Watamu
Watamu is a small town 20 kilometres or so south of Malindi. The name translates into 'sweet people'. It lies between Watamu Bay to the north and Blue Lagoon to the south. The stunning Turtle Bay extends south from Blue Lagoon where it meets Mida Creek.
Watamu town itself has grown from a small coastal village into a small ramshackle settlement of huts and buildings. The town has an accelarating growth rate due to the popularity of the area as a great holdiday destination, with a growing economy and population.
Watamu Bay
Watamu's northern most, and least developed bay. Watamu Bay can be accessed from the northern part of Watamu village, or the road heading north towards Bio-Ken snake farm. Inland from Watamu bay consists mainly of residential properties, although tourist accommodation developments are increasing here.
Blue Lagoon
A circular, well protected lagoon located just south of Watamu village. Blue lagoon has a unique character, with it's rounded beach, and tranquil waters. A range of accommodation from hotels, residential houses, and beach cottages have beautiful views overlooking the lagoon across the protective coral headlands and islands out to the indian ocean.
Turtle Bay
Watamu beach stretches for about seven kilometres south to the mouth of Mida Creek. The north end of the bay is sheltered by an ancient coral headland - providing a natural harbour for vessels. Traditionally, dhows would wey anchor here, on their trade route north or so with with monsoon wind. Today, the bay provides shelter to modern sports fishing boats, glass-bottomed boats, and the occasional ngalawa or small dhow.
Mida Creek
Part of the same ecosystem as the Watamu Marine Reserve and Arabuko Sokoke Forest, Mida Creek is an ecologically important area deserving it's protected status. Wide sandbanks and mud flats are exposed at low tide and the creek is fringed with mangorve forest teaming with life. Mida Creek is also listed as an Important Bird Area(IBA).
External links:
ASSETS Kenya - Mida Creek
Birdlife International - MIda Creek IBA Factfile
ASSETS Kenya - Arabuko-Sokoke Schools and Ecotourism Scheme
Children of Watamu - Children's charity
Watamu Photo Gallery
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