In the local Swahili language, Watamu means “ Sweet People”. Watamu is a relatively small town located in Kilifi County, about 120 kilometers north of the city of Mombasa and 25 kilometers south of Malindi town on the Kenyan coast. Tourists flock to Watamu to soak up the sun on the pristine beautiful white sandy beaches. While in Watamu, visitors can also take water sports and diving excursions at the Marine Park and marvel at the vast mangrove forests on Mida Creek, which is rich in marine life and rare sea turtles. Travelers can also visit the largest remaining dry coastal forest in Eastern and Southern Africa, the Alabuko Sokoke Forest. Watamu has several quality tourist accommodation facilities.
Our ‘Watamu Bucket List’ captures the 12 best experiences – do you agree? In this article, we will highlight some of the best places to visit in Watamu and the fun activities in those areas.
List of Best Places to Visit in Watamu
There are many things to do in the coastal town of Watamu. Watamu offers a variety of exciting locations to explore on land and underwater, including Watamu Marine National Park and the Gede Ruins, as well as the spectacular Turtle Bay.
1 Arabuko Sokoke Forest
Covering an area of 420 square kilometres, the Alabuko Sokoke Forest is the largest continuous dry coastal forest remaining in Eastern and Southern Africa. It is a unique habitat with a huge diversity of flora and fauna. Three distinct and unique forest vegetation types and several seasonal pools provide habitat for more than 600 species of plants, 52 species of mammals, more than 230 species of birds and 80 species of amphibians. The Arabuko Sokoke Forest is very popular with birdwatchers. Most of them come to see the Clarke’s Weaver, Amani Sunbird, the Sokoke Pipit or the shy Sokoke Scopes Owl.
2. Gedi Ruins
Estimated to be about 600 years old, Gedi Ruins is the best place to visit in Watamu. The village is abundant in wildlife, including owls, Syke Monkeys, Golden Rumped Elephant Shrews, and an indigenous tree forest.
It is unclear why the seaside town was abandoned, although some of the reasons why its original residents fled in the 17th century include a Portuguese attack, a terrible epidemic, and salty water.
A tour to the ruins will help you comprehend the ancient Swahili culture.
You will come into contact with a variety of bird species, including Malachite Kingfishers and African Harrier Hawks, which may be watched from a tree platform.
Furthermore, the Gedi Ruins, which is now a National Museum, are home to over 40 plant species, creating a quiet and evocative setting.
It is also a Historic Monument, where you can see the remnants of a palace, residences, and mosques.
One may easily make their way through the forest paths and amid the ruins; nevertheless, it is recommended that a Tour Guide lead them through the thickly populated woodland to avoid minor mishaps and becoming lost.
3. Mida Creek
Mida Creek is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Watamu. This place was recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) where migrating birds from Europe and Eurasia may stop during their migration. The bay at Mida Creek covers 32 square kilometers. It consists of several sorts of ecosystems impacted by the tide, such as mudflats and sand flats. Open shallow sea and mangrove woods. The Mida Creek Boardwalk and Bird Hide is a suspended boardwalk across mangroves that allows visitors to see bird and marine life.
4. Bio -Ken Snake Farm
Lovers of Snakes or want to know more about snakes? This is for you. The farm, one of tourist attractions in Watamu is home to a huge number of snakes in East Africa. The Bio—Ken Snake farm is located a stone throw away from top hotels in Watamu.
Apart from offering snake viewing, the professional staff at the farm answers questions concerning snakes and snake removal services in Watamu. Moreover, they have anti-venom jabs in case of a snake bite.
5. Watamu Marine National Park
Watamu Marine National Park, located along Kenya’s coast, is famous for its green turtle nesting sites on its gorgeous sandy beaches. The park’s pristine turquoise waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, including over 500 fish species such as grouper, damselfish, lionfish, octopus, and parrotfish. The park’s crystal-clear seas and interesting coral reefs make it an ideal location for beachgoers, snorkelers, and nature aficionados.
Watamu Marine National Park provides a variety of activities for nature enthusiasts. Snorkel through bright coral gardens, see Green turtles nest and hatch on clean beaches, and marvel at the rich marine life, which includes grouper, damselfish, lionfish, octopus, parrotfish, and more. Humpback dolphins and whales also contribute to marine biodiversity. The crystal-clear turquoise seas create a stunning environment for both beachgoers and snorkelers, making it a great place for anyone looking to get up close and personal with nature’s marvels.
6. Watamu village & beach
Around Watamu, glistening sand is surrounded with private beachfront mansions, craggy islets and rock pools encourage exploration at low tide, and people arrive and depart in vividly painted tuk-tuks.
You may meander around the hamlet, which combines Kenyan, Arab, and Italian influences, to peruse the stores and relax in the cafés, or enjoy some of the handicrafts displayed from brightly colored booths. Italian immigrants have left their stamp on the village’s gastronomy, with real pizza and gelato alongside freshly caught fish.
