Nothing quite beats the feeling of holidaying on the beach, taking in the beauty of the ocean and soaking in the rays of the sun.
Located along the shoreline of Kenya is Watamu beach, ready to spice up your getaway with luxury and pomp.
Everything that the town has to offer is simply appealing, from pristine beaches to lagoons, you will be awed by how beautiful a town can get.
Whether you are looking to spend luxuriously or on a budget, Watamu has you covered in both.
There are different ways of getting to the town, depending on your location. You could either travel by road, by air using the Moi International Airport, or the Standard Gauge Railway.
Watamu is dominated by the Giriama people of the Bantu community, and the Bajuni people, a hybrid of the Giriamas and Arab traders.
Visit the area to interact with the coastal community and learn about the culture as well as the history of the town.
Being old, it bears rich history of early trade that happened between the locals and Arabs, which is quite intriguing to learn about. Below is a list of places to visit and the activities to engage in Watamu.
Watamu beach
Ranked among the best beaches not only in the country but the whole world, begin holidaying in one of the most beautiful places in the region.
Watamu beach is hardly crowded, which will give you the luxury of enjoying private moments with family or loved ones.
From the beach, you get to have stunning views of the blue ocean waters. When the temperatures begin to sear, all you have to do is get in the waters and relax.
Afterwards, you can soak in the rays of the sun to get that tan, all while sipping your favourite drink or palm wine sourced locally.
Take a stroll along the beach to site see and interact with the locals who sometimes sell their wares to tourists such as shells and bracelets that will serve as the perfect status reminder.
Whenever you feel famished, local street delicacies will satisfy your hunger pangs and have you marvelling at how tasty they are.
Climax your day by strolling in the evening to enjoy the sunset views and cool breeze. Horse rides are also available at the beach, which would be an unforgettable experience for anyone.
So make sure to fully indulge while at the beach if you are hoping to make your stay interesting.
Watamu Marine Park and Reserve
The Watamu marine park is among the top visited places in the town. It is a park protected by UNESCO, and tourists visit to engage in water activities, so if you fancy some adrenaline rush, this is the perfect stop for you.
For starters, you can go diving and snorkel deep in the waters of the Indian Ocean.
Scuba diving is mostly done by professionals since one small accident could prove fatal, while snorkelling is best done when the tides are low for a fulfilling experience and will give you the opportunity to interact with marine life and coral reefs which is quite thrilling.
On a good day, you are most likely to spot dolphins, whales and sharks in the water, quite a rare sight.
Guests also have the option of simply sightseeing without physically engaging in any activity, which is equally satisfying since there is so much beauty to behold at the park.
Mida Creek
This bay stretches for 32 km and extends to the vast Arabuko Sokoke forest, perfect for both nature and water activities.
The creek is covered in dense mangrove vegetation that forms a beautiful green covering across the waters.
The easiest way to navigate the creek is through a boat or canoe ride, where local guides will pedal you across the water, explaining about the different flora and fauna you encounter along the way.
The tranquillity and serene environment is unbeatable, not to mention the beauty to be seen. The stuff of romantic evenings is made by watching the sunset on the horizon.
Heard of the phrase the sky meets the sea? This is literally the definition of it, and the orange hue of the sun meeting the blue water colour is simply breathtaking, and you could particularly choose to have your boat cruise at dusk for the ultimate experience, and then top it up with your favourite cocktail drink and the perfect photographs to stick up on those memories.
Bio-ken snake park
This has to be the largest reptile home not only in the country but the entire East Africa region.
It doubles up as a research centre where experts are constantly trying to come up with new theories revolving around reptiles.
It is home to the largest collection of snakes, all different breeds sourced from different areas, so if this stuff interests you, consider stopping by the monumental facility.
The snakes are bred and well cared for up to maturity. Quite a number of crocodiles are also found at the park.
Guides and snake farm experts will take you through the park, explaining in detail the different snake breeds, their origin and their characteristics.
They offer anti-venom services, so you can comfortably interact with the reptiles and even touch them without the fear of lethal infections or getting bitten.
Arabuko Sokoke Forest
Being the only surviving forest in the coastal area, make a point of visiting this scenic forest.
Covered in dense forest vegetation, it will give you the ultimate nature experience.
Different animals can be spotted along the way such as monkeys, mongooses and duikers. Bird watching is also a top activity in the forest since it is home to hundreds of bird species.
What better way to wind down than to listen to chirping birds and take on the crisp fresh air, a far cry from the polluted one in the city?
Nature trails are plenty within the forest, so if you fancy some alone time or wish to simply soak in the beauty of nature, this should be on your bucket list.
Enjoy hiking activities as well, so be sure to wear some comfortable pair of shoes. You can have one of the wardens help you navigate the forest or do it on your own, which is part of the thrill.
The forest is also home to different plant species, some of which have been particularly useful to man for medicinal value and other domestic uses.
If walking wears you out, you can try cycling which is allowed in the forest and will help you cover a large area in a shorter period of time.
The green scenery would form the perfect background for photos so make sure to carry a good camera while at it.
Local Ocean Trust
The ocean trust was formed with the sole aim of protecting marine endangered species, especially sea turtles, that are on the brink of extinction.
For a long time, marine life has been in danger from predators and poachers, and the trust hopes to put an end to it.
Guests stop by to have a peek of this commendable job and see the turtles that have been rescued so far, and on a good day, the wardens might even let you feed them to spice up your experience, seeing that it is the only facility of its kind in the region and East Africa as well.
A small fee is charged at the entrance, which essentially goes towards developing the facility and ensuring that the animals are well cared for.
Barracuda Inn Resort
If you are looking for a place to stay in Watamu while holidaying, then look no further. This state-of-the-art facility has exemplary services that will instantly give you the feel of a ‘home away from home.’
Found only a few miles from Watamu town; enjoy top-notch services at an affordable price starting from as low as USD 90.
Whenever you need to swim, their outdoor pool has you covered, so you can comfortably cool off the temperatures.
From the resort, you get to enjoy stunning views of the Indian Ocean at any time of the day or night, not to mention its proximity to the beaches and the town centre.
Guest servicing is 24/7 and all you have to do is call for whatever you need. If you have always dreamt of indulging in those sea dishes, this is your opportunity to try one, and the chefs here do not disappoint with their culinary skills.
Local dishes are also served at the resort, made with the best hands, that you will be spoilt for choice. A bar with every assortment of drinks is located within, all you need to do is order, and then you are all set.
The facility simply takes care of your every need; all you got to do is relax and wind down.
Once done with Watamu, Malindi is only 20 km away, where there are more fun things to do and incredible places to visit.
