Wasini Island lies off the southern Indian Ocean coast of Kenya next to Shimoni and close to Diani. It is approximately 5 km long and 1 km across. The Island is sparsely populated and undeveloped. A site of early Swahili civilization, this coral island is occupied by the Vumba people, an indigenous group of Bantu speaking peoples who have a rich history. They speak Swahili and Kivumba and they number about 1500. Mkwiro and Wasini are the two villages present on the island - each at opposite ends. Their history includes invasion and settlement of Arab influence from the Persian Gulf states, and from the island of Zanzibar, further south.
The island is some 10 km from the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park. This park annually attracts many thousands of overseas and local tourists per year. Wasini Island is a famous place and it offers great opportunities for snorkeling, dolphin spotting, turtles, tropical fish, watching the sunset while on the dhow. Also the island has variety of plants and birds. From baobab to the mangrove tress all this can be found in this island.
No comments:
Post a Comment