Things To Do In Watamu

Things To Do In Watamu : On Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast, Watamu is a small town that is roughly 105 km north of Mombasa and 15 km south of Malindi. It is situated on a little headland between Watamu Bay and the Blue Lagoon. Fishing and tourism are its two main economic pursuits. The town, which is a part of Kilifi County, has a population of about 30,000 as of 2020.

White sand beaches with offshore coral formations may be found along the shoreline in the following bays and beaches: Garoda Beach, Turtle Bay, Blue Lagoon Bay, Watamu Bay, Ocean Breeze, Kanani Reef, and Jacaranda Beach. As a part of the Watamu Marine National Park, they are safeguarded. On the East African coast, the Marine Park is regarded as one of the top spots for diving and snorkelling. Because of its crystal-clear water and beaches with silver sand, it is also considered to be Africa’s third-best beach. Local community organisations, the tourism industry, and environmental organisations have joined forces to form the Watamu Marine Association in order to support the managing authorities, the Kenyan Wildlife Service, in maintaining the Park.

Whale watching

When foreigners hear about the big migration, they immediately picture herds of wildebeest tearing across the Kenyan plains from Tanzania. However, “The Other Migration” is not widely known among tourists from abroad and in Kenya. Every year, thousands of humpback whales sail from the Antarctic to Kenya to breed and give birth to their babies in our warm, protected waters. Humpback whales are the marine mammal giants of the ocean, measuring 15 metres in length and 30 tonnes in weight. Between July and September, when both migrations reach their peaks, Kenya is home to the “Twin Migration,” a rare wildlife phenomena that includes both savannah and marine safaris.

The Malindi-Watamu Marine National Reserve is one of the greatest places to watch whales, and the Watamu Marine Association (WMA) has been researching dolphins and whales there since 2011. In order to safeguard marine animals, recycle plastic and other marine debris, and involve the local population, particularly fishermen in eco-tourism endeavours, WMA collaborates with the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Watamu Beach

Start your holiday in one of the area’s most picturesque locations, which is home to one of the nicest beaches in the entire globe. Since Watamu Beach is rarely crowded, you can spend time alone with loved ones or family. From the beach, you can observe the azure ocean seas. When the temperature starts to climb, all you have to do is get in the water and unwind. Then you may relax in the sun while enjoying your favourite beverage or locally produced palm wine.

Go for a stroll along the beach to take in the scenery and meet the locals, who occasionally offer their items to tourists, including shells and bracelets that will make the perfect status symbol. Every time you feel hungry, local street foods will sate your cravings and leave you in awe of how delicious they are. Take a stroll in the evening to cap off your day and enjoy the fresh wind and sunset vistas. The beach also offers horseback riding, which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for anyone. Therefore, if you want to keep your beach vacation entertaining, be sure to enjoy completely while there.

Gedi Ruins

Gedi National Monument is managed by the National Museums of Kenya and features ruins, a snake park, and a butterfly sanctuary. Gede Ruins, an old settlement that dates to the 13th century and is situated between Watamu and Malindi, is encircled by tropical trees. Archaeological evidence of artefacts from all over the world, including Ming Chinese vases and Venetian glass, indicates that Gede was once a developed, cosmopolitan area. Researchers are still perplexed as to why Gede was abandoned all those centuries ago.

The area’s crumbling ruins reveal the presence of a palace, mosques, a number of homes, and stone-pillar graves, but there is no sign of the area’s previous occupants. Although it is deserted, there is a tremendous opportunity to learn about a lost period of history there. Here, exceptional breeds of butterflies from Arabuko Sokoke and the Kipepeo project are bred before being shipped to live exhibits all over the world.

Dhow Cruise

While sailing down Mida Creek in the comfort of a magnificent dhow, you may enjoy the sunset while sipping a beverage. A sailing journey down the stream with beverages and snacks or maybe a complete meal is one of the trips that are offered at sunset. A mangrove and palm-covered refuge called Mida Creek is home to a wide variety of birds and marine species because to its remarkable tidal habitat. A walk along the suspended walkway with views across the creek and into the mangroves would be part of the tour. The Mida Creek Conservation Community, which manages a nearby crab farm and restaurant called the Crab Shack, will greet you here. Take your time, unwind amidst the breath taking surroundings, and enjoy the sunset while indulging in the renowned crab samosas.

Visit the Love Island

There are several small islets along Watamu Beach. Love Island, a heart-shaped stretch of brilliant white sand that emerges at low tides, is unquestionably the most well-known and stunning. On this island, it is simple to get up close to aquatic creatures such puffer fish, starfish, crabs, coral, octopuses, oysters, and more. Love Island is only 1 kilometre from the shore, so if the tide is low, you could theoretically walk there. If the tide is high, you can request a lift for a nominal price from one of the numerous fishermen in the area.

Local businesses and peddlers will try to offer you a day or half-day tour of Love Island. Since the island is only 1 km offshore, there is no need to pay for a guided tour; instead, you can simply take a short solo stroll during low tides.

Visit Arabuko Sokoke Forest

What better way to unwind than to breathe in the crisp, clean air that is a far cry from the smoggy air of the city while listening to the chirping of birds? Arabuko-Sokoke is 420 km long and is the largest and most complete coastal forest in East Africa. With 20% of Kenya’s bird species, 30% of its butterfly species, and at least 24 rare and endemic bird, animal, and butterfly species, the forest is a beautiful natural area. Wander through the forest in the early dawn or the late evening. Mongooses, duikers, and other species can all be seen along the walk, including monkeys. Because the forest is home to so many different kinds of birds, bird watching is another popular activity there.

Since there are many nature trails in the forest, you should put this on your bucket list if you’d want some alone time or just want to take in the beauty of nature. Take part in hiking activities as well, so make sure your footwear is comfy. You have the option of asking one of the wardens for assistance or going it alone, which adds to the thrill. The forest is also home to a variety of plant species, some of which have proven particularly beneficial to man for domestic and medicinal purposes. If walking exhausts you, consider cycling instead, which is permitted in the forest and will enable you to travel farther in less time.

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