New Set
We are open until 5.30pm GMT
Leave a message with our team

Hemingway’s Watamu

Watamu, Kenya

HOME > DESTINATIONS > AFRICA > KENYA > Hemingway’s Watamu

Stay at Hemingway’s Watamu

An iconic tropical paradise on the Kenyan coast sitting right in the middle of the pristine Watamu Marine National Park with its idyllic white sand beach and turquoise waters. The exceptional personal service and sincere charm of this established hotel has come to represent Kenyan coastal luxury to so many travellers for close to 30 years. 

There is so much to do here – learn to kite-surf; get your PADI certificate, take a sunset dhow cruise on Mida Creek, play a round of golf on the nearby world class golf course, Vipingo Ridge; or go on safari for a few days in Tsavo or the Maasai Mara. If that all sounds a little too energetic, relax around the pool with a good book as you work your way through our cocktail menu.

The Swahili culture of the coast is an exotic mix of Omani, Portuguese and Bantu influences. Built on trade, the coastal town of Watamu was once an outpost for ivory, slaves, spices and shells. Local people are predominantly fishermen and farmers and the coast is rich in exotic fruit and sisal plantations. There is a languid pace to life here, quite different to the hectic rush of Nairobi. Middle Eastern influences are more apparent at the coast in the architecture and religion and both Malindi and Watamu have elements of an Italian feel with great pizzerias and delicious gelato available.

Watamu – meaning “home of the sweet people” in Swahili – is a small village on the Kenyan coast approximately 120kms north of Mombasa – Kenya’s second-largest city. It is also 20kms south of Malindi – Vasco de Gama’s first landing point on the coast of East Africa. Watamu’s shoreline features pristine white sand beaches and offshore coral formations arranged in different bays and sheltered by a reef. The area is protected as part of the Watamu Marine National Park and is considered one of the best snorkelling and diving areas on the coast of Africa. The Marine Park is renowned worldwide for its natural beauty and boasts a diverse marine life from the visiting whale sharks and manta rays to three species of sea turtle.

The low-lying coast of Kenya creates a tropical climate with wonderful sea breezes. It is at its hottest in March but cools off in July with temperatures ranging between 26C and 32C throughout the year. The monsoons bring two distinct seasons – when the warm air moves south in March, the longer rains follow in April and May. It moves north again in September bringing the shorter rains of October and November. The southeast wind, called Kusi, blows from mid March to November, cooling the waters. The northeast breeze, called Kaskazi, brings warmer, calm seas throughout the months of December, January and February.

Facilities

  • Air-conditioned rooms
  • WIFI
  • Two large swimming pools
  • Massage centre & salon offering a variety of treatments
  • Poolside bar

Experiences

Tameem

I went on an adventure of a lifetime to Kenya, planned by True Travel. Borana was the perfect introduction to Africa – the staff were fantastic, the lodge very comfortable and I had amazing wildlife sightings. Then the helicopter flight and night out with Andrew (the real Crocodile Dundee) was an experience of a lifetime; we went scorpion hunting, crocodile catching, swimming in lakes and flew over flamingos. All in all, everything was fantastically planned and the service was brilliant. I’m looking forward to the next adventure!

Independent guest reviews

Call

UK: 0203 137 1247

US: 800 635 8124

The TRUE rating

INDULGENT:

These accommodations are the best of the best, showcasing top hospitality, exceptional design and world-class food, in the most exclusive locations around the world.

EXCEPTIONAL:

A very high standard of five-star properties, with top-notch service and a wide range of amenities and experiences ensuring an unforgettable stay.

EXCELLENT:

These four to five-star accommodations offer the high level of service that our team look always look for, with a range of facilities on offer.

CLASSIC:

Four-star properties which offer enough amenities for a comfortable stay. We may offer these for a more price-competitive option, or in more remote areas which don't offer the most luxe hotels.

EXPERIENTIAL:

These properties won't necessarily offer all of the typical luxurious facilities, but will always provide memorable experiences, from camping out in the bush to climbing up to a treehouse.

Plan your trip

dji_01382
lobster_overhead
kitesurfingextra
gede-sq
golf-2-1100x567
g0663438
deluxe_ocean_view_double3
crab_shak_experiential21
breakfast_set_up___gede_indoors
6w5a9792-hdr2
wind-surfing-1-1000x515
perfect_sunrise_view_from_ocean_view_rooms2
previous arrow
next arrow