Shiko Nguru : Out and About in Watamu

PAINT THE TOWN RED – that’s my vacation mantra!

I like to throw myself into tourist mode while on vacation, complete with the ooohing, aaahing and pointing at everything. So the first thing we did once we settled in at Saba Saba was to make a list of all the activities that we wanted to do while in Watamu.

I honestly believe that to make the most out of any vacation, you have to explore the town and see the best of what it has to offer. You need to venture outside of those pearly hotel gates and embrace your inner tourist! I would even go as far as to say that instead of blowing your entire vacation budget on accommodation, it’s better to be a bit conservative on the hotel front and then spend generously on vacation activities. They make the vacation ten times better!

We started our holiday activities at the beach. Watamu beaches are splendid – white and sandy, under populated and scenic. It’s easy to lose track of time while enjoying yourself out there.

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We walked in between islands, marveled at fish visible through the clear water and relaxed in warm, calm jacuzzi-like puddles of ocean water that were trapped near the shore.

By far the most exciting activity for us was swimming with the dolphins and fish at the marine park! It was so exhilarating!

I can’t get over how beautiful everything was up close – the vibrantly colored fish, the joyous dolphins, the awe-inspiring and seemingly endless ocean!

I’m sure that our tour guide had never heard so many ooohs and aaahs in his entire life! I was so excited to be there!

When we were able to pull ourselves away from the magnificence of the ocean, we immersed ourselves in Watamu’s rich history by touring the historic site of the 13th century Gede Ruins.

Gede was a well populated, thriving town between the 13th and 16th centuries. Excavations have revealed that its inhabitants traded with people from all over the world including Venice, China, India and Spain.

You see? Watamu has been awesome forever!

If you are like me and are fascinated by ancient civilizations then you’ll thoroughly enjoy the Gede tour.

While on vacation, we prefer to fill up half the day with activities and then spend the other half of the day bumming by the pool … and on top of boats. Vacations are also about rest and relaxation after all!

We did, however, manage to squeeze in a few quick activities on our way back to the hotel a few of times including a visit to the Watamu Turtle Watch and the Kitengela Glass shop of Watamu.

We got to pet this guy!

I wanted to buy everything in here

Sadly, our vacation ends today. We have had such a fantastic time! I’ll do a quick Saba Saba Watamu recap when I get back to Nairobi. Right now I’m going to sit on the beach and weep as I sing My Heart Will Go On and wave goodbye to the ocean.

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