While traveling in Kenya, I started in Nairobi and spent the other half of my trip in Watamu Kenya.
While I wasn’t sure what to expect due to a general lack of information online, Watamu turned out to be such a breath of fresh air and was just the reset I needed as I entered a new year of life.
In this blog post, I’ll share information about Watamu that will help you plan your trip to the town and know what to expect.
Other Blog Posts You May Enjoy:
- One Week in Kenya Itinerary: Nairobi and Watamu
- Watamu Treehouse: A Sustainable Luxury Stay in Kenya
- What to Expect at Glee Nairobi Hotel: Full Review
Getting to Watamu from Nairobi
By Flight
There are a few ways to get to Watamu from Nairobi, but I chose to take a flight from Nairobi to maximize the time I would have getting settled on my first day.
I booked online through the domestic airline Jambojet, which provided a one-way 40-minute flight from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the Malindi International Airport for 11,400 KSH ($88.36).
Malindi is just 20 minutes from Watamu, so once you arrive, you’ll need to take a taxi into town.
Depending on where you are staying, many hotels and accommodations offer a ride for an additional fee directly to the hotel or lodge.
However, if you don’t arrange transportation ahead of time, you’ll be fine because plenty of taxi drivers will approach you once you exit the small airport.
I stayed at Watamu Treehouse and paid 3000 KSH ($23.25) for a 20-minute ride to the property.
Watamu Taxi Driver Contact Details
Gabriel : +254 (0) 726 403 905 (As of Feb 2025)
By Train
As someone who is not a fan of flying, I was happy to see that Kenya has an efficient train system, Kenya Railways, that connects tourists and residents to different cities and towns around the country.
You can take a 6-hour train from Nairobi to Mombasa and a 2.5-hour taxi ride into Watamu.
The journey is obviously a lot longer than just flying, but the train passes through the Nairobi National Park, and you might spot some elephants on the scenic ride, like me!
By Car
The final option for getting from Nairobi to Watamu is to drive about 7 to 10 hours if you’re up for it!
Currency + Money Usage in Watamu
The currency used in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KSH).
While you can use your card in many establishments, such as restaurants and hotels, having cash will take you far in Watamu, as there are many instances where you will have to pay for services or items using cash.
This is especially true if you plan to use transportation methods like tuk-tuks and motorbike drivers, which are common in Watamu.
There are ATMs available in Watamu, so if you have to withdraw cash, you should be able to, but I recommend bringing a considerable amount of cash with you to Watamu if you are coming from Nairobi.
Language Spoken in Watamu Kenya
The official languages spoken in Kenya are Swahili and English.
I heard both being used regularly, so you will be fine if you do not speak Swahili.
Most signs are also in English, so Watamu is straightforward to navigate.
In Watamu, you may also hear other languages native to the coastal region and even some Italian, given its ties to Italian visitors and residents.
What is the weather like in Watamu?
As Watamu is along Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline, the weather includes warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year.
I visited Watamu in February and found the weather to be very nice. It was warm and not too humid to the point where it was unbearable.
It was a bit cooler in the evenings but still a little humid.
Overall, I would expect hot weather, and come prepared with sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect your skin from the sun.
Hotels in Watamu Kenya
Several hotels and accommodation options in Watamu fit various budgets.
I highly recommend utilziing platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, etc. to find what works for you as some of the popular hotels, including the ones listed here can be very pricey.
In this section, I’ll list a few properties to help you understand what’s available in Watamu.
However, be sure to do some more research, as there are plenty of options!
Watamu Treehouse
I can bet money that during your research about Watamu, you have probably come across this hotel several times.
As someone who stayed at the property during my time in Watamu, let me just say that the hype is real.
It’s so real that I have a blog post dedicated to my stay at Watamu Treehouse for my birthday.
Watamu Treehouse is an eco-friendly boutique hotel in Kenya with an open property concept and an intentional focus on wellness.
From providing guests with a selection of outdoor and mindful activities like kayaking and yoga to serving only organic meals, the hotel is one of the best stays I have ever had.
I highly recommend staying here for 1-2 nights if possible.
