Watamu Beach
Watamu is a small coastal town north of Mombasa and is excellent location for beach holidays in Kenya.
Watamu is located 120 km (75miles) north of Mombasa and 20 km (13miles) from Malindi. The nearest big town is Malindi and is easily accessible by frequent matatu transfer. Watamu is one of the best beaches of Kenya and offers endless possibilities for activities and safaris.
Choose exclusive holiday Villa Yin Yang or small luxury hotel Lonno Lodge for private holidays on the north coast of Kenya.
The name “Watamu” comes from Arab influence and means “sweet people” in Swahili. The name came from the fact that Arab traders with slaves used to give out sweets to attract the local African people before taking them as slaves.
Explore Watamu on the north coast of Kenya
The coastline of the Watamu comprises of white sandy beaches and offshore coral formations set in three bays: Watamu Bay, Turtle Bay and Blue Lagoon.
Observe the colorful marine life
The bays are under stringent protection from exploitation as they are part of the Watamu Marine National Park which is one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations on the coast of East Africa.
As the area is protected by the Watamu Marine National Park and recognized internationally as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve there are no large hotels and no sea walls.
This will allow you to observe how local people and the environment are able to co-exist through careful stewardship of the Natural Marine Resources and human assets in this exotic paradise.
Watamu safaris and tours
You can visit the ancient Gedi ruins, the spectacular historic sight offering an opportunity for great photos.
It is also possible to visit Kipepeo Butterfly Farm or you can ride horses trough the village along the Indian Ocean and wave to kids and families, still living the traditional African way.
You might be exploring the fascinating corals with thousands of different colors or sail for the big game fishing. The Blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, broadbill swordfish and finally sailfish as well as the yellow fin tuna can be your catch of the day!
You can enjoy an amazing beach safari on the ocean! Whale sharks, humpbacks, dolphins, turtles and stunning birdlife, all is here in Watamu!
One of the best things to do near Watamu is the visit of the nearby Arabuko Sokoke Forest Nature Reserve. Arabuko Sokoke forest is one of the most important sights for nature conservation in East Africa, consisting of several distinct forest types.
