Wasini Island

The picturesque Wasini Island is the last pearl in the tropical beach necklace that spans south of Mombasa. It is situated 76 km south of the Likoni ferry crossing, or roughly 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) southeast of Kenya on the Indian Ocean coast.

Because the early settlers were originally Chinese and were hence short Chinese, the name “Wasini mpunguti,” which means short Chinese to the natives, originated with them. There are only walkways made of sharp old coral or sand on the island. Bicycles, carts, and cars are not present. Cargo is moved using a wheelbarrow with a sturdy tyre or on foot. Transportation is available via boat across the sea, across the roads or over the beaches, which are primarily made of coral and only accessible at low tide. There was an airfield in the lagoon to the island’s longitudinal south prior to 1963, during the British colonial era; remnants of its history can only be seen on small patches of tarmac.

Feeling like a distant relative of Lamu and Zanzibar, this tiny island is barely 5km long and has fading white lanes, a Swahili fishing ambiance, and plump, mottled trees. It’s loaded with everything you need for the ideal coastal hideout for backpackers: Kisite Marine National Park, the most beautiful snorkelling reef on the coast, and a shoreline dotted with pockets of white sand give it that perfect atmosphere for lounging beneath a mango tree and doing nothing all day. The only things it lacks are vehicles, banana-pancake traveller cafes, backpacker hostels, and regular electricity, and that makes it all the more desirable.

The primary source of income is tourism, followed by fishing. Because of the tourism industry, the high rate of poverty has significantly decreased over the past 30 years in the about 10-kilometer-distance Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park. Here, visitors can dive and snorkel among the coral around the little sand island of Kisite, which is completely submerged during high tide. Every year, 80.000 tourists from abroad (75%) and Africa (25%) visit this park. Regretfully, since 2013, there has been a 50% decrease in the number of foreign visitors, of which 75% are from Europe, as a result of their fear of Al-Shabaab and, since 2014, the Ebola virus, despite the fact that the latter virus has only ever been found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and West Africa. Approximately 50% of the villagers in Wasini Island Village, or 75% of the total population, depend on tourism for their income. This rate is 12% and perhaps 18% in Mwiro, respectively.

The second source of revenue is fishing. The fishermen use fishing lines or open baskets filled with stones that are marketed using mangrove poles that were carved out on the island and carried in their canoes. They fish in the calmer seas between the island and the mainland as well as the occasionally choppy waters of the Pemba Channel, which runs between Wasini and Pemba. Additionally, a number of sports fishing boats are berthed at the Pemba Channel Club on the shore of Shimoni. The Pemba Channel is a well-known fishing spot where Kenya has won both the All Africa and World IGFA fishing records. The fish reservoir has been negatively impacted by the use of dynamite on reefs, short liner fishing vessels operating offshore, rising water levels, and destructive fishing techniques involving small seine nets.

It’s common to see dolphins and humpback whales in the immediate area of the island. The East African current regularly brings humpback whales swimming northward near the coast. Dolphins can be seen playing in the ocean on the eastern side of the island. Snorkelers can observe and study the stunning coral flora and fauna on the island itself, just opposite Wasini town and close to the Kenyan Marine Jetty. However, the Beach Management Unit charges an admission fee of five US dollars, or the equivalent in Kenyan Shillings. Swimming is pleasant north of the jetty’s stairs due to the cool, clean ocean.

In the stunning coral gardens on the western end, the Wasini Women Group built a nature boardwalk. The money raised goes towards supporting the needs of

needy Wasini people and students. There is a reputable but basic orphanage in Mwkiro. In Shimoni, where visitors frequently visit the community-based “Shimoni Slave Caves,” these indigenous non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and self-help groups complement activities taking place across the lake. It is accurate to state that both locations were involved in the slave trade, even though it is debatable to what degree and what role they played in it. Fruit bats that carry the harmless Shimoni bat virus are seen living in the caverns.

Accommodations in Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park

Staying at the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park Both Wasini Island and Diani Beach provide a variety of lodging options. The Shimoni neighbourhood is near to a few lodging options.

Saruni Ocean Beach Hotel

Only eighteen suites make up the Saruni Ocean Beach Hotel Diani, which is situated 30 minutes south of Diani on the pristine Msambweni beach on Kenya’s remote south coast. This elegant and opulent house is ideal for families looking to spend some quality time together or honeymooners seeking a private haven.

Mpunguti Lodge

When the island’s Marine National Park was gazetted and more tourists began to visit in the 1970s, Mpunguti Lodge & Restaurant was merely a single restaurant. Not too long after, the first hotel was constructed, and over time, several more.

Firefly Ocean Camp

Situated south of Diani Beach on the shores of Shimoni lies an eco-camp called Firefly Ocean Camp. Nestled beneath the coastal forest canopy, with a stunning view of Wasini Island and the Shimoni Channel, the camp is a hidden gem. The ideal location to spend a few nights or simply one day there. In addition to many other activities, their camp offers sunset cruises, dhow journeys to Kisite – Mpunguti Marine Park, and diving excursions!

Small and family-owned, Blue Marlin is a hotel. Blue Marlin, located in the most picturesque section of Diani Beach, is the ideal place for anyone wishing to unwind in a subdued beach atmosphere.

Blue Marlin Beach Hotel

Nestled within beautiful nature, the hotel is situated atop a tiny hill with stunning views of the Indian Ocean and immaculate white beach. These offer a picture-perfect setting for leisurely midday meals and elegant dining al fresco under the evening sun.

Through the blossoming crowns of the palm trees, the air-conditioned, spacious apartments with huge patios and minimalistic coastal Swahili decor offer an exceptional view of the ocean.

The Baobab Beach Resort and Spa

The Baobab Beach Resort and Spa is situated on the renowned Diani Beach and spans 80 acres of tropical gardens with an expansive view of the Indian Ocean. The Resort’s gorgeous position, tucked on a coral headland with expansive views of golden beach, is an oasis of peace and tranquilly. The resort offers the ultimate luxury beach vacation, spanning over 500 metres of golden beach front and shaded by beautiful coconut palms and native coastal vegetation.

All of our guests will experience the highest level of comfort and elegance in the specially built guestrooms. The resort offers a variety of recreational amenities for its guests to enjoy, such as three swimming pools, dining spaces, and much more.

Shimoni Reef Lodge

Located on the beach in a rural area in Shimoni, Shimoni Reef Lodge is close to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, which is worth visiting. Situated on the edge of the Wasini channel, with stunning views of the Tanzanian Usambara mountain range, your palm-thatched cottage becomes your hideaway from the heat and enjoys cool ocean breezes while being shaded by a canopy of tropical trees frequented by birds, monkeys, and bush-babies.