Price: 2-night stay: $490 at a rate of $245/night at the time
Bamba Kofi Tented Camp
- Beach Cottage
- $25/night
Temple Point Resort
- Eco-friendly Beachfront Retreat
- $144 – $231/night
Medina Palms
- Swahili-style hotel
- $197 – $1020/night
Pole Pole Beach House
- A Swahili-style beach house steps from Watamu Beach
- KSH 8,000 ($61.90) /night
Getting Around Watamu: Transportation Options
Tuk Tuks
Tuk tuks are probably the most common mode of transport in Watamu.
These three-wheeled vehicles are convenient and affordable ways to get around town and are part of daily life in Watamu Kenya.
They are constantly passing by and are very easy to take.
While you can always “hail” a tuk-tuk from the side of the road, I found that many hotels and lodges in Watamu worked with local drivers and would call them to come when guests needed a ride from the accommodation.
If you’re going on a quick trip, you can always ask the driver to wait for you and bring you back.
Motorbike Rides
Using motorbike drivers in Watamu worked like hailing tuk-tuks—you flag them down on the street or arrange a ride through a local contact or hotel.
I felt comfortable getting on a motorbike in Watamu as the roads were not busy, and it felt pretty safe.
Motorbike Driver Contact
I found a motorbike driver while in Watamu who was very reliable and honest whose contact I will include here in case you need it:
- Baracka 0768 7877 13
**Please note that your experience with the individuals or services I recommend in this blog post may vary.**
Taxis
Taxis are another way to get around Watamu, but they may not be the most convenient.
I honestly don’t remember seeing them as often as tuk-tuks and motorbikes.
Taxis were a mode of transportation typically arranged through hotels, local contacts, or by directly calling a driver.
I would recommend avoiding them unless you are trying to go somewhere with large luggage or far distance.
Be sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey to avoid any issues.
Watamu Taxi Driver Contact Details
Gabriel : +254 (0) 726 403 905 (As of Feb 2025)
Restaurants in Watamu
Lichthaus Restaurant
Lichthaus, located at Temple Point Resort, is a floating bar and restaurant above Mida Creek.
It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors because of its stunning sunset views, laid-back Afro-house beats, and creative, open-air design.
Visitors can relax in comfortable seating or unwind in netted lounges suspended just above the creek.
The food is freshly prepared, with daily barbecues cooked on-site and paired with crisp salads, hummus, feta, and chapati. The bar offers a variety of cocktails and refreshing drinks.
Planning Tip: Lichthaus does not have a waitstaff to take your order. Instead, you’ll place your order at the counter and collect it yourself when it’s ready, so don’t sit down expecting someone to come to you; they won’t!
Crab Shack Restaurant
Another community favorite, the Crab Shack Restaurant, is a community-run seafood restaurant located in the mangrove forests of Mida Creek near Watamu, Kenya.
The restaurant is accessed via a wooden boardwalk and offers a great view of the creek and surrounding nature.
Established by the Dabaso Creek Conservation Group, it promotes eco-friendly practices and supports local communities.
The menu features freshly prepared seafood dishes with ingredients sourced from local fishermen.
Amici Miei
Amici Miei is a Southern Italian restaurant in Watamu that blends Italian cuisine with a Swahili touch.
The restaurant is inside the Visiwa Beach Resort and has stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
From homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas to rich desserts like tiramisu, you can be guaranteed a taste of Italy in a relaxed, tropical setting.
Rock and Sea Watamu
Rock and Sea is one of the most popular restaurants in Watamu and is known for its stunning ambiance.
The restaurant sits on a coral rock above sea level and serves a diverse menu that includes Italian, Asian, and fusion cuisines, with options catering to vegetarians and vegans.
The entire property is a private ecolodge that provides a retreat, and the restaurant offers an extension of that same curated experience.
Non Solo Gelato
Stop for a flavorful cup of gelato at Non Solo Gelato, an authentic Italian restaurant and ice cream parlor in a cozy plaza in Watamu.
Small Cup of Mango Gelato: $2.32
Things to Do in Watamu Kenya
Learn about sea turtles and attend an ocean release
Watamu is home to the Local Ocean Conservation, a marine conservation organization that works to conserve sea turtles and their habitats.
The organization’s turtle watch program collaborates with local fishermen to ensure that turtles accidentally caught in fishing nets are safely released back into the ocean.
