A luxurious tropical retreat recently rennovated
Hemingways Watamu offers luxury and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean
Location: Hemingways Watamu is beautifully situated on the stunning Kenyan coast, nestled between the Indian Ocean and the lush greenery of Watamu town. This prime location offers direct access to pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it a perfect seaside retreat. Watamu is part of Kenya’s renowned coastal region, known for its marine biodiversity and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The hotel combines coastal luxury with easy access to the nearby Watamu Marine National Park and Arabuko Sokoke Forest, providing a unique blend of beach and nature experiences.
Rooms: The hotel offers elegantly appointed rooms and suites designed to reflect the relaxed sophistication of the Kenyan coast. Each room features spacious layouts, private balconies or terraces with ocean or garden views, and modern amenities including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and luxurious bathrooms. The décor blends coastal charm with subtle safari influences, creating a serene and inviting space ideal for rest and rejuvenation after a day exploring Kenya’s beautiful coast.
Amenities: Hemingways Watamu boasts a wide range of amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and indulgent stay. Guests can enjoy exquisite dining experiences featuring fresh seafood and international cuisine served in stylish indoor and outdoor settings. The hotel offers a beachfront swimming pool, a spa with a variety of treatments, a well-equipped fitness centre, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Attentive staff deliver personalised service, adding warmth and ease to every visit.
Activities: Thanks to its prime coastal location, Hemingways Watