), Diani | Domestic flights | About 1 hour by road to Shimoni. |
By road
From Mombasa, take the Likoni ferry and the coast road south past Diani to Shimoni.
Entrance & Fees
Kenya Wildlife Service charges a daily conservation fee per person, paid electronically through eCitizen. Kisite-Mpunguti is one of KWS's marine protected areas.
| Visitor | Adult | Child / student |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | US$25 | US$15 |
| African citizen | US$15 | US$10 |
| Kenyan resident | KSh 675 | KSh 350 |
| East African citizen | KSh 500 | KSh 250 |
Boat trips are paid separately and usually include the fee.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the KWS conservation fees schedule (October 2025).