Watamu is a small coastal town in Kenya, north of Mombasa. It’s known for Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve, which has 3 bays: Watamu, Blue Lagoon and Turtle. Sandy beaches and coral gardens are the defining features. Sea birds as well as green hawk bill turtles, in-habit Mida Creek with its sand flats and mangrove forest. Inland, Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve is home to elephants, monkeys, and rare bird-life.
The excursions.
Marafa-Hell’s Kitchen:
Get to experience the traditional homes of Malindi people, interact with locals, visit Marafa depression, sometimes called Hell’s Kitchen (not to be confused with the Hell’s kitchen in Manhattan or the Gordan Ramsay’s reality cooking show), because of the high temperatures in and around it, in the after-noon’s, for instance, the temperatures can get up to 50 degrees scorching. The rocks in the depression have three colors, red, yellow and white. A guided walk is advisable as the guides tell you about the legend and myth associated with this depression. Get best photos/ video of the area and a finally experience the best sunset of your life time. Get Mambrui Experience; a Kenyan Dubai moment with the sand dunes. Experience the Swahili culture with the local people.
Snorkeling and Swimming with Dolphins:
We will set you on a journey to Watamu to enjoy snorkeling. This is the best way to experience the wonders of the world underneath the sea surface. Watamu Marine Park is approximately six square miles (10 square kilometer) with reefs that extend out almost one- quarter mile from the shore. You can go by boat from the beach to the reef where you will enjoy the beautiful world in the sea. Our guides are huge fan of snorkeling. They have done it for many years and I am sure you will have a great time with them. For a little extra you can also opt to swim with the dolphins. This is a life time experience that you will never forget. After a long day in the water, you will have a chance to meet fishermen who are very friendly and like sharing their experiences at the sea. Some of these stories are more fictional than true, but you will roll off your seat from laughing as some sound like a fairy-tale.
Mida Creek Sunset Cruise:
Among the thousands of possibilities to enjoy Nature that Kenya and particularly its coast, can boast, there is certainly the sea landscape dominated by mangroves. These plants, which have their roots in soil which feed on water from the Indian Ocean, form really particular landscapes. It is a microcosm which, from the enchanted paths of a canal, of an inlet, of a lagoon, assumes its own physiology which transports the African equator in a more eastern dimension, lacustrine, of different magic. The mangrove landscape is absolutely worth visiting. Its plants, the interweaving of roots and tree formations, the birds that frequent the humid microclimate, the particularity of crabs and fish, make mangroves unique, not only for enthusiasts. From Malindi it is possible to visit the mangroves in the inlet of Midas, at the bottom of Watamu. With a dhow, or the fisher-men’s boats, rented at Watamu Marine Park, you can enter this natural paradise. In the hundred sea meanders of Midas you will discover a world (in Midas you can also visit the elementary school on the mangrove island).
Vasco da Gama Pillar and Gede Ruins:
The tour start with visit of Malindi Marine Park. After you proceed to Malindi town to see the Vasco da Gama pillar and later you visit the Gede Ruins. Visit the Portuguese Chapel and the Malindi Museum where you will get to see and learn about the history of the town, the people and their culture. You will then take a 15 minute drive to the Gede Ruins. The Gede Ruins is one of Kenya’s great mysteries. Set in an idyllic location on the Indian Ocean, and buried deep in a lush forest, the town was thought to have been founded in the early 13th-century, although hard evidence eludes most scientists. But what has really baffled researchers is the well-established town’s mysterious abandonment and incredible development. Left standing today are numerous coral-brick houses, a palace as well as an impressive mosque. However, it is not only the quality of the ruins that amazes visitors but the advanced nature of the settlement. Gede was in many ways, a very advanced city with streets, running water and flushing toilets. Correcting the assumption that Africa was far behind the rest of the world before colonialism, Gede was a cosmopolitan urban setting, and archaeologist have found Ming Chinese vases, Venetian glass as well as other artifacts from all over the world. This history is clear evidence that the Muslim inhabitants of the coastal Kenyan town traded heavily with cultures outside their own, and developed an incredible world that has now been deeply decomposed by tropical forests. Excavation has occurred since 1948, and the entire area is protected as a national park in Kenya.
Half day Malindi Town Tour:
This excursion takes you through the streets of the city center to visit the old city, the old market, its coastline, falconry and the wood factory. The old city is famous for its ancient charm and for its colorful chaotic markets that are full of retailers of all sorts, giving the opportunity to observe many scenes of local daily life. At the old market, in particular, you can appreciate the sounds, colors and smells of a typical African market and buy local handicrafts. Falconry is also characteristic, where various species of animals can be seen up close, including centuries- old giant turtles, crocodiles, baboons, iguanas, monitor lizards and, of course, all species of birds of prey, diurnal and nocturnal, which populate the Africa (hawks, vultures, eagles, owls …). The wood factory is also very typical and is an almost obligatory stop for those who allow themselves a half-day on the streets of Malindi, giving the opportunity to watch the wood working by local artisans and purchase the related workings. In particular splendid statuettes and masks typical of the ancient continent.
Bio-Ken Snake Farm:
For the reptile lovers, you would feel right at home in this reptile research centre which also happens to be home to the largest collection of snakes in the East Africa region. You can explore the farm to learn about these reptiles and their behaviors through a guided tour by their highly skilled snake farm experts. They also offer snake bites and anti-venom services.
Get Wild at Arabuko Sokoke Forest:
Watamu is home to the largest remaining coastal forest in Eastern Africa. Some of Kenya’s rarest animals like the Sokoke Bushy-tailed mongoose, the golden-romped elephant shrew, and Clarke’s Duiker are found there. A bird watchers paradise, there are over 270 bird species and over 260 butterfly species in addition to the mammals and plant species. You can also enjoy nature walks, cycling and hiking too.
Relax at Watamu Beach:
Watamu is a literal paradise that keeps on giving. The Watamu beach is unpolluted and pristine and has a reputation for its lavish beach resorts. The waters are clear and turquoise and beautiful and there are plenty of beach bars and restaurants to enjoy nice Swahili delicacies and some palm wine.
Enjoy Watamu to The Fullest!
Whether you choose to swim with the dolphins, relax on the beach or get up close and personal with some of Watamu’s historical sites, be rest assured that a good time is waiting to be had! I’d love to hear from you if you have anything to add to this list or would like to tell us about your experience in this magnificent town, Watamu. We look forward to planning your safari soon to Watamu.
