Watamu National Park is part of a complex of marine and tidal habitats along the Kenya’s north coast. It is enclosed by the Malindi Marine National Reserve which also encloses Malindi Marine National Park. Habitats include intertidal rock, sand and mud, fringing reefs and coral gardens, coral cliffs, sandy beaches and the Mida Creek mangrove forest. Marine life attractions include fish, turtles, dugongs and crabs. The Mida Creek forest has a high diversity of mangrove species including Ceriops tagal, Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Avicennia marina and Sonneratia alba. These provide refuge to a variety of both resident and migrant bird species.
HOW TO REACH:
- By Road: Watamu is 120 kms north of Mombasa and 28km south of Malindi. At Gede, which is on the main Mombasa Malindi Road, you turn towards the Indian Ocean. 11kms from the main road is Watamu itself.
- By Air: Malindi airport is your arrival point
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
- Haven of green turtle
- Unique coral garden
- Mida creek
- Kipepeo project
- Gede ruins
ABUNDANT BIRD LIFE
- Over 100 species of bird are found in the cultivated gardens, shambas and bush. Commonly seen overhead is the Black Kite, whilst the Common Bulbul, White-Browed Coucal and Speckled Mousebird can be seen scuffling in the undergrowth. Bright Yellow Canaries and Golden Palm Weavers flash in the bush, whilst the Lizard Buzzard and the Lilac Breasted Roller are often seen perched on poles and wires.
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
- Wind surfing
- Snorkeling
- Water skiing
- Sunbathing
- Diving
- Glass bottom boat rides
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Footwear, e.g. sandals or flip flops (to protect your feet from the reef)
- T-shirts (to protect your body from sunburn)
- Snorkel, mask, fins, all of which are available for hire
- Camera, hat, sunscreen, insect repellant
- Guide books
- Plenty of drinking water
- A friend(s)
