Eco Tourism Adventure in Kenya - Snorkeling in Shimoni
View PDF | Print View
by: AndrewMuigai
Total views: 2
Word Count: 476
At the South Coast of Kenya are found two of the best snorkeling and scuba diving sites in the country - Shimoni Village and Wasini Island. Shimoni is a village found 76 km south of Likoma, and close to the Kenya-Tanzania border. The village is most renowned for the Shimoni caves in which are found such artifacts as the well-preserved wooden crates used by slave masters to transport slaves to Arabia during the slave trade. Shimoni also marks the launching point to Wasini Island, situated a few minutes from Shimoni.
Located close to Tanzania, the 6 sq km Wasini Island has for many years remained a traditional fishing centre. It is most popular for the ancient ruins, which date back to the 18th and 19th century Arab settlements, and the beatiful landscapes of exposed coral reefs, popularly known as coral gardens. The primary means of getting to the Island in by dhow. The island has no roads or cars. The Islands inhabitants are called the Fuba, a friendly bantu tribe that speak both Kifuba language and Swahili. The Fuba number about 1500.
The Kisite-Mpunguti marine National Park lies just next to Wasini Island, about 75 miles south of Mombasa. It is reputedly Kenya's most accessible marine park. Kisite has a great diversity of fishes and coral, and its weather conditions are perfect for diving all the year round. Visitors can also snorkel off the reef of a rocky islet and the beautiful sand bar that appears out of blue ocean during low tide.
The park and reserve are both a haven for marine life, snorkelers and divers alike with the protected areas boasting diverse plants and animals. The bird-life is particularly interesting and includes the rare palm-nut vulture and the more common fish eagle.
The Shimoni complex hosts Green and Hawksbill turtles, together with seven species of dolphins that have been found there. The turtles and the dolphins can be seen almost daily. Also seen regularly in October and November are Humpback whales during their yearly migration.
Several fish have been observed in the area, and most fall into the following families - Large Wrasse, Emperors, Puffer fish, Butterfly fish, Trigger fish, Snappers and Groupers. The specific species found include Scorpion fish, Parrot fish, Wrasses, Moray eels, Cardinal fish, angel fish, Damsel fish and rays.
The main site for snorkeling is the fringing reef near Kisite Island at the centre of the park. This site is accessible by dhow, or, during low tide, from the beach. There are several sites for diving, many of which fall within the park and within the reserve. Mpunguti ya Chini and Mpunguti ya Juu are two uninhabited islands found behind Wasini Island.
To get to Wasini Island you need to take a bus or hire a taxi from Likoni to Shimoni. From Shimoni is a dhow run by Mpunguti Restaurant that will take you to the island.
About the Author
Andrew Muigai is the Managing Director of Africa Point, an online travel agency that offers Kenya safaris and hotel reservations for hotels in Mombasa
Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote