When planning my next adventure, Kenya was admittedly not on my radar. But when I was invited to visit Watamu, I couldn't resist the feminine urge to explore somewhere new. The over the course of three days, my eyes were opened to a new part of the world I once never gave much thought to. With its rich diversity of wildlife, a vibrant culture and next-level cuisine, Watamu feels like an undiscovered African gem…
Walking through Malindi Airport, I was met with warm smiles and friendly faces, signalling that this would be the trip of a lifetime. Watamu means ‘Home of the sweet people’ in Swahili, and this couldn’t be a more accurate representation of the people we’d meet on the trip.
In stark contrast to the city hustle and bustle, Watamu felt like a serene retreat, years behind Nairobi in pace but rich in beauty and tranquility. Palm trees swayed, turquoise waters sparkled, and the locals greeted us with genuine warmth. My first thought: How did I not know this existed?
With a population of only 30,000, Watamu’s crystal-clear waters make it an excellent location for snorkelling and diving. The town felt raw and untouched, and I couldn’t wait to see what the next three days held in store for us.
Driving through the town of Kilifi, we made our way to the Hemingways Collection. Upon arrival, the beach smiled back at me through the hotel’s main entrance, and I knew then that paradise really does exist.
The hotel boasts 76 rooms, each with an ocean view, and the spaciousness struck me. As a Londoner accustomed to tiny hotels, the large rooms, some featuring vast private balconies, felt luxurious.
We sat under the palm trees with the Indian Ocean a stone's throw away, enjoying our first lunch. With Watamu’s rich cultural heritage, the food offered flavours from Swahili, Arab, and Italian cuisines. From Zanzibar prawn skewers to chicken fatayer and variations of hummus, the next three days promised to be a culinary heaven.
Between the sound of the waves, the low chatter, and the friendly, welcoming staff sharing stories about the town, I felt I could get used to this.
As evening fell, our first activity began: a sunset dhow cruise through Mida Creek on a 90-year-old boat. The Mida Creek reserve, with its extensive mangrove forests and warm shallow waters, is home to an array of wildlife. Soaking up the sun on the slow-moving waters felt peaceful. The sun turned a brilliant orange, and all I could think about was bringing my girlfriends’ here for a girls trip or even a romantic getaway.
We returned to the hotel and headed to Papa Remo, an Italian restaurant less than a 15-minute drive away that transforms into a lively club at night. Filled with young people enjoying good food, laughter, and music, it was a vibrant scene. With Watamu’s strong Italian influence, the menu was to die for. I opted for seafood spaghetti and had no regrets. As the night grew late, the younger crowd partied on while I headed back to Hemingways for a cosy night’s rest on the most comfiest bed and the sound of the ocean as my soundtrack to sleep.
Day two was set for dolphin watching followed by snorkelling. We set out bright and early to find the dolphins, it took a little while as we’re waltzing into their natural habitat but after some waiting we found them mischievously playing in the ocean, briefly revealing themselves before hiding again. Although our sighting was short, it was magical, knowing they were enjoying their home undisturbed.
As someone who loves looking at open water but hesitates to get in, I admit I was terrified about snorkelling. However, this fear quickly faded as our tour guide, sensing my apprehension, held my hand throughout the entire experience, guiding me through the vibrant underwater world. The colourful fish and coral reefs beneath the turquoise waters were more beautiful than I had ever imagined, from stingrays to parrotfish, triggerfish, and angelfish. I couldn’t believe I had been too scared to try this before and couldn’t be more grateful to our tour guide for introducing me to a whole new underwater world.
Switching from the beach to historical exploration, we visited the Gede ruins, an ancient Swahili town dating back to the 12th century. I’ve never been one for historical holidays, but walking in the footsteps of those from centuries past and seeing the remnants of what once was, felt magical.
Watamu, Kenya, reminded me that the world is so much bigger than me, full of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. From the warm hospitality of the locals to the breathtaking beauty of its beaches and marine life, every moment spent here was a revelation.
Whether exploring ancient ruins, feasting on the mix of cuisines, or simply basking in the tranquility of the Indian Ocean, Watamu offers an experience that is both enriching and rejuvenating. For history lovers, adventure seekers, or those simply looking to switch off, Watamu is the perfect destination. It’s a place where serenity meets adventure.
