Daily requirements
Shopping facilities in Watamu
There are two “Super markets” in Watamu Village where you will find most of the daily necessities. Ask the house help about their location. Fruit and vegetables are available at the same place. Upon request, both shops are delivering the goods to the house.
The local fishermen are coming to the house to sell fresh fish, lobster, crab etc. It is advisable to ask the house help for assistance or get an idea about the going prices.
Eating Out
There are a number of Restaurants in Watamu Village that provide good meals at reasonable cost such as the Pizza Garden and the Ascot. The Pilipan is a bit more expensive but also very good. If you wish to have something more exclusive but more expensive we suggest the Hemmingways in Watamu or alternatively if you have transport we can recommend Lorenzo’s in Malindi.
Car Hire
Ask Julius for advise.
Lately there has been a great number of Tuk Tuk (3-wheel “Taxis”) available for hire. They are cheap and absolutely useful in and around Watamu.
Leisure
Marine National Reserve
Watamu Marine National Park & Kenya Wildlife Service
In order to protect the reefs along Watamu's coastline the Marine National Reserve and Watamu Marine National Park were established in 1968.
The marine life is absolutely spectacular with a great variety of hard and soft corals, coral fish as well as dolphins, turtles and at certain times (Dec. - Feb.) whale sharks and Manta Rays. Sharks can be found miles out in the deep waters. There are a great number of magnificent dive sites and sites for snorkeling. Ask for guidance at the Scuba Diving Kenya, Ocean Sports Hotel or at the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Both the Marine Reserve and the Marine Park are now managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service who maintains a base and information office at Tempel Point where park tickets can be obtained. If you have arranged for snorkeling or diving through a hotel or a diving base, they will provide you with the necessary ticket for the marine reserve/park.
Swimming and Walking
The sandy beach starting from the plot extending northwards is ideal for walking and swimming both for adults and children.
At low tide a walk towards the islands, situated about 200m off the beach, is very enjoyable.
Boat trips/Snorkeling
From the various hotels (Watamu Beach, Hemmingways, Ocean Sports, Blue Bay), boat trips/snorkeling are organized to the inner Reef Coral Gardens (Marine Park). Please enquire at the hotels.
Diving
The Diving Base of the Turtle Bay Hotel is managed by a Swiss couple, Erwin and Esther Steiger. They offer a range of diving courses and dive trips to the inner- and to the outer reef.
Fishing
The Ocean Sports Hotel and Hemmingways Hotel are famous for the deep sea fishing trips. Enquire at the hotels.
Squash
The Ocean Sports Hotel has a squash court. In high season it is fairly frequently use, therefore it is advisable to book the court in advance.
Golf
There is a Golf course at Eden Rock Hotel in Malindi.
Other
Snake Park
A small snake park owned by Mrs. Ashe, is located across the road from the entrance of our plot.
Gede
The ruins of Gede are the remains of a Portugese settlement founded in the late 13th or early 14th century. They are well worth a visit especially on a hot day, when the ancient trees of Gede offer a welcome, cool surrounding. There is also a small museum situated at the entrance to the ruins.
The access is well signposted both from opposite the mosque at Gede Village and the main road towards Malindi.
Arabuko Sokoke Forest
The entrance to this unique forest is about 3 km south of Gede Village along the Mombasa-Malindi main road. Look for the appropriate signs at the roadside.
The Arabuko Sokoko Forest is the largest stretch of coastal forest remaining in Eastern Africa. It comprises an ecosystem of great diversity, containing rare species of birds, butterflies, amphibians and plants. A very informative Visitor Reception Center is located at Gede Forest Station near the entrance gate to the forest. Upon request to the attendant at the Visitors Center, a Guide will be provided to take you around the forest.
Kipepeo Butterfly Farm
The entrance to the Butterfly farm is adjacent to the entrance to the Gede ruins.
Safaris
It is possible to book Safaris to the national Parks, f. ex. Masai Mara, Tsavo, Amboseli etc through the hotels or a local travel agency in Watamu or can be booked in advance by an international travel agency.
Expeditions to Nairobi and Mombasa
There are several possibilities to travel from Watamu to either Nairobi or Mombasa though the distance must not be underestimated. Getting information from a local Travel agency is advisable.