By Shaban Omar
At Tiwi Beach in Kwale County, a little-known lagoon that resembles the map of Africa has become a tourist attraction.
The magnificent pool tucked in between coral reefs has been named the ‘African Pool.’
Despite being in existence for years, the locals were unaware that this pool had a unique, beautiful shape that would attract tourists from faraway countries.
The three-meter deep pool also has different types of fish species including; starfish, lionfish, octopuses, surgeon, parrots, milkfish, rabbitfish, and angel fish among others.
The area is surrounded by sea urchins, and slippery sharp rocks, and visitors are very cautious when touring the place.
Aerial view of the African Pool in Tiwi
Next to it, is Madagascar Island linked to the African pool via a deep underwater tunnel.
The pool can only be visible during a low tide.
It is a pure work of nature, where the pool was formed through a natural process at the epicenter of a rock.
On top of it lies a cliff that allows you to see the map and the vast view of the Tiwi Ocean as well as providing a suitable spot for diving.
Currently, the pool is managed by locals who have turned the area into an eco-tourism center.
Tourists having a view of the African Pool in Tiwi
The pool has white sand, coral reefs, and seagrass making it an ideal place for fish breeding.
One of the caretakers Saidi Hamisi Mwanyiro said the locals used the place for cultural and religious practices.
Then later transformed into a fishing spot since the area is suitable for fish breeding.
“Our great grandfathers used to come here to appease gods and offer sacrifices,” he said.
People used to dance and pray for the sick.
A view of the African Pool from the cliff
Mwanyiro said years later, due to the increasing cost of living, climate change, and dwindling tourism the locals realized they could utilize the pool for economic gains to boost livelihood and the sector.
He said apart from the area’s history, they introduced snorkeling, diving and photo session activities for the visitors coming around.
The caretakers said tourists from all over the world travel to Tiwi to see the African pool.
He said during the low season a few holidaymakers who rent around the beach cottages and locals become their regular customers.
The visitors are charged Sh300-Sh500 and residents Sh200-Sh300 depending on the season.
Local and international tourists having fun at the African Pool in Tiwi
According to Mwanyiro, they have trained some youth and beach operators who guide the visitors for safety purposes and make their tour lively.
He said where the pool is located some dangerous rocks and sea urchins can be harmful to the visitors if not properly guided.
“We are here to ensure anyone coming to this place has the most beautiful experience and to go back home safely,” he said.
Mwanyiro said the beach operators provide safety equipment and protect the visitors while at the beach exploring.
He said the African Pool is not known by many but has the potential to transform the area’s economy.
Mwanyiro said if well-developed it can generate a lot of income activities and boost coastal tourism.
He said the African pool has helped bring down insecurity cases at the beach because jobless youth have found a place to earn a living.
Mwanyiro said before visitors used to cry because of theft but now the situation has been reversed.
“The visitors can go swimming for hours and their belongings remain safe compared to before,” he said.
Mwanyiro said there is a need for the government to come on board and help conserve the area’s history.
Another Hamisi Athman Chinda said because of the effects of climate change, the pool is losing its magnificence.
He said the fish have decreased because sand, mostly caused by previous dredging activities, is filling in.
“The pool used to be very deep but now it is becoming small,” he said.
Chinda expressed fears that in some years to come, the African pool will be no more.
He urged both county and national governments to conserve and develop the area for better ecotourism.
A swimmer just crossed to Madagascar Island through the underground channel
Chinda said the place needs stairs for people to easily access the pool and
beams around it to prevent them from slipping into the pool and rocks.
He said chairs or benches and shades could be helpful to allow visitors to rest and enjoy the cool breeze from the sea from above the African pool.
Chinda said more employment opportunities will be created once the area is fully-fledged.
He said the county can use the natural pool to market the Diani tourist destination.
A resident Hemedi Nema said the African pool is supporting many youth and their families.
He said the pool has attracted youth who train visitors how to swim and take them for snorkeling tours and fishing.
Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers coast region executive Sam Ikwaye said the coast has many undiscovered natural phenomena that can be tapped for tourism activities.
The souring of the African Pool in Tiwi
He said the African pool map is one of the many unique natural architectures that can make Kenya and the coastal region proud when fully exploited.
Ikwaye said Tiwi has a rich knowledge of colonial events and with the existence of the African pool it can help grow the tourism sector.
“The Kenya Tourism Board, National Museum of Kenya, and the county should partner to identify these sites which will add value to our tourism package,’ he said.
He said the county and national government should develop good access roads and provide enough security to promote the industry.
Previously, the county government had announced plans to identify and develop new historical sites as a way of boosting the sector and creating employment opportunities for the youth.
