Watamu is one of the top 10 beaches in the world and is a vibrant entertaining area, full of activities which are suited for all ages. Here beneath are just a few of Watamu's incredible attractions listed. Watamu is an area that may keep anybody busy.

 

Water Sports

 

Watamu is a special place for all water sports, from snorkelling to scuba diving and deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, kite surfing (http://www.kitewatamu.com/), kayaking, sailing, etc.

 

 

• SNORKELLING AND DIVING

 

The waters are a protected Marine National Park allowing spectacular opportunities for snorkelling and scuba-diving, with lovely corals and blizzards of colourful fish (Watamu Marine National Park). Aqua Ventures, who operate their dive school out of Ocean Sports Hotel, have many years experience and their local knowledge is extensive.  With many dive sites to suit different diving abilities, they also run a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) diving school to take your diving to the next level.

 

Dive trips to the Tewa Caves at the mouth of Mida Creek are popular, where a group of giant rock cod loiter menacingly at the bottom.

 

• DEEP SEA FISHING & CREEK FISHING

 

Fishing is a major attraction along the coast whether it being deep sea or in the shallows. Kenya has one of the best coasts to fish off in all of Africa. It is a perfect place for young men and brave women to get all hands on deck. There is a vast amount of billed fish with many records already being created from some huge marlin and sailfish being caught.

 

For those of us who prefer to see land when they fish, Mida Creek is a fantastic place to spend a morning or even a full day.  The waters of Mida Creek are designated Marine Reserve and so traditional fishing methods, like rod and line, are allowed here. This is the perfect place for children to hone their fishing skills before heading for deeper water.

 

 

• MIDA CREEK

 

Mida is just minutes away from the main beach, 'Turtle Bay' where the powder white sands meet the crystal clear protected waters of the Watamu Marine Park.

Mida is the palm forest and mangrove area surrounding the spectacular waters of Mida Creek in Watamu.

Several thousand acres big, it is a key conservation area for the Kenyan coast and supports a huge number of bird species such as the spectacular malachite kingfisher, yellow-billed stork and African fish eagle. The further you go into the creek (when coming from the ocean) the better the bird watching gets. Opposite the Arabuko Sokoke Forest entrance along the Gede - Kilifi road you will see a dirt road with a sign to the boardwalk. The boardwalk is run by the Mida Creek Conservation Community and you will be asked for a contribution towards the upkeep.

 

The other wildlife is varied and plenty, from Sykes monkeys to over 200 species of butterflies.

 

Mida Creek itself offers wonderful opportunities for viewing birdlife and the beautiful mangrove area as well as water sports and creek fishing etc.

A holiday trip in Watamu is not complete without a dhow trip to watch the spectacular sun-sets over Mida.

 

 

Places to visit

 

There are plenty of places to go and things to see in Watamu and beyond.  From the facinating Bio-ken Snake Farm and Watamu Turtle Watch's rehabilitation centre, to the Butterfly farm and the historic Gede ruins only a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride away.

 

 

• BIO-KEN SNAKE FARM

 

Bio-Ken Snake farm, situated beyond the Watamu Village, is a reptile research centre, run by Royjan Taylor, specialising in snakes and snake bite treatment.

This excellent Snake Farm was established in 1980 by the late James Ashe. It has grown into the main centre for snakes in East Africa. With 127 snake species in the region (out of which 93 species are harmless by the way) it is an important center to educate people and the local community about snakes and to let them identify if the snakes are dangerous or not.

Some people may be brave enough to handle the non venomous snakes. Often there are snake seminars, which provide interesting knowledge about these incredible creatures.

 

One of the key activities at Bio Ken is to milk snakes for their venom which is then used to make anti venom for when people get bitten. Its a nonprofit organisation, providing free antivenin wherever it is needed in Kenya.

 

The farm is open from 10 am to noon and from 2pm till 5pm. If you really want to get to know the snakes, join them on a snake safari and see them in the wild. Entrance fees for adults are KES 700.

 

 

• TURTLES

 

The pristine white sands along Turtle Bay Beach are a haven for nesting turtles, and every now and again you have the privilege to see the little rubbery turtle hatchlings make their first mad bid for the ocean.

