Wasini lies about 500 km, south of the equator in the Indian Ocean and lies in southeast 75 kilometers south of Mombasa, and 3 kilometers opposite the harbor of the village Shimoni. The name "wasini Mpunguti" came from the early inhabitants who originally were the Chinese. They were short Chinese, hence the name wasini Mpunguti which to the locals means short Chinese. The island has only footpaths of sharp old coral or sand. There are no cars, carts or bicycles. Transport is over the paths, or via the beaches, mainly consisting of coral and only passable with low tide, or by boat over the sea.
The Kenya Wild Life Service (KWS) monitors the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and charges for entry fee to the park. The money is used to maintain the park. The majority of visitors arrive on prepaid packages organized. Kisite covers 11 square kilometers while Mpunguti reserve covers 28 square kilometers. The park covers an area with four small islands surrounded by coral Reef. Marine life is in abundance, including trigger fish, moray eels, angelfish, butterfly fish, groupers, parrotfish, wrasses, scorpion fish, puffer fish, damselfish, rays, snappers, green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, and dolphins. Humpback whales and whale sharks are seasonal.
The fisherman usually use an open baskets and put under water, or they throw fishing lines instead. Sometime they fish in rough waters of the Pemba channel, between Wasini and Pemba, and the more calm waters between the island and the mainland. Also there are several sports fishing vessels anchored on the shore of Shimoni at the Pemba Channel Club which passes into the Pemba channel - a fishing ground famous for Kenya, winning All Africa and World IGFA fishing records. There’s plenty of seafood and great local chef who prepares delicious food for tourists as they enjoy the island.
Often humpback whales and dolphins can be spotted in the immediate surroundings of the island. Near the mainland humpback whales can regularly be seen swimming northbound on the East African current. At the east side of the island often dolphins playsin the seawater as tourists watch while cruising in glass boats operated by the locals. On the island itself at the shore opposite of Wasini village near the Kenyan Marine jetty beautiful coral fauna and flora can be seen and be examined while snorkeling. North of the stairs of the jetty is nice for swimming because of the cool clear seawater there.
Wasini Island has a local group called (Wasini Women Group) whom have established a nature boardwalk in the beautiful coral gardens on the Western end. Proceeds help e.g. needy Wasini students and other Wasini citizens. In Mwkiro there is a well-established, but rudimentary orphanage. These indigenous Non-Government Organizations (NGO's) and self-help groups supplement activities across the water at Shimoni whereby visitors frequent the "Shimoni Slave Caves" - a community based project. In the caves live fruit bats.
If you wish to visit Wasini Island, you can pre-book day excursion or holiday stay through us at Natives Tours and Transfers to experience good vibrant of the amazing and historic island. You can also view other itineraries on our website.
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