Wonderful Watamu
Clear blue skies, wonderfully warm weather, crystal clear coral waters, colorful sea life, powder white sandy beaches and a host of breathtaking sights and sounds. This is the wealth of beauty you will behold upon visiting the small town of Watamu.
Located north of Mombasa town along the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. Watamu lies on a small headland, between the Blue Lagoon and Watamu Bay. The town is small and everyone maintains cordial relations, aptly living up to the Swahili meaning of the name Watamu- ‘a home of sweet people’.
Here are some top locations which are a must visit to experience the sweetness of Watamu;
1. Watamu Marine Park and Reserve
Internationally renowned for its natural beauty, this KWS managed park has protected coral gardens, rich marine life which includes Whale Sharks, Manta Rays and Sea Turtles, and plays host to a bevy of water sports such as kite-surfing, wind-Surfing, water skiing, kayaking snorkeling and glass bottomed boat tours. In addition one can go past the Marine Park to the open sea, for exploration boat rides and scuba diving tours.
2. Sardinia 2
Located within the Marine Park, one can make arrangements to take a boat ride from this private club, to go spotting and even swimming with the Dolphins.
3. Mida creek
This a large saline lagoon that merges with a Mangrove forest that is an important habitat for various birds species, breeding ground for fish and a reserve for numerous aquatic flora and fauna. Visitors can take a guided tour along a board walk which provides a magnificent view across the creek to the line of thick mangroves, or take a canoe ride across the creek.
4. Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve
For the most refreshing nature trail excursion, this habitat for rare and endangered mammals and birds is the most ideal spot. The reserve is a bird watchers paradise with a rich attraction of flora and fauna also used by the locals for herbal remedies and timber. One can also visit the magnificent butterfly farm located within the forest.
5. Gede Ruins
Preserved and managed by the National Museums of Kenya, the Gede national monument comprises of the remains of an old Swahili town. It is a very important archaeological site and the adjacent indigenous forest is a sacred site for traditional rituals and sacrifices for the surrounding community. While visiting this historical site, one will get to enjoy the lively performances from Giriama traditional dancers.
There are many spots that are suitable for children. Check out this post Mombasa: 6 fun places to take your children by my friend Jamila Elbry who blogs in Mombasa
