» About Kenya & the Coast
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» Tourism Organizations
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» Coastal & Swahili History
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» Beaches
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» Tana river
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» North and South Coast
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» Culture & Art
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» Coast Marine Parks
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» Coast Game Parks
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Watamu
Watamu
Watamu is a beach resort on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. It lies on a small headland, between the Blue Lagoon and Watamu Bay. Its main industries are tourism and fishing. The nearest big town is Malindi to which it is connected by frequent matatu.
The shoreline in the area features white sand beaches and offshore coral formations arranged in three bays: Watamu Bay, Blue Lagoon and Turtle Bay. They are protected as part of the Watamu Marine National Park. The Marine Park is considered one of the best snorkelling and diving areas on the coast of East Africa. The name "Watamu" means "sweet people" in Swahili. The name came from the fact that Arab slave traders used to distribute sweets to entice the local population beforet taking them as slaves.
Mida Creek
Mida Creek is to the south of Watamu, and has extensive mangrove forests that support a huge number of bird species, including the spectacular malachite kingfisher, yellow-billed stork and African fish eagle. It's paradise for bird-watchers and there is also some good snorkelling and scuba diving at the mouth of the creek.
The head of the creek, the best area for viewing waterbirds, is reached by a dirt road opposite the Mida entrance to the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve. Guides can organize guided walks in the mangroves.
Boat tours are arranged through Watamu hotels, visit a boardwalk and picnic ground on Sudi Island. Turtle Bay Beach Club's Discovery Centre runs tours. There is a vibrant night life.
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