Are you snorkeler or scuba diver? Are you looking for the most accessible and the best marine park to spend your vacation? Mombasa Marine National Park is such a unique marine protected area that you should add in your travel plan. This park is very accessible and favours mostly the snorkelers and scuba divers on safari to Mombasa.
It features a variety of marine species, amazing blue water and coral reefs. Most of the accommodation facilities in the north coast, Nyali and Bamburi attract most of the visitors from across the world. Mombasa Marine Park covers an area of 10 square kilometres and as a national reserve; it covers an area of about 2000 square kilometres.
This protected area features among the very few most parks that offer refuge to the fragile coral reefs at the coast of Kenya which extends for about 230 kilometres on the shoreline. Coral reefs play a significant role in the ocean ecosystem by offering safety and food to almost a million marine species. The various shapes, colors and sizes of the coral reefs are remarkable and some of the species which will come your way in the Indian Ocean are brain coral, open-branched stag’s horn coral, Acropora coral, Favia coral, pavona and many more.
The notable sea species that are found within Mombasa Marine Park include the octopus, jellyfish, sea cucumber, starfish, crab, sea urchin and many others. Most of the corals attract most of the fish especially the multi-coloured angelfish, butterflyfish, zebrafish, lionfish, small damselfish and green parrotfish.
The large marine species include the rays, sharks, turtle as well as loggerhead, green sea turtle, dolphin, hawksbill, bottlenose, humpback and spinner. Most of these marine species hatch within 2 months’ time. The average temperatures range from 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity levels, snorkelling or diving allows you cool down your body during the warm day.
The southeast monsoon winds which blow from April to October and northeast winds from November to March. Coral reefs in Kenya are sighted as one of the leading 3 dive sites in the world by experienced divers with the 2 being the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the red sea reef. The water on the Kenyan shoreline is crystal clear and warm.
When to visit Mombasa Marine Park
Mombasa is generally humid and experiences 2 wet seasons. The longest wet season start from April to May and dusting off in June, where heavy rain can fall in the afternoon. The longest dry season starts from July to October and this is regarded as the perfect time that visitors can pay a visit to Mombasa Marine Park. The short rains start from November to December. The average temperatures differ only slightly over the course of the year with January and February and some parts of March tend to be warm with 32 degrees Celsius during the day and coolest months starting from June to August featuring average day temperatures of 27 degrees Celsius. The notable safari activities for visitors to engage in this marine park include mostly scuba diving and snorkelling. Self driving to Mombasa Marina National Park is possible by renting a car in Mombasa without a driver. Another option is to rent a car with a driver to enjoy the beauty of Kenya.
What to Pack for a safari to Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve
If Mombasa Marine Park is your dream destination in Kenya, you are encouraged to come along with footwear especially sandals/flip flops, snorkel, mask, fins, T-shirt, guide books, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, camera, enough drinking water and many more.
In conclusion, for visitors who are interested in exploring most of the marine life while on Kenya safari, consider visiting Mombasa Marine Park and you won’t regret in life.