Beach · The Kenya coast
Watamu
A small town of coves and coral on Kenya's north coast, beside one of Africa's oldest marine parks.
The destination
Coral, creeks and quiet bays.
Watamu lies on the Indian Ocean about 28 km south of Malindi and 120 km north of Mombasa, in Kilifi County. Its bays open onto the Watamu Marine National Park, set up in 1968 and one of the oldest marine protected areas in Kenya. It is a good place to end a safari with days in and on the water.
Flights from Nairobi land at Malindi, a short drive up the coast. Around Watamu, the mangroves of Mida Creek draw wading birds, and in the forest inland stand the coral-stone ruins of Gede, a Swahili town now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We can arrange days out to suit you.
At a glance
- Type
- Beach
- Location
- Kilifi County, about 28 km south of Malindi
- Airport
- Malindi, about 30 minutes by road
- Flights
- Twice daily from Wilson Airport, Nairobi, about 1 hour 15 minutes; also from Jomo Kenyatta International
- Nearby
- Watamu Marine National Park; Mida Creek; Gede Ruins
In and around Watamu
Ways to spend the days.
Photo: Medina PalmsA few of the things the parks, museums and hotels here list.
Watamu Marine National Park
Coral gardens just offshore. KWS lists snorkelling, diving and boat trips, with sea turtles, dolphins and, in season, whale sharks and humpback whales.
Mida Creek
A tidal creek of mangroves and sandbanks, part of the marine reserve, known for its wading birds.
Gede Ruins
The remains of a Swahili town of coral-stone houses, mosques and tombs in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, cared for by the National Museums of Kenya.
When to go
The area through the year.
Between the two rainy seasons. Kenya Wildlife Service describes the coast as generally warm and humid.
The long rains, usually heaviest in May.
The short rains, usually from late November to late December, with some showers in October.
Source: Kenya Wildlife Service.
Where to stay in Watamu
Our selection of hotels.
Related destinations
On the Kenya coast.
Africa, Private & Personal
Thinking of Watamu?
Tell us how you like to travel, and we will suggest how to fit a few days by the sea around your safari.
- Phone & WhatsApp
- +254 795 887765
- Office
- The Piano Building, Brookside Drive, Nairobi