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Kisite Marine Park - Pinewood village "off
the beat" options. See our watersports
section.
An early breakfast as you
will be collected from Pinewood at 06h45 and driven to Shimoni, the place
of the cave (Shimo in Swahili). The coral caves at Shimoni are said to
have been used for holding slaves prior to shipment. On the drive south
you pass by sleepy little villages including Gazi, once the headquarters
of the Mazrui leader Sheikh bin Rashid who led an uprising against British
authority in 1895 and acquired a reputation for half suffocating prisoners
in the fumes of burning chillies.
At Shimoni jetty you board
the Pilli-Pippa, a traditional Arab Dhow for a welcome tea, coffee and
biscuits and tour briefing. Marine guides accompany guests along the coral
reef, pointing out items of interest. It is within the Kisite Park that
one can snorkel amongst a bewildering variety of marine life comprising
a unique ecosystem "a garden under the sea".
The variety and abundance
of fish is astounding. Blue striped snappers, Ehrenburg snappers and sweet
lips with their prominent yellow colouring, and families of up to eighty
parrot fish, mainly blue in colour can be seen passing through these shallow
waters feeding on the coral with loud crunching noises. Dolphins are a
common sight, playing around the dhows and leading the way. It is sometimes
possible to swim with them. Protected within the Marine Park are the spotted
and indo-pacific Humpback Dolphins.Chilled sodas and fresh fruit await
snorkellers after their swim. Snorkelling at two sites, numbers are limited
to minimize the impact on Kisite's fragile marine environment. Snorkelling
is followed by the exhilarating experience of a dhow under sail, weather
permitting. On the lookout for dolphins, return to Wasini Island for a
memorable seafood lunch. The Al-fresco lunch with wine, beer and soft-drinks
all included, is served on the water's edge overlooking the channel. Try
some of our Citronella Tea made from fresh lemon grass grown on the Island.
Tired after the eventful day
drive back to Pinewood for dinner and overnight.
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