Watamu | Kenya Coastal Safaris Guide

Watamu

Watamu is a tourist attraction area in Mombasa Kenya. It is known for its beautiful sandy beaches. Watamu is not just about its beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life. It’s a popular destination for tourists, that offers a diverse range of recreational activities.

It is also known for Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve, which has 3 bays: Watamu, Blue Lagoon and Turtle. In addition, it’s in Watamu that the largest spitting Cobra in the world was found.

Watamu Information & Facts 

  • Watamu is situated around 105km north of Kenya’s oldest city, Mombasa, and 15km south of Malindi.
  • It covers approximately 18 square kilometers
  • Lies on a small headland between the Blue Lagoon and Watamu Bay.
  • Watamu Town and its surroundings are part of Kilifi County.
  • Its main activities are tourism and fishing.
watamu elephants

Watamu Attractions  Safaris and Tours

Watamu Attractions 

Watamu Marine National Park

Established in 1968, Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve is one of the oldest marine parks in Kenya. The Marine Park is considered one of the best snorkeling and diving areas on the Coast of East Africa.

Gedi Ruins

The Gedi Ruins are the remnants of an ancient Swahili town dating back to the 12th century. It is in a lush forest. These ruins offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture.

Mida Creek

It is renowned for its extensive mangrove forests and rich biodiversity. Mida Creek ecosystem plays an essential role in supporting marine and bird life.

Activities Available in Watamu 

Beach Activities

Watamu beaches offer a diverse range of activities in which you can participate. With a professional tour operator – Nature’s Wonderland Safaris, you get to participate in the following activities on a budget;

Snorkeling and Diving

Watamu’s beaches provide easy access to vibrant coral reefs full of marine life. Popular snorkeling spots include the Blue Lagoon and Watamu Marine National Park areas.

Kite Surfing and Wind Surfing

The steady winds along the coast make Watamu a prime destination for these water sports.

Turtle Watching

Turtle Bay is a well-known nesting site for sea turtles. During nesting seasons, visitors can witness the remarkable sight of turtles laying their eggs.

Dhow Cruises

Experience traditional Swahili sailing on a dhow for a memorable and scenic coastline tour, especially during sunset.

Beachcombing and Picnicking

Enjoy leisurely walks along the shore, collecting shells, and having picnics on the beach.

Mangrove Tours

Watamu’s Mangrove forests, particularly around Mida Creek, offer visitors a unique and serene experience. The mangroves are home to various birds, fish, crabs, and other marine life species. They also act as nurseries for many marine species. Mangrove tours give visitors a chance to do kayaking and canoeing.

Birdwatching & Photography 

Watamu provides diverse habitats for birdlife in the Arabuko Sokoke forest, Mida Creek, and the coastal wetlands. Therefore, it allows every bird watcher to watch various bird species and take photos. It is also a stopover for migratory birds, adding to the diversity of species observed throughout the year. Among the bird species you can spot in Watamu include the following: Watch waders, Flamingos, Herons, Sokoke Scops Owl, Clarke’s Weaver, East Coast Akalat.

Museum Visit

Visit the Gedi Ruins Museum to get a glimpse into the history and culture of the ancient Swahili civilization. The museum houses a collection of artifacts discovered at the Gedi Ruins, including pottery, beads, coins, and tools.

At Gedi Ruins, visitors learn about the culture and the trade networks that connect the coastal towns to other parts of the world.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Watamu for good accommodation deals and ideal weather is during the dry seasons:

  • December to March: Warm and dry weather, perfect for beach activities and water sports.
  • July to October: Pleasant temperatures and less humidity, ideal for exploring both the beaches and marine parks.
Birding safaris

Watamu Accommodations

Watamu offers a range of accommodations that fit different budgets and preferences. The Watamu accommodations are available from luxurious beachfront resorts to Air BnB’s

Below are some of the available accommodations in Watamu;

Budget Hotels in Watamu

  • Hemingways Watamu
  • Medina Palms
  • Turtle Bay Beach Club
  • Lonno Lodge
  • Ocean Sports Resort

Budget Hotels in Watamu

  • Watamu Backpackers
  • Kenya Residence

Safety Guides and Tips 

  • Only swim in designated areas with lifeguards present, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local currents and conditions.
  • For Marine activities, follow safety instructions for snorkeling, diving, and boat tours. Wear appropriate safety gear, especially life jackets.
  • Do not feed marine creatures. Maintain a safe distance and observe quietly.
  • Follow Park rules and regulations when visiting places like Watamu Marine National Park and Arabuko-Sokoke Forest.
  • Be careful in crowded places like public beaches and clubs and beware of pickpocketing
  • Keep valuables like passports, cash, and electronics in your accommodation’s safe or locked luggage.
  • Carry sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Always get a professional guide to take you around Watamu.

Popular Routes to Watamu 

  • From Nairobi: By Air: Fly from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Malindi Airport, followed by a 30-minute taxi or shuttle ride to Watamu.
  • From Nairobi: By Road: Use the Mombasa Road (A109), approximately 6-7 hours
  • From Mombasa: A scenic 2-hour drive or bus ride along the coastal road.
  • From Malindi: A short 15-minute drive south to reach Watamu.
Nature wonderland safaris

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