Post-safari beach days in Watamu, Kenya
Holy scha-molies. Who knew the beaches in Kenya were world-class? Because I did NOT. I am honestly blown away by Watamu.
I would never have thought to go to the Kenyan coast for fine white sand beaches, ridiculously perfect temperature waters and palm trees. Never, ever.
Add in turtles, coral reefs, incredible coffee, sunshine and open-air treehouse accommodation with yoga by sunrise and sunset, and you can imagine just how dreamy our post-safari beach days were in Watamu. It was the perfect end to our 5-day safari trip. If you’re not sure how to plan the perfect safari adventure, check out this blog post.
My guide to Watamu, Kenya…
Top tip: Check out the flight deals on Skyscanner here.
About Watamu…
Watamu is a gorgeous coastal town in Kenya, about 105km north of Mombasa and 15km south of Malindi. Think gorgeous fine sand beaches, stunning coral reefs sitting just off the shoreline, a collection of quaint Kenyan ice cream shops, cafes and local super markets to stroll between and an inland forest home to elephants, monkeys and rare birdlife.
It’s not hard to fall in love with this slice of nature’s finest.
Watamu sits with the Indian ocean brushing along its beaches. These are the same waters that grace the idyllic destinations of the Maldives and Mauritius. I haven’t been to either of those destinations just yet, but my time in Watamu certainly gave me a taste for the luxury lifestyle offered there. It’s easy to see why they are Instagram’s most desired locations.
I have never been in water as clear and beautiful as the water in Watamu.
You can slide into the ocean without an ounce of hesitation about the temperature (so warm but still refreshing). It’s clear enough to see the turtles gliding through. And, you have the finest of sand moulding between your toes as you walk along the coast.
Wow, seriously.
If you love the water, check out this post for how to get PADI certified!
The best part? It’s just so untouched, at the moment anyway. As you can see in the photos, there are stretches along the beach where, as far as the eye can see, you don’t see civilisation. No huge western hotel chains towering over the palm trees, no grids of sun loungers to climb through and no jet skis in the water.
We stayed a 5-minute tuk tuk ride down the coast from the centre of Watamu at Watamu Treehouse. Of course, nearer the town they do have hotels on the beach. But, they aren’t excessive and I don’t feel like it takes away from the natural beauty. Just some sustainable tourism which is heavily relied on here by the Watamu community.
Price insight: A tuk tuk for the 5 minute ride into Watamu cost 200KES (£1.40)
Top tip: Check out money-saving tips on my blog here.
Honestly though, five days of safari and three days of post-safari relaxation in Watamu was the perfect combination of animal adrenalin and fresh ocean air for our time in Kenya. Just perfect.
Now, not only did I experience the best beaches of my travels thus far whilst here in Kenya, but I also rested my head in the dreamiest setting of all.
I got to stay in a treehouse for the first time and it was everything I imagined and more.
You wake up to the sound of the birds in the trees. There’s not a window in sight to stand between you and the ocean air gracing your lungs.
You open your eyes to the glimmers of golden light breaking through the clouds. The sun starts to appear over the horizon to warm the sky.
Now you freshen up in the open shower with herbal washes before popping on your dressing gown and having a Kenyan coffee arrive at your doorstep.
You take half an hour to look across the contrasting blues of the ocean and the reefs that lay within it. You think about whether you’d rather take the four minute walk to dips your toes in the ocean or tuck into a freshly made breakfast first.
Smiling, you remember the day is yours to design as you wish. The handcrafted food beaming with nutrition is to be served at a time of your convenience. The beach will be there all day long. You remember there’s a yoga class on the rooftop in half an hour and decide that the world can wait because you’ve arrived.
Watamu Treehouse…
Let me show you around…
Here are 12 ways to improve your travel photography!
If you’re nervous about going travelling, here’s how I overcome my pre-travel nerves.
As you step barefoot around the bridges, stairs and towers of Watamu Treehouse, you’ll dip in and out of the forest canopy. The ocean breeze refreshes you as you’re blown away by 360 views of the Indian Ocean, the creek, the coconut plantations and the surrounding forests.
The area feels wonderfully untouched. It’s a welcomed breath of fresh air from other destinations I’ve been to that are set between this much natural beauty.
There’s something seriously magical about Watamu.
Staying at Watamu Treehouse is a once in a lifetime experience. I was so happy to share it with my mum to celebrate her year of turning 50.
Come with us to the beach…
Here are my top tips for planning and researching your next adventure.
What’s so special about Watamu treehouse?
There are seven bedrooms in this hand-crafted treehouse. They’re spread between two towers, all with unique interior design. All of them encapsulate the Watamu Treehouse values: getting in touch with nature, elegant simplicity, outdoor living, rejuvenation and natural beauty.
Watamu Treehouse was set up by the owner Paul as a home for wellness, to be part of each guest’s individual journey to healing and good health. Should you wish to immerse yourself fully in the Treehouse, you can book a full board experience. This includes the on-site chefs nourishing your body with insanely tasty and nutritious hand crafted meals.
It is recommended though that you go half board, which is exactly what we did. This leaves room to explore the town and support the local businesses. This is the perfect chance to indulge in the Kenyan culture and cuisine.
Top tip: Head down to The Crab Shack (a local community project) for dinner on the wooden structures that sit on the edge of the Mangrove forest with views over the creek. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset, grab some fresh local seafood and all the money goes back into the local community. A must do when in Watamu!
Whilst staying at Watamu Treehouse there is a wealth of opportunity to engage in outdoor adventure and physical activity. This is all presented to you upon arrival in the guest welcome pack. If there’s anything in particular that you’d like to do that you cannot find, Paul is so accommodating and I’m sure will help organise an experience tailored to your desires.
Opportunities include:
– private yoga / fitness session
– rooftop yoga classes
– SUP yoga
– sunset SUP experiences down Mida Creek
– kayaking
– kite surfing
– snorkelling
There are also nearby snake and turtle organisations where you can get up close and personal with some of Kenya’s residents: Bio-ken snake farm, Watamu Turtle Watch.
Your stay at Watamu Treehouse is more than just food and accommodation. It’s a home. Paul has done an incredible job of making each and every guest’s stay feel personalised. The staff (most of whom are locals) are amazing. No task is too big and they always deliver the goods with infectious smiles on their faces.
Top tip: Check out more ways to keep fit when you’re travelling in this blog post!
I can only hope that one day life brings me back to Watamu. If it does, I’ll be very happy indeed.
To see more information or to enquire about staying here at Watamu Treehouse, check out their website here.
EXPLORE AFRICA ON MY BLOG HERE
Have you been to Watamu?
What were your favourite spots? I’d love to know!
Love as always + happy adventuring,
Mollie.
Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.
I can’t do this without you.
Pin and save this blog post for later…