7. Kipepeo Butterfly House
Kipepeo Butterfly House is one of the places to visit in Watamu. Kipepeo means butterfly in Swahili; the kipepeo project is a community-based project founded in 1993. Its headquarters are located at the Gede Ruins National Monument and Museum site. Kipepeo intends to improve the livelihoods of local communities near the Alabkosok Forest by creating alternative income opportunities. Butterfly farmers raise butterflies until the insects pupate, then bring the pupae to the project centre where Kipepeo staff package and export them to butterfly houses in Europe, Japan and the United States. The project operates a charming butterfly house that displays a variety of beautiful butterflies found in the Alabuko Sokoke Forest. They also have a honey processing room where guests can learn how to produce honey and candles from beeswax.
8. Sabaki River Estuary
Located north of Malindi town and home to Kenya’s second largest river; the Sabaki River meets the Indian Ocean. Due to the confluence of fresh and salt water, a mosaic of different habitats has been created. The estuary of the river has huge sand dunes located about 200 to 300 metres inland from the coast. Some parts of the dunes are still moving, while others are fixed in place by growing vegetation. The estuary is recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and is an excellent place to see waterfowl. The best time for bird watching in Watamu is around high tide when wading birds are present.
9. Dabaso & Dabaso Rock
Dabaso, one of the hidden gems in Watumu is located in the southern section of Mida Creek and borders the major road heading to Temple Point. Dabaso is a good area for bird viewing since it is naturally a part of Mida Creek, where numerous waders and ducks may be observed at high tide. It is also an appealing site for forest birds because of the trees and shrubs that grow on and surrounding Dabaso Rock. Dabaso’s most remarkable feature is Dabaso Rock. Historically and culturally, it is a sacred and spiritual spot for the Giriama people. While visiting Dabaso, consider visiting Sita Community Snake Farm.
10. Turtle Conservation Projects
Turtle Conservation Projects is a popular tourist attractions situated in Watamu, Kenya. Watamu is also home to various Turtle Conservation Projects, where you may see newborn turtles released into the sea. This experience lasts a few hours, and the optimal periods for turtle releases are late afternoon or early evening. Planning your trips to these locations with the appropriate timing and activities can improve your Watamu experience.
11. Old Temple at Temple Point
If you’re in the vicinity, you may explore the remnants of an old Swahili temple near the Kenya Wildlife Service Marine Park office. The temple, like the Gede ruins, is part of the Kenyan coast’s ancient cultural heritage. The temple is owned by VentaClub – Temple Point; if you want a closer look, ask one of the nice hotel guards to accompany you there. The Old Temple offers an excellent opportunity to explore unexcavated ruins and reflect on the area’s cultural past. It’s a nice area to relax with a picnic and appreciate the natural landscape.
12. Watamu Marine Association
WMA is a coalition of tourist, community, and environmental organizations dedicated to developing community-based tourism ventures and conserving marine life. WMA works for community and conservation at the Watamu Marine Park and Reserve on Kenya’s north coast. Local residents, landowners, tourism operators, traders, and local communities established the Watamu Marine Association (WMA) in 2007 as a non-profit, voluntary membership organization dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Watamu and its surroundings by promoting sound environmental management practices, conservation education, and responsible tourism through various empowerment initiatives.
What is the best time to visit in Watamu?
While it can be warm or hot in Watamu all year, the driest months are July through October, with clear sky and warmer, more pleasant temperatures. January to early March is normally dry, although as temperatures rise, humidity can increase. Between June and October, seaweed gathers along Watamu’s beachfront, therefore the beaches may not be as pure as they are at other times of year.
Tips for Traveling to Watamu
- Scams: While Watamu is typically secure for travelers, beware of street merchants and tour providers who may overcharge. It is essential to arrange excursions and activities with recognized and licensed companies.
- Tap Water: Avoid drinking tap water in Watamu. To avoid health risks, use bottled water.
- Train Travel Advice: Get off one stop before Mombasa at Marikani to avoid city traffic and save time on your train and cab ride.
- Mobile network access is generally strong in Watamu, and you can get SIM cards or Internet packages from local carriers such as Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom. However, signal strength may vary in more remote locations.
Conclusion
This article gives you ideas on what to do and places to visit during your trip to Watamu. From exploring Mida Creek to visiting the Gedi Ruins, this town is full of unforgettable experiences and you’ll never be bored.
Whether you enjoy adventure, history or relaxation, Watamu has it all. If you are looking for beautiful beaches, I recommend Wattam Beach and Bluebonnet Bay. For those who enjoy water sports like kitesurfing and paddle boarding, head to Turtle Bay or Garuda Beach.
Whatever activity you choose, don’t forget to try the delicious local cuisine, explore the nightlife and enjoy the beauty of Watamu – the place for ‘sweet people’.