Zuri, Watamu

Watamu (“home of the sweet people” in Kiswahili) is a small town on the Kenyan coast, 120 km north of Mombasa and 20 km south of Malindi.  It has won an international reputation for its pristine white-sand beaches, clear waters, offshore coral formations and reef-protected lagoons, which line the Watamu National Marine Park and Reserve, the oldest and largest in East Africa, covering over 229 square kilometres.

The Marine Park and Reserve is renowned worldwide for its natural beauty and boasts a rich marine life – from visiting Whale Sharks and Manta Rays to three species of Sea Turtle. It is also considered one of the best snorkelling and diving areas on the coast of East Africa. Watamu has been voted one of the three best beaches in Africa and one of the top ten beaches in the World – steeped in natural fauna and flora and with three stunning bays -Watamu, Blue Lagoon and Turtle Bay.

Scuba Diving, Watamu

All kinds of water sports and activities are available in Watamu – from sailing and deep sea fishing to scuba diving, water-skiing, kitesurfing and paddle boarding. Tribe Watersports, situated on Turtle Bay beach is a good first stop and can cater for most of one’s needs – offering tuition, equipment rental and advice.

Kite Surfing, Watamu

There is a good supermarket in Watamu together with a range of local shops, and a bigger selection of shops and boutiques about 30 minutes away in Malindi. Recommended places to eat and drink include the Pilipan restaurant at Mida Creek a little to the south of town, and the bars and restaurants at Hemingways Resort and Ocean Sports on Turtle Bay beach.

Bio-Ken Snake Farm

The Bio Ken Snake Farm and laboratory houses East Africa’s largest collection of snakes and is one of the world’s most renowned snake research centres. It specialises in antivenin research, and also acts as an emergency service for snake-bite victims throughout the region. Well-informed guides lead excellent 45-minute tours of the facility.

Gedi Ruins

The Gedi Ruins are the ancient remains of a substantial Swahili Arab town dating from the 12th Century. Once a thriving and well-planned community of at least 2500 people, with a magnificent palace, several mosques and many large stone houses, the people of Gedi grew rich on trade with India, China and Europe, but the town was mysteriously abandoned in the 17th Century.

Hell’s Kitchen

Just north of Malindi and a few miles inland close to the village of Marafa is the picturesque ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ – Malindi’s answer to The Grand Canyon – a dramatic series of rock formations and gorges. The 4,300-hectare Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve is situated to the west of Watamu and is the largest single block of indigenous coastal forest remaining in East Africa – it forms the centrepiece of a world-renowned habitat for rare and endangered mammals and birds.

By Air
Watamu is less than 30 minutes by road from Malindi Airport, which has several scheduled flights each day to and from Nairobi. Some flights also arrive or depart via Mombasa or Lamu.

Airlines serving Malindi and Nairobi include:
• Safarilink (from Wilson Airport) – www.flysafarilink.com
• Jambo Jet (from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) – www.jambojet.com
• Skyward Express (from Wilson Airport) – www.skywardexpress.co.ke

By Road
Watamu is situated just off the main B8 coastal highway. Driving time from Mombasa is less than two hours, and from Nairobi around nine hours via Mombasa.

It is also possible to bypass Mombasa and travel through Tsavo East National Park on the scenic C103 Road, which follows the route of the Galana River.

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Rates

• Minimum stay – 2 nights

• Maximum occupancy – 14 guests (10 adults and 4 children or 12 adults)

• Minimum stay over Easter, Christmas and New Year – 5 nights

Standard Season (March, July, September, November)

• $1,425 / Kes 185,250 per night

Mid Season (December & January (except for Christmas & New Year), February, April (except for Easter), May, June, August, October)

• $1,725 / Kes 224,250 per night

Peak Season (Easter, Christmas & New Year)

• $2,325 / Kes 302,250 per night

• Stays are on a ‘bed & breakfast’ basis – drinks, lunch and dinner to be purchased from a set-priced menu

• Self-catering is not offered here

• Check in from 2pm, Check out by 10am

• These rates, terms and conditions are valid for stays up until 10th January 2026

• The owners require all adult guests to sign an indemnity / disclaimer form on arrival

• The swimming pool is unfenced. Children must be closely supervised around the pool by an adult guest and should never be left unattended in any part of the property at any time

• Please contact us to make a booking

• Please familiarise yourself with all the terms & conditions on our website when making a booking

• Bookings can only be confirmed upon receipt of payment. Until a booking is confirmed, availability is subject to change without notice