Exploring Watamu in Four Days
As resident here in Nairobi, finding the perfect weekend escape can be a bit of a challenge, especially with limited time off. Recently, we decided to make the most of a four-day weekend by exploring the stunning coastal town of Watamu. Here's how our adventure unfolded, complete with tips, prices, and booking info to help you plan your own getaway!
All Aboard the Train to Mombasa
We kicked off our journey by taking the train from Nairobi to Mombasa. Opting for first-class tickets (which we booked through SGR Kenya(https://metickets.krc.co.ke/), we had access to the food cart at the back of the train. Pro tip: if you have first-class tickets, there’s no need to arrive at the station two hours early. There are plenty of restaurants to pass the time if you do get there early, though.
The train ride was a scenic six-hour journey, and we enjoyed a surprisingly good meal of chicken, rice, and spinach, washed down with a couple of beers. The highlight? Passing through national parks with a good chance of spotting wildlife, including elephants! The downside? The train leaves at 3 PM and arrives at night, so we lost a day. We booked a night at a budget hotel in Mombasa before heading to Watamu the next morning.
From Mombasa to Watamu
After a restful night, we took a two-hour car ride to Watamu. The journey was a bit bumpy, but the destination made it worthwhile. We chose an Airbnb for our stay (booked via [Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/)), but forgot to check for air conditioning – a rookie mistake. We ended up taking multiple showers a day to cool down.
We spent the afternoon at the beach and had dinner at a Tex-Mex restaurant that we quickly regretted (let’s just say, stick to local cuisine). Fortunately, our Airbnb was within walking distance of a delightful gelato and coffee shop that became our go-to spot.
That night, we had dinner at Papa Remo Beach, a fantastic spot with fresh seafood. On Saturdays, they host a beach party with a DJ – the perfect chance to kick off your shoes and dance in the sand. This was definitely a highlight of our trip!
Paddle Boarding and Relaxation
The next morning, we booked a paddleboard excursion through [Watamu Marine Association](https://watamu.biz/watamu-marine-association/), taking us from the shore to a coral reef in the ocean. It was a 45-minute paddle to the buoy where we anchored and snorkeled. I explored the underwater world while my husband, not a fan of the ocean, relaxed on his paddleboard.
On our way back, we stumbled upon a massage parlor in a converted shipping container. For just $7 each, we enjoyed 30-minute massages – a bargain! Afterward, we showered and relaxed before heading to a sunset beach restaurant for dinner. The Italian food and wood-fired pizza were superb, thanks to Watamu’s large Italian community.
Sunrise and Departure
On our last morning, we woke up at sunrise to capture some beautiful photos with our new camera. We had breakfast at the Liars Club, conveniently located next to our Airbnb, before heading to Malindi Airport for our flight back to Nairobi.
Travel Tips: Train vs. Flight
When deciding between the train and flying, consider your time constraints. Both options cost about the same when you factor in the additional car travel required from the train station to Watamu. If you’re short on time, flying is the way to go. You can book flights through [Jambojet](https://www.jambojet.com/), with prices typically around $100 per person for a round trip.
Watamu vs. Diani
While both Watamu and Diani have their charms, we preferred Watamu for its swimmable beaches. Diani has more coral and seaweed near the shore, making swimming less enjoyable without taking a boat further out. Plus, the Italian influence in Watamu means you’ll find some amazing Italian food that shouldn’t be missed!
Check out our trip to Diani and decide for yourself!
