Host: Nelson Bashora and family.When: Anytime Length: 11 days and nights are proposed Fee charged: approximately US$ 90 per person per day. Excluded are drinks, tips, personal purchases, meals not listed in the itinerary and your international flight.
About Your Stay in Watamu
In addition to the Marine Park itself, Watamu is within 10 km of two other special natural reserves, Mida Creek and Arabulo-Sokoke Forest and one fascinating site of archeological interest, Gede Ruins. The Mida Creek Reserve is formed of extensive mangrove forests, warm shallow waters and large areas of mud flats at low tide. This area hosts not only many local birds, such as Greater Flamingo, Yellow-billed Stork, Great White Egret and Malachite Kingfisher, but is also the winter home of many migrants such as the Crab Plover, Curlew Sandpiper, Whimbrel and Sanderling. The Osprey and African Fish Eagle are often overhead. A bird-lovers paradise, Mida Creek is also the spot to watch the spectacular African sunsets whilst supping an icy cold drink at the end of an active day.
 Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is the largest remaining area (420 sq. km.) of indigenous coastal forest in East Africa. The forest contains six species of globally threatened bird, including the Clarke's Weaver, which is found nowhere else in the world. Rare mammals are also present, including the Golden Rumped Elephant Shrew, Bushy-tailed Mongoose and Ader's Duiker. Rarely seen but also found in the forest are elephant, buffalo, leopard and hyena. The forest is also home to over 260 species of butterflies. The forest itself is made up from Cynometra, which forms thick forest and thickets on the red compact soils of the Western area, and the more open, shady trees and bushes of the Brachystegia woodland on the Eastern side. With several picnic spots and shady walking paths, which meander through the trees, the forest is a favorite spot for many. Gede Ruins, an archeologists delight, was one of the ancient Arab towns, which dotted the East African Coast. It dates from the late 13th or early 14th Century and was finally abandoned in the early 17th Century. Excavated since 1927, many areas have been revealed, including the Great Mosque, the Palace, several residential houses and pillar tombs. Surrounded by tall shady trees, a walk through Gede is a must for anyone interested in Kenya's history and is interesting even for cultural philistines such as myself! If you would like to experience the above, but prefer more modern sleeping arrangements, Watamu offers a number of places to stay, ranging from bed and breakfast guest houses to a five star hotel suiting most budgets. For advice on this contact Melinda Rees, Nelson's "host helper." During the last few days of your visit, you head off in search of the big game animals in spectacular Masai Mara National Reserve. You will fly to Dream Camp on the banks of the Talek River in the Mara reserve. Here you spend 2 nights and 3 days exploring the rolling savannah plains of this superb eco-system as your Masai Guides take you around in search of the numerous lion, elephant, antelope and other wildlife that inhabit the area.
ITINERARYDay One - Ten: Spend the next 10 nights and eleven days with this local family as you are introduced to the Giriama Tribal Culture as well as the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the coast. All meals and accommodation are included at the village. Day Eleven: Fly from the coast back to Nairobi in time to catch the afternoon flight to the Masai Mara and your Dream Camp safari. Day Eleven - Twelve: Explore the magnificent Mara Reserve for two nights and three days. All meals and game drives and accommodation are included. Day Thirteen: Fly back to Nairobi in the afternoon, met at the airport and transferred to your Nairobi Hotel. Dinner on your own. Day Fourteen: A day time city tour with driver/guide, which includes museum entrance fees before your transfer to the International airport for your flight home. This itinerary includes all domestic flights, all National Park Entrance Fees, all local village meals at the Bashora family's village, all accommodation, all transfers, all accommodation and meals at Dream Camp, accommodation without meals in Nairobi and the city day tour.
Click on the above button to e-mail this program's host. Return to the KENYA Destination Index |
The area has developed an international reputation for its white-sand, reef protected beaches, which line Watamu National Marine Park. Established in 1968, this Marine Park is the oldest in Kenya and has developed into one of the best snorkeling and dive spots of the world. The Marine Park boasts over 600 species of fish in just 10 square kilometers, although the reserve area itself spreads out over more than 32 sq km in total. It is virtually impossible to snorkel without seeing a least a few dozen species inside the main reef and divers outside the fringe reef stand an excellent chance of viewing the magnificent whale shark and Manta Rays that are seasonal visitors. If underwater exploring is not your style, not to worry! From windsurfing to dolphin watching boat trips, gentle walks to explore the rock pools or simply lying on the beach getting tan, the Watamu beach offers something for everyone.