Watamu Turtle Watch (WTW) was formed in 1997 to develop the marine turtle conservation efforts of a local naturalist Barbara Simpson. WTW is now working together with The Local Ocean Trust in its conservation of Turtle migratory routes.  Another key aspect of the WTW is the education of locals, children and fishermen of the importance of conserving these incredible creatures. Turtles found by local fisherman, sometimes trapped in nets, sometimes just washed up and sick, are taken and treated until they are healthy enough to return to the sea.

Several species of marine turtle lay their eggs on the beaches around Watamu and WTW has set up a series of initiatives with local people to protect these threatened animals. Female turtles lay thousands of eggs here between January and April.

 

Visiting the Rehabilitation Centre is a fantastic way to see these magnificent creatures up close and to learn more about the life cycle of the various turtles that come back to Watamu every year.

 

Contact the trust's Marine Information Centre if you're interested in seeing the incredible natural spectacle of hatching Turtles or  to volunteer with local projects.

 

 

• ARABUKO SOKOKE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

 

Arabuko Sokoke is a few kilometres inland, between the towns of Kilifi and Malindi, 110 km north of Mombasa. Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve is one of the UN biodiversity hotspots, a rare classification in the world owning to its huge biodiversity. This large stretch of coastal prime forest remaining is one of only very few remaining in East Africa. It shows you how the whole coast used to look like. It is an important habitat for endemic/endangered birds, insects and mammal species.
 

It is also an important monument as a remnant of the coastal tropical forests. There are easy trails in the forests that are also great for birders. A couple of reptile species are found here including boomslang, green mamba, rock python, forest cobra, sand lizard and day geullo.
It is a great reserve for birdwatching with species including Sokoke pipit, Amani sunbird, Fischer’s turaco, Clarke’s weaver (endemic to Kenya), golden woodpecker.

 

This 420 square Kilometers park is great for walking and cycling whilst watching birds, butterflies and other animals. There is no good cafe at the park so bring your own drinks. Entrance fees (for adults) are KES 200 for citizens, KES 500 for residents and USD 20 for foreigners. Park opening hours are from 8am till 5 pm all weekdays.

 

The entrance is along the Mombasa - Malindi Road. At Gede Junction go towards Mombasa (South) for about 1 Kilometer for the park entrance.

 

 

• GEDE RUINS NATIONAL MONUMENT

 

Gedi is still an unsolved mystery: after much research and various studies, no one can say with certainty what really happened to the village and its inhabitants.

Hidden away in the forest, the ruins are a vast complex of houses, palaces and mosques, made all the more mysterious by the fact that there are no records of Gede's existence in any historical texts. Gedi is not mentioned in any Arab or Portuguese chronicles of that period.

The “lost city” of Gedi was an Arabic-Swahili settlement of more than 2500 habitants and objects that have been uncovered as a result of several excavations indicate that Gedi was founded in the 13th Century.

Excavations have uncovered Ming Chinese porcelain and glass, and glazed earthenware from Persia, indicating not only trade links, but a taste for luxury among Gede's Swahili elite. Within the compound are ruins of ornate tombs and mosques including the regal ruins of a Swahili palace.

The site was inexplicably abandoned twice: in 1500 and in 1700, but there are no signs of battle or pestilence to assume such a double evacuation.

 

The Gede Ruins National Monument & Museum is open to public daily from 7 am to 6 pm.

 

 

• KIPEPEO BUTTERFLY FARM

 

Kipepeo (Swahili for butterfly) is a community based enterprise in Gede.  Kipepeo is located within Gede Ruins National Monument. The project aims to create a sustainable way to generate income for the people living around Gede.

Kipepeo currently sells butterfly and moth pupae and other live insects as well as honey and silk cloth produced by the communities. The products are exported to Europe and the USA where the butterflies hatch and are displayed in butterfly gardens globally.

 

Visit the Butterfly Exhibition and admire the colorful butterflies of Arabuko Sokoke and other forests while you learn of their importance to local livelihoods and conservation.

On Monday and Thursday mornings meet and talk with farmers as they deliver pupae and honey to the Market Place. Also see how the honey and silk cloth are processed at the facilities.

 

 

• KALULU CAVES

 

Along the East African coast there are 9 indigenous ethnic groups of which the Giriama are one of the largest. The Giriama mostly live in the area between Lamu and Mombasa, and are thus the native inhabitants of Watamu.

