Watamu Safari

A Watamu safari is characterized by powdery white sand, coconut palms, seabirds, marine life and bucket loads of sunshine.

Christened ‘Watamu Tamu’ (tamu is Swahili for sweet) this destination will take your taste buds on a trip with every taste of Italian pizza, ice cream, and seafood.

Watamu stretches for 7km and is situated 20km south of Malindi and 100km north of Mombasa(Check out Mombasa holidays here). Offshore, it’s protected by a coral reef and rocks which only add to the charm of this destination.

You can spend your time swimming, sunbathing, kitesurfing, birdwatching, and sampling Italian and Swahili cuisine.

During low tides, you will see brightly colored fish on the rock pools. Beautiful seabirds can also be seen milling along the shore.

This beach forms part of the Watamu Marine National Park which is home to awe-inspiring sea creatures, 110 species of stony coral, crustaceans, mollusks and over 600 fish species.

There are many resident expert guides who help you identify the fish and corals you encounter during your Watamu safari.

As you would expect, it is fiercely protected as a turtle nesting site. You will not hear noisy jet skis ruining your peace and quiet.

Make time to explore the Gede Ruins nearby, Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve and the waterways of Mida Creek.

You could also tour the Watamu Turtle Watch where turtles are rehabilitated after they are found by local fishermen.

These turtles are usually sick or trapped in a fishing net and the center treats them until they are fit enough to return to sea. You will learn about the turtle’s life cycle and watch the various types of turtles up close.

If you are captivated by reptiles, visit Bio-Ken Snake Farm which teaches the locals how to identify dangerous and harmless snakes and the different types of snake bite treatment.

Must See

Green turtle
Coral Garden
Mangrove fringed Mida Creek
Kipepeo project
Gede Ruins
Watamu blue bush snake
Pufferfish
Triggerfish
Angelfish
Parrotfish
Snapper
Bushbaby
African piped hornbill

Must Do

Cycling at Arabuko Sokoke Forest
Kitesurfing
Windsurfing
Sailing
Big game fishing
Sunbathing
Swimming
Snorkeling
Traditional dhow cruise
Glass bottom boat rides at Coral Gardens
Creek fishing
Dolphin spotting
Bird watching
Enjoy wood oven baked pizza
Sample fresh Italian ice cream
Visit Bio-Ken Snake Farm
Visit Watamu Turtle Watch rehabilitation center

Places to stay while at Watamu

Barracuda Inn Resort
Temple Point Resort
Mawaimbi Lodge
Nyumba Melania
Mida Creek Eco Camp
Lily Palm Resort
Jacaranda Beach Resort
Turtle Bay Beach Club
Peponi Apartments
Mvuvi Lodge
Seven Islands Resort
Blue Bay Cove
Ocean Sports Resort
Watamu Tropical Resort
Turtle Bay Villa
Watamu Beach Cottages
Malaika Villas
Crystal Bay Resort
Jua Villa
Rafiki Village
Villa Ocean Breeze

When to schedule a Watamu safari

Water temperatures at Watamu vary from 20-30 degrees Celsius depending on the season.

Watamu has two rainy seasons: short rains fall from November to December while the long rains fall from April to June.

Expect heavy downpour in the afternoon during the long rainy seasons and light showers during the short rainy season. It doesn’t rain throughout the day and you are sure to get breaks of sunshine.

The best time to schedule a Watamu safari is the dry season from July to October when the skies are clear and the temperature is cool. Room rates are high at this time.

How to get to Watamu

By road: Watamu is 120 km from Mombasa. You can drive from Mombasa to Gede on the main Mombasa-Malindi Road and turn towards the Indian Ocean. You will find Watamu 11km from the main road. This drive will take you about 90 minutes and will allow you to see the beautiful sisal plantations and Kilifi Creek. A taxi from Mombasa to Watamu will cost you about $90.
By air: There are daily scheduled flights from Nairobi, Mombasa, Lamu, and Malindi. Your 45-minute flight will be very scenic as you pass over Tsavo East and West National parks. You will then land at Malindi Airport. Watamu is 30 minutes away from the airport and a taxi will probably cost you $25.