While Kenya is famous for its popular tourist attractions such as the Masai Mara, Diani Beach, Nairobi and Lamu Island to name but a few, it is also home to unique and off the beaten track locations that offer truly authentic African experiences. If you like the sound of worshipping the sun gods on white sandy beaches, exploring like a local in a classic Tuk Tuk, visiting ancient Swahili ruins, reef diving or sipping sunset cocktails in a dhow then Watamu should be at the top of your list of places to stay. This charming and vibrant coastal town is is one of the most spectacular holiday destinations in East Africa offering all the best bits of the Kenyan coast in one special place.
If you are planning a holiday to this idyllic part of the world Watamu is a true gem just waiting to be discovered. Curious to hear more? Check out our top things to see and do below.
Characterised by its palm fringed, powder white sands and crystal blue waters Watamu Beach is easily one of the most picturesque places on the Kenyan coast. This calm sandy beach is home to diverse marine life making it a popular snorkelling & diving hotspot.
When most people think of Kenya, they envision safaris, the Big 5, and wildlife but Watamu Marine Park offers a unique marine wildlife experience. Comprised of 229km2 of pristine white-sand beaches, reef-protected lagoons, and wide open sea, even from the shore you can see a dazzling array of tropical fish. This underwater paradise is perfect for snorkelling and diving where you are likely to encounter a kaleidoscopic array of colourful fish as well as majestic whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles.
The Ruins of Gede are a UNESCO World Heritage site and all that is left from a small medieval Swahili coastal town that thrived for centuries. Discovered by colonialists in the 1920s, Gedi has been intensely excavated and studied. The site of Gedi includes a walled town and includes mosques, a palace, and numerous houses made from stone. There are also large open areas in the settlement which contained earth and thatch houses. The National Museum of Kenya offers guided tours so visitors can experience first-hand the magnificence of this ancient site.
Thanks to the natural scenic beauty and spectacular views of the Indian Ocean its no surprise that Watamu Bay is the setting for many holiday resorts and a popular spot for those who come to experience the thrilling water sports in the area. If you are keen on activities like kitesurfing, paddleboarding, boogie-boarding, snorkelling, and sailing you’ll fall in love with this area.
Surrounded by extensive mangroves and lined with palms Mida Creek is a broadwater tidal creek that offers a relaxing atmosphere away from large tourist groups. Exploring Mida Creek by canoe is a great way to navigate the many small inlets and channels through the mangroves while the central broadwater area is perfect for wakeboarding or waterskiing. Perhaps the best way to enjoy it is by boat with a drink in hand as the sun sets.
The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is the largest remaining fragment of dry coastal forests that once stretched along a significant portion of the East African coastline. Here you can immerse yourself in this perfect wilderness and enjoy sightings of buffalo and elephant Other notable mammal species thrive here such as caracal, African civet, blue, red and common duiker, Garnetts and Zanzibar bushbaby, aardvark, Sykes’ monkey, yellow baboon and red-bellied and red-legged sun squirrel. The forest is also a birders delight with more than 482 bird species documented including endemic, rare and endangered species as Clark’s weaver or Sokoke Scop’s Owl.
You’ll find a variety of goods ranging from delicious fare to hand crafted ornaments at Watamu’s open air market and items like handmade wooden crafts, sandals, baskets, lampshades, and authentic Ankara fabrics in Watamu Village. Along the main road, you’ll see several furniture vendors, gift stores, and clothes shops selling unique items making shopping for souvenirs in Watamu an absolute thrill.
Marafa Hell’s Kitchen is an unexpected geolgoical delight and one of Kenya’s best-kept secrets along this stretch of coast. This striking canyon is charactersied by its vibrant, red and orange rock formations and is a must-see while you are in Watamu. This dramatic mini ‘Grand Canyon’ has a fascinating geological history and is steeped in local legends.
Watamu has a diverse food scene and is well worth exploring. Head to one of the local eateries and beach restaurants to enjoy the best of Watamu cuisine. You’ll find everything from nyama choma (Kenyan barbecue), delicious Italian pizzas to fresh fish, prawns, lobsters, crabs, and oysters - which you can have fried, grilled, or cooked in mchuzi wa nazi (coconut curry).
Despite its rural nature and small size, there are tons of hotels, villas, resorts and charming cottages to choose from in Watamu. You’ll find they cater for different budgets ranging from five-star hotels to thatched huts and everything in between. Our selection is based on those looking for luxury, family friendly or intimate guesthouse
If you are looking for swanky food and coastal elegance, Hemingways is your go to hotel in Watamu for 5-star luxury. Right on the ocean, its beautifully furnished in a modern style with panoramic ocean views. It also boasts a spa, wellness centre, 2 crystal-clear pools and a tennis court. The on-site restaurant offers al fresco dining with stunning ocean views serving eclectic cuisine with a focus on fresh sea food.
If you are looking for a great family friendly resort in Watamu it doesn’t get better than Turtle Bay Beach Club. It’s located right on Turtle Bay which has been voted one of the best beaches in Africa. The kids will have a ball here while the adults enjoy the child-friendly vibe. It has a couple of huge pools, a playground and more importantly a kids club which will entertain your kids with crafts, beach trips, water games and snacks galore.
If you are looking for something a little different with a focus on health and wellness, Watamu Treehouse is a charming guesthouse designed in harmony with nature on the Kenyan Coast. This beautiful and original treehouse offers stunning views where you can experience the daily sunrise and sunset overlooking an indigenous forest, the Indian Ocean or both. Each of its seven ensuite rooms offer something unique. There is also a sparkling pool and a private path to the beach which takes just 4 minutes through the indigenous forest. A yoga retreat program is also available for guests.
Watamu is a treasure trove, full of charm and local flavour where you can spend your time relaxing on serene beaches, exploring ancient ruins and mangrove forests and sampling mouthwatering cuisine. It’s a little slice of heaven with something for every kind of holiday maker; in fact you might never want to leave! If this destination ticks all your boxes give us call UK 01233 80 27 27 or visit our website www.bestofsouthafricatravel.co.uk
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