Kenya Marine Parks Mombasa Marine National Park Malindi-Watamu Marine National Park  Tana River Primate Reserve Kuinga Marine National Park Dodori National reserve

Mombasa Marine National Park   National Park - 200 sq km - Managed by Kenya Wildlife Service     Mombasa Marine Reserve was formed first, to protect the previous coralheads and their resident marinelife from damage by over-fishing and trophy collecting (relics, shells, coral etc). Coral species include: branching (acropora), encrusting (turbinaria) and massive (porites). The National Park opened recently with the support of local hoteliers to prevent further stripping of the natural treasures from the reef in order to preserve its ecological and tourist attraction. Beaches with marine park access: Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu.        Climate:  Hot and humid Features:  Beach,Coral garden Facilities:  Hotels, Lodges in Mombasa town Activities:   Snorkelling,Diving,sunbathing       Malindi-Watamu Marine National Park   National Park - 261sq km - Managed by Kenya Wildlife Service     It is convenient to treat both these parks as one unit as they are incorporated in the same Marine National Reserve. Famous for their vast stretches of casuarinas fringed white sandy beaches, the coastal resorts of Malindi and Watamu are also world leaders in the accessibility, beauty and diversity of marine life which lives just off-shore on Barracuda and North Reef coral reefs and Turtle and Whale Islands;which is the nesting ground for roseate and bridled terns from June to September when they should not be disturbed and are protected by razor sharp rocks and rough sea.   Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve encompasses the Mida Creek mangrove forest where young coral begins its existence before the tides take it out to the reefs beyond. The forest roots are rich in fish, crabs, prawns and oysters and are also excellent for birdwatching. Tewa Caves, near the mouth of the creek, are partly underwater where Giant Groupers (up to 800lbs) co-exist with many other tropical fish species. The low tide is best to make a trip. Floating slowly over the coral beds you get to see brilliantly coloured marine fishes of bizarre shapes,spiny fish urchins, brightly hued seas slugs, crabs and starfish.   Shore birds include; sanderlings, curlew sandpipers, little stints, whimbrel and greenshanks and three species of plovers: grey, great sand and mongolian sand.Non-breeding visitors include terns and gulls. They are; swift, lesser crested and saunders' little terns and the sooty or hemprich's gull.   On the mainland Giant Monitor Lizards, dik dik, Antelope, mongoose and monkey species.   The coral reefs are home to over 140 species of hard and soft corals. Their symbiotic relationship with the chlorophyll generating plants give the corals their spectacular night-time phosphorescent colours. The reef plays a diverse role. As well as bio-diversity strongholds, they are breeding grounds for fish and other marine life, a vital barrier against the force of the sea, protecting marine organisms and tourist recreation, they keep out dangerous sharks common to the deeper waters, and their colour and the exotic coral fish they support provides a major attraction for tourists. The historic Gede Ruins in Watamu offer an interesting excursion.   There is an excellent range of accommodation along this stretch of the Kenya coast.    Climate:  Hot and humid Features:  Coral Reefs,Vasco da Gama pillah,Coral gardens   Facilities:  Bandas,Campsite   Activities:   Diving,Snorkelling     Tana River Primate Reserves   - 169 sq km - Managed by Kenya Wildlife Service   The Tana River Primate Reserve was opened in 1976 to protect the Lower Tana river forest and two endangered species of monkey: the crested Mangbey and the Tana River Colobus. Access is via the Malindi-Garissa road. As well as the lush river forest, there is dry woodland and open savannah bisected by the river. Many of the bird and animal species are unusual in East Africa, generally they are typical of Central Africa’s lowland rainforest. One bird in particular, the White-Winged Apalis, is extremely rare. Others include ;openbill stork, martial eagle, bat hawk, pygmy falcon, barred owlet, scaly babbler, starling, golden pipit.   The forest also supports a rich array of mammals, a high number of reptiles and amphibian species, as well as a number of rare plants, some of which are unique to this area. Small groups of visitors with keen interest in primates and birdlife can be taken here. Limited accommodation is available at Muchelelo Research tented camp, by prior arrangements through KWS.        Climate:  Hot and dry Facilities:  Campsites, Bandas, Trails Activities:   Walking, Game viewing Airstrip:   One     Dodori National Reserve   Wildlife Sanctuary - 877 sq km - Managed by Kenya Wildlife Service     Dodori National Reserve was opened in 1976 to preserve a breeding ground for the East Lamu Topi, pelicans and with other local birdlife. Covering 877sq. kms with views of Dodori River and creek outlet with the densest, most varied species of mangrove forest in Kenya. Lion, Lesser Kudu, giraffe and hippo are also common to this Reserve.   Birds already noted are palmut vulture, Southern branded harrier eagle, honey buzzard, brown hooded kingfisher, European and carmine bee-eaters, brown breasted barbet and violet breasted sunbird.   There is no accomodation in this park.        Climate:  Hot and humid Facilities:  None Activities:   Game viewing Airstrip:   one     For More Information Contact us