Best Marine Parks In Kenya And Their Location : Kenya is one of the famous African safari destinations on the African continent, which has many wildlife species that act as top tourist attraction, and there are more marine wildlife species thriving in various water bodies around the country most especially in the Indian Ocean. More so, Kenya boasts several marine national parks and game reserves, which are not only ecologically significant, but they are unique and tourists exploring around these national parks always get a good experience. More so, this Kenyan coast allows tourists to encounter through the diversity of the sea life. In addition, in the context below; we will delve more into more information about some of the best marine national parks that are found in the country, highlighting more about the biodiversity, key features, and the importance of conservation efforts. Therefore, some of these marine parks include;
- Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve.
Malindi Marine national park is located in the northern region of Watamu and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which was established in 1979 hence considering it to be one of the Africa’s oldest marine national parks in the whole world. This national park is dominated and surrounded by many beautiful physical features such as; fringing reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds creating diverse good natural habitats too many wildlife species. In addition, snorkelers touring around this national park can get opportunities to explore through the coral gardens and get to see a variety of fish species, rays, seagulls, fencing reefs, coral reefs, and mudflats, marine animals, turtles, shorebirds among others.
Malindi marine national park covers a total surface area of about 213 square kilometers and it offers a variety of exciting activities to individuals hence making it a good perfect destination to visit and some of these activities include; swimming, snorkeling, glass bottom boat rides, scuba diving, jet skiing bird watching, camping and visit beaches and many others.
- Watamu Marine National Park
Watamu Marine National Park is situated 120 kilometers North of Mombasa, the park was designated as a protected area in 1968 and is a UN World Biosphere Reserve. The park covers a total surface area of about 10 square kilometers; Watamu Marine National Park is known to be a home to a plethora of marine life including molluscs, stony corals, dugongs, crustaceans, and over 500 different species of fish.
Watamu Marine National Park is one of the best marine parks in Kenya and home to endangered Green Sea turtle, octopus and barracudas which visitors can see. Other marine creatures to lookout for include sea rays and reef sharks when you take a dive around the Canyon.
Watamu Marine National Park offers several water sports including Sunbathing on the white sandy beaches, snorkeling, water skiing, windsurfing, and glass-bottomed boat cruises.
- Mombasa Marine National Park.
Mombasa marine national park is a unique protected area, which is located within the bustling Mombasa city, and it was formed during 1986 and it is a home to an array of marine life, migratory birds and it is surrounded with indigenous good cover vegetation. This national park lies between Mtwapa and Tudor creeks, which is situated near Mombasa shoreline. More so, there are swaying coconut trees, warm turquoise waters and various sandy beaches where to visit chill and relax.
- Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park.
Kisite mpunguti marine national park is located in the southern coast of Kenya situated near shimoni and the southern part of Wasini Island in Kwale County along close to the Tanzanian border. This national park covers a total surface area of about 39 square kilometres, and it was officially established in 1973. Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park is being managed by Kenya wildlife services.
Mors so, this national park encompasses around 4 beautiful islands which are surrounded by coral reefs that offer snorkeling and diving opportunities and it is a home to avariety of fish species such as; parrotfish, butterfly fish, angelfish and many others. Kisite Mounguti is also famously known as a dolphin sanctuary which hosts around 200 dolphins.
- Kiunga Marine National Reserve
Kiunga marine national reserve is located in the northern part of Kenya, it is situated near Somalia, and it is dominated by vast expanses of coastline, coral reefs and stunning islands. More so, this national reserve is also seen as a critical nesting site for endangered sea turtles such as; olive ridley turtles, loggerhead and many others. More so, this national park is seen as a haven for bird watchers because there are mangrove areas, which act as good natural habitat to the birds.
More so, Kiunga Marine National Park is an area section of rough coral islands surrounded by reefs of rainbow coral and part of the mystical Swahili domain of the Lamu Archipelago and it is located along the north of the indian ocean and it protects many beautiful physical features which include the rolling hills, unique turtles and it is a perfect spot where to experience the underwater beauty and adventure.
In addition, for tourists exploring around this national park get opportunities to embark into many interesting activities such as; windsurfing, diving and snorkeling, water skiing, and sunbathing.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about the top marine national parks in Kenya and then book with our tours and travel company such as; Focus East Africa tours who offer the best tour packages while on a safari in the country.