 

The Watamu Giriama people have several sacred areas in the vicinity of Watamu most notable Dabasso Rock along Turtle Bay Road close to the Prawn Lake and the Kalulu caves just a few kilometers north towards Malindi.

 

These sacred places are still used for ceremonies of the Giriama.

 

 

Places to eat

 

With many kenyan & international tourists visiting Watamu its not surprising that there is a wide selection of restaurants to suit everybody's taste.

 

The Italian restaurants in Watamu are mostly also Italian run and thus very good. The local restaurants further more have a nice selection of African, Indian and Swahili dishes with the big hotels offering good continental style dishes.

 

Some restaurants have a pub atmosphere for example the Savannnah Bar and Restaurant has a games area, with darts and a pool table and also has regular competitions such as local pub quizzes.

 

The normal opening times for restaurants are from 4pm to 12am Monday to Saturdays and 12pm to 12am on Sundays.

 

• PILIPAN RESTAURANT

 

Pilipan is set in a lush tropical environment with jungle plants and has a view over Prawn Lake and the mangrove forest beyond. The interior and decor is well presented and definitely one of the better places in Watamu.

Pilipan has a nice little bar and also a childrens' play area. The cuisine is Asian Fusion and uses fresh, delicious ingredients with many seafood dishes on the menu. Their speciality are the fantastic Indian curries and naan breads.  Other tasty dishes are including corriander and feta samosas, and lovely sticky spare ribs.

 

Other international dishes are offered such as pizza, pasta and grilled meats. Not the cheapest place in town with e.g. a fish curry starting costing around KES 1200 but it’s a lovely night out and well worth it.

The cocktails are amazing. The perfect place for a backdrop of the magnificent Watamu sunset over Prawn Lake.

If you don't feel up to coming to the restaurant, the curry menu is also available as a Take Away.

OPEN ALL YEAR AROUND - CLOSED MONDAYS

For Bookings or to arrange a Take Away - Tel: 0734 622 578

 

• MAPANGO RESTAURANT AND BEACH BAR

 

This beach front restaurant in Watamu is part of the Acquarius Hotel. Its recommendable for its nice Italian food especially the pizza from their wood burning oven. Except Italian food they serve various sea food dishes, grills and a variety of local specialities.

 

You are allowed to bring your towel and have a swim here and use the sunbeds (at a small payment).

 

• BAHATI GELATERIA ITALIANA

 

Anna and Andrea's ice cream shop in Watamu village, called Bahati Gelateria Italiana, has become a huge attraction with all the foods being freshly made. It has a large range of different flavored ice creams and sorbets, as well as pastries and cakes to die for. They go very well with a delicioius Italian coffee whilst waiting for the bank to open.

OPEN FROM MID JULY TO MID MARCH - CLOSED ON TUESDAYS

Open from 6am to 6pm

 

 

Shopping

 

Both Watamu and Malindi have some wonderful gems in the shopping world.  From curios and kikoys through to some lovely interior shops, modern chemists

 

Watamu has got a good number of artists, galleries and souvenir shops. Most of them are located along Tourist Road. Shops sell paintings, carvings, bracelets etc. in a variety of quality and price. Just come down, have an easy stroll along the shops and prepare yourself for a tough but fun negotiation session when you buy something.

 

 

Other outdoor activities

 

If you have had too much of the water, there are lots of other sports to take part in. Cycling, golf, and tennis are only a few of them.

 

Watamu is also fortunate enough to have a small golf course of nine holes. This is a perfect family or friendly outing which lasts two and a half hours. It is perfect for individuals who like to be both competitive or just to play for a laugh. All clubs, balls and tee's are provided making it a very easy activity to do when wanting to fill an afternoon.

 

Night life

 

The night life in Watamu is filled with many different choices of events taking place throughout the week. Ocean Sports holds a disco every Friday night, and is a great place to get involved with the local community. Papa Remo's occurs on a Wednesday night and is a lively beach party with an incredible live Dj. The casino is a great place to start off the night with either trying to win money or if unlucky loose it. Free drinks are served throughout your game and there is a great restaurant which serves incredible pizza's. Savannah restaurant serves a lovely range of dishes and often have social gatherings.

 

• COME BACK CLUB
   

 

• CLUB KALAHARI

 

Food, drinks and dancing. This is where the locals go.

 

A large and hiving bar/restaurant with dancefloor that is pumping out the music till the small hours. Its African, its hot and its worth having a look at.