Watamu is a beautiful and peaceful village on the Kenya Coast, nestled between pristine beaches and lush tropical forest. Since it was first settled as a remote Swahili outpost at Gedi, this area has remained a haven of peace and tranquillity and is still one of the coast’s most undeveloped and natural areas. Known for its unique, relaxed and laid back way of life, Watamu welcomes visitors seeking to chill out, explore and enjoy the wonders that it has to offer. Whether it’s a family holiday, a romantic getaway or a wild coastal adventure, you’ll never forget watamu and its wonders. Featured by a blinding white-sand beach and a soft breeze. The town has its own marine national park. Besides having natural endowments, magnificent dining scene, Watamu also makes it easy to explore the nearby Gede ruins, and the waterways of Mida Creek.
As upkenya we bring you the best accommodation-spa in Watamu.
All you Need to Know about Watamu
Population
Watamu Kenya has a population around 1,900 and it is a part of Kilifi County. Watamu is a home to the Bajuni People who trace their descendants to the intermarriages between the locals of Girama and the Arab Traders, various tribes from inland Kenya such as Luo, Kisii, Kamba have immigrated to the area to work in the hotel industry, this movement has led to an increase in the population of Watamu.
Location
The small town is located 105 kilometers north of Mombasa and 15 kilometers south of Malindi on the Indian Ocean Coast of Kenya, it lies on a small headland between the blue lagoon and Watamu Bay.
Climate
Watamu has two rainy seasons. The short one takes place in November and December whereas the long season starts from April through June. The area also experiences two dry seasons. The short one lasts from January to February and early parts of March. The long dry season lasts from July to October.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit Watamu is all year round. However, it is better to visit the town from July to October, as this is the longest dry season when the coast is cool and the skies are clear and sunny.
THE CHARMING LONNO LODGE
At The Charming Lonno Lodge Watamu, they have very little to offer. Heartwarming sun, an ever changing light, astonishing silence, refreshing breeze, breathtaking views, stunning and food. Lodge you can receive, if you wish so, the personalized service you can expect from an hotel of their level, mixing service with attention to the customer’s needs, and maximum privacy with the beauty of a life on the sea side.
TURTLE BAY BEACH CLUB
All inclusive hotel on the shores of the Indian Ocean next to Kenya’s Internationally acclaimed Watamu National Marine Park. Turtle Bay was chosen as a Best All Inclusive Hotel in Africa by TripAdvisor® in its 2012 Travellers’ Choice® awards. Now in its tenth year, the annual TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards honour the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travellers.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL NYUMBANI TEMBO
Boutique Hotel Nyumbani Tembo Watamu, set next to Stellamaries Catholic Church, is 13 miles from Malindi airport. The venue comprises 10 rooms. A short walk will take you to Ocean Sports in 20 minutes. The Boutique Hotel Nyumbani Tembo is set in 17 miles of Watamu National Marine Park.
WATAMU BACKPACKERS NUGUNUTS
A tranquil spot set in a beautiful coconut plantation only 1.3kms from the world famous Turtle bay beach and Watamu Marine Reserve. This rustic back packers is an ideal base to explore Magical Watamu
ALAWI BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Offering an outdoor pool and a private beach area, Alawi Boutique Hotel is situated in the Watamu Beach district in Watamu, 9.1 km from Bio-Ken Snake Farm.
Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Certain rooms feature views of the sea or pool. Each room includes a private bathroom with a bath or shower and bidet, with bathrobes provided. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. You can engage in various activities, such as snorkelling and diving. Nice Beach During Low Tide is 50 m from Alawi Boutique Hotel, while Watamu Marine Nature Park is 1.8 km from the property.
LIFE RESORT ST’ THOMAS ROYAL PALM
Life Resort St. Thomas Royal Palm has a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge and garden in Watamu. This 5-star hotel offers a shared kitchen, room service and free WiFi. The hotel features family rooms.
The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a wardrobe. At the hotel rooms are fitted with a private bathroom with a shower. Life Resort St. Thomas Royal Palm offers a continental or à la carte breakfast. The accommodation offers a terrace. You can play billiards at Life Resort St. Thomas Royal Palm, and car hire is available. Jacaranda Bay Beach is 1.1 km from the hotel, while Watamu National Marine Park is 48 km from the property. The nearest airport is Malindi, 9 km from Life Resort St. Thomas Royal Palm, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
FORENTUM HOUSE
Forentum House has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a bar and shared lounge in Watamu. Boasting room service, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen and currency exchange for guests. At the hotel, rooms are equipped with a patio with a city view. The private bathroom is fitted with a bidet, a hairdryer and free toiletries. The rooms will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle. Forentum House offers a continental or buffet breakfast. The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at the accommodation. Popular points of interest near Forentum House include Mapango Beach, Bio-Ken Snake Farm and Watamu Supermarket. The nearest airport is Malindi, 16 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
PALM GARDEN BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Set in Watamu, 2.4 km from Merry Crab Cove Beach, Palm Garden Boutique Hotel offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Boasting a garden, the hotel is close to several noted attractions, around 200 m from Mida Creek, 800 m from Local Ocean Trust Marine Conservation Centre and 1.9 km from Jetty Launch. The accommodation features room service, valet parking and currency exchange for guests. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk. With a private bathroom fitted with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at the hotel also have pool view. The rooms at Palm Garden Boutique Hotel are fitted with a seating area. The accommodation offers a continental or buffet breakfast. Palm Garden Boutique Hotel offers a terrace. Watamu National Marine Park is 27 km from the hotel, while Bio-Ken Snake Farm is 5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Malindi, 21 km from Palm Garden Boutique Hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service. Couples found the location very good!
OCEAN SPORTS RESORT
Located in Watamu, on the South East coast of Kenya, Ocean Sports Resort offers views of the Indian Ocean. This beachfront resort features an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar. All sea-facing rooms are individually decorated and come equipped with a mosquito net draped over the bed, a sofa and private entrance. Each room includes air conditioning, a safe and private bathroom. Ocean Sports Resort restaurant serves fresh seafood and locally grown fruit and vegetables with an influence of French cuisine. It also offers wood-fire pizzas and homemade bread and croissants. Guests can unwind at Ian’s Bar and enjoy a cocktail. Lunch and special meals are available upon request. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling, snorkelling and fishing. The resort borders the Watamu Marine National Park. Free WiFi is available in the reception area and bar. Malindi Airport is 23 km away.
