Diani / Chale Marine National Park & Reserve
Further up the coastline, just South of Mombasa, is Diani/Chale Marine Reserve, opened in July 1995. This marine reserve was created to protect its fragile coral reef, with excellent coral gardens and fish species. The reserve also allows a range of marine activities, including traditional dhow fishing trips, snorkeling, sailing and other non-motorised watersports, as well as viewing excursions in glass-bottomed boats.
Accommodation is plentiful and varied. The local associations of tour operators and hotelkeepers can recommended places to stay, see associations listed in the references.
A private initiative supported by KWS is taking place at Bamburi, north of Mombasa, to preserve the turtle. Turtle nests are rescued and eggs protected. Once enough small turtles have hatched, local people, tourists and visiting scientists take part in the ceremony of simultaneously releasing the hatchlings into the open sea.
A private initiative supported by the KWS, is taking place at Bamburi, north of Mombasa, to preserve the turtle. Turtle nests are rescued and the eggs protected. Once enough small turtles have hatched, local people, tourists and visiting scientists take part in the ceremony of simultaneously releasing the hatchlings into the open sea.
Traditionally, turtles have been valuable to the local people for nutritional, economic and cultural purposes. However, international demand for "turtle trophies"; eggs, young turtles, shells, etc., has contributed to poaching and disruption of nesting sites. KWS rewards anyone who reports a nest site, encouraging them to take responsibility for its safety.
Private projects and the KWS Protection Scheme are showing results in terms of turtle population stabilisation. Marine censi show that more than 869 turtles are distributed along the Kenyan coastline favouring the seagrass and coral reef areas. Species include: Green, Hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback.
National Parks & Reserves at Kenya's Coast
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