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
Airstrip:
None
Emergency:
Warden Malindi Tel 254 0123 20848
Admission
costs
Adult
Child
Non resident:
US$ 10
US$ 5
Resident:
KSH 300
KSH 150
Citizen:
KSH 100
KSH 50
Vehicle:
>6 seats Kshs 200 per day , 6-12 seats Kshs 500 per day, 13-24seats Kshs 1000 per day, 25-44 seats Kshs 2000 per day, 45 seats or more Kshs 3000 per day