You can tour the main facility to learn more about the efforts and see if any sea turtles have been treated before being released back into the ocean.
When I visited, there were no sea turtles at the facility, but one of the staff members was kind enough to contact their other team members who were out at the beach and found out there would be a turtle release!
A highlight of my time in Watamu was assisting with bringing the sea turtle to the beach and releasing it into the ocean.
- Local Ocean Conservation One Hour Education Tour: 1000 KSH ($7.72)
Go dolphin watching and snorkeling
Start your day out on the ocean with a well-planned dolphin-watching tour.
Set sail early in the morning and cruise the calm waters, enjoying the sight of dolphin pods gliding through the waters from the comfort of a clear glass boat that allows you to see fishes beneath you.
Curated by Watamu Treehouse, the experience includes a variety of healthy snacks and chai tea to enjoy while on the water.
The tour ends with time to swim, snorkel, and see everything beneath you.
- Solo Dolphin Watching Tour: 11500 KSH ($88.80)
- Snorkeling at Watamu Marine Park & Seafood
- Snorkeling & Dolphin Spotting Tour
Gede Ruins
Visiting Gede Ruins is a popular thing to do in Watamu, Kenya, and with the history behind the location, you’ll quickly find out why.
Located near the coastal town of Malindi, Gede Remains are the remains of a former Swahili town that was once crucial for trade with China, India, and the Middle East.
You can read more about Gede Ruins and its fascinating history here.
- Non-Residents: 500 KSH ($3.87)
- Malindi City Highlights Tour with Gede Ruins
Watamu Snake Farm
The Watamu Snake Farm is an educational facility focused on the conservation and study of snakes and other reptiles.
It houses over 50 snake species, including cobras, pythons, and vipers, all kept in secure enclosures.
As a visitor, I was guided through the farm by a knowledgeable staff member who introduced each species and explained the varying levels of venom they carry in great detail.
Planning Tip: The milking demonstration happens Monday through Friday at 11am, and handling on those same days at 3 p.m. I recommend going about an hour before the demonstrations so you can also get a tour. You don’t have to book ahead and will pay using a card only upon arrival.
- Entry Fee/Tour: 1500 KSH ($11.58)
Stand Up Paddleboarding and Kayaking
Watamu’s beautiful beaches offer the perfect setting for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking for all skill levels.
Most sessions are typically held at Mida Creek, where the mangrove channels include opportunities for bird watching, swimming, picnicking, and true immersion in the area’s natural beauty.
Take a yoga class
Start or end your day with a yoga class.
Watamu Treehouse offers daily open yoga classes of different styles like Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, and Ashtanga-inspired with a self-guided morning meditation included.
These yoga classes are held in open-air environments, either within the forest of the property or higher up on the very top floor of the hotel.
- One-Hour Yoga Class: 1500 KSH ($11.58)
Relax on A Beach
With several beaches, relaxing on the beach is a cherished experience in Watamu as an escape.
Garoda Beach, Turtle Bay, and Jacaranda Beach are a few known for their soft white sands and clear turquoise waters that make passing time a breeze.
Take a sunrise walk, a dhow sunset cruise, a morning swim, or even just lounge and enjoy all that it has to offer.
Beach Tours in Watamu:
Go bird watching in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest
The Arabuko-Sokoke forest is a national forest reserve in an area filled with animals.
It is known to be a crucial forest for bird conservation in mainland Africa, being home to over 230 bird species, according to Africa Geographic.
Spend some of your day going into the forest with a guide and seeing how many you can spot!
You may even spot some elephants, anteaters, monkeys, and more.
Is Watamu Safe?
Watamu is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. The town has a relaxed, small-community atmosphere, and I felt comfortable navigating around the town during the day, especially as a solo traveler.
However, as with any travel destination, you should be careful and always aware of your surroundings.
The staff at my hotel informed me that petty theft happens, especially in public open spaces like beaches.
Overall, I did not have any issues or fear for my safety.
Final Thoughts on Watamu Kenya
I feel like I immediately slowed down once I got to Watamu.
The air and people were different, and it was refreshing, most unexpectedly, especially since I had a jam-packed itinerary and did not even get through half of it.
If you are looking for a vacation and a true getaway, you will love all that Watamu Kenya offers.
