The Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park is a stunning marine reserve located southeast of the bustling harbor city of Shimoni. A typical day trip involves sailing out to the vibrant coral reef, exploring its depths through diving or snorkeling, enjoying a leisurely lunch, and then sailing back to Shimoni. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins, as encounters with these magnificent creatures are quite common during the journey to and from Kisite reef.
Early morning in Msambweni, a gentle breeze carries the scent of the ocean. On the main square, bustling with activity even at this hour, I found a small stand near the hospital. A young woman smiled as I ordered a mandazi. It was still warm, the perfect balance of crisp and fluffy. A delicious start to my day and a reminder of the warm hospitality and simple pleasures of Kenya’s south coast.
In the Kenyan coastal region, traditional houses stand as a testament to the resourcefulness of the local people. These simple yet efficient dwellings are constructed with a skeleton of locally sourced branches, twigs, then filled with mud for a quite solid and strong wall, and then topped with a makuti (palm thatch) roof. The interior often features a compacted mud floor and a small fireplace for cooking.
This photo captures the essence of coastal living, showcasing a homeowner proudly standing beside his simple house, a symbol of both tradition and practicality in a land where you will need a steady home when monsoon rain hits the coastal regions.
In the small coastal settlement of Munje, daily life buzzes with activity, from small bicycle and motorcycle repairs to tiny shops with groceries and household goods. As the sun dips below the horizon, a unique scene unfolds: the Munje evening fried fish market.
Under the soft glow of kerosene lamps—the only source of light in this community—a handful of women gather to sell their freshly caught and fried seafood. The flickering flames dance across their faces, creating a picturesque image that begs to be captured on a slow shutter speed. The blurred movement of the vendors and the twinkling lights add a sense of magic to this humble market, a testament to the resilience of the community.
Behind Wasini island you will find the well preserved Kisite reef. Kisite reef is located on the south coast of Kenya and it is a popular tourist destination. The reef is made up of a number of small islands, which are covered in coral gardens. The area is also home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, whales, and sharks. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling and diving in the reef’s clear waters.
Dolphins have always been a fascination of mine and when I had the opportunity to go to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve in Kenya, there was no question that I would go see these amazing creatures. The park is located a few hours sailing of the harbor of Shimoni and it is there that you can find dolphins that sometimes follow your boat, jumping out of the water and playing. It was an incredible experience and one that I will never forget.
The park is also home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, making it a great place for snorkeling and diving. I was lucky enough to see a green turtle swimming near the surface and schools of fish darting around.
The sun has just begun to peek over the horizon, casting a yellow and orange glow across the sky. The tide is low and a single fishing boat is floating around, and a cool breeze is blowing in from the ocean. The birds are singing, and the smell of salt water is in the air. This is what early morning at the south coast of Kenya is like.
Kenya is known for its beautiful coastline, and the south coast is one of the most popular destinations. The beaches here are stunning, with white sand and crystal-clear water. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, from swimming and sunbathing to snorkeling and diving.
If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, then early morning at the south coast of Kenya is definitely worth checking out. The beaches are quiet and peaceful at this time of day, and the scenery is simply breathtaking.
A typical example of a traditional Swahili house at the south coast of Kenya. Building materials consisting of mangrove rafters, makuti roofing and walls made out of old coral stones. Beautiful light on a clear warm morning. Swahili houses are unique in that they are constructed using traditional methods and materials. The most common type of Swahili house is found on the south coast of Kenya, where mangrove rafters are used to create a makuti roofing. This type of construction is very sturdy and can withstand the harsh coastal climate.
Along the Lungalunga Ramisi road a colorful snapshot of market day at the south coast Kenya. Market day in Lungalunga Ramisi is always a busy event. The road leading up to the market is filled with stalls selling colorful goods, and people from all over the south coast of Kenya come to buy and sell. There’s always a festive atmosphere, and it’s a great opportunity to see some of the traditional dress and jewelry worn by the locals. If you’re looking for a fun, vibrant place to spend a day, Lungalunga Ramisi is definitely worth a visit.
The sun has just kissed the horizon and the local fishermen are heading out while the tide is up. The sun has just risen, but the fishermen are already hard at work. They manoeuvre their small felucca around the rough waves, using bamboo poles to guide the boat. The job is dangerous, but it provides a modest income for these families. The boats are made of mango wood, and are very fragile. If they were to capsize, the fishermen would be in serious danger. Thankfully, the early morning hours are usually calm and peaceful.
Hiding between the roots of the mangroves is the swamp crocodile. Little have changed for this predator since prehistoric times and it is still successful in hunting down prey that are unaware of this floating tree trunk.
A very poor fisherman in a small Falucca, the sail stitched together of black plastic bags and the boat itself also looks like it’s been stitched together of discarded timber. These tiny boats venture out beyond the reef although they are not seaworthy.
Women selling fried seafood in the evening. Munje town on a clear calm evening. The town of Munje is located on the south coast of Kenya and is known for its fried seafood. The women in the town typically sell their battered seafood in the evening, when the weather is clear and calm. The seafood is a popular dish among locals and tourists alike, and the women who sell it are a big part of what makes Munje such a special place.
The old Baitil Aman House is a great representation of typical Swahili architecture in its purest form. Beautiful old room
Diving at the reef around Funzi island. The sun and waves are making chaotic light streaks in the swallow waters.
Optimal living conditions for Egrets are in the waters between the mangrove roots that sticks out of the water. Those swampy waters are normally brimming with small critters and fish. Ideal hunting grounds.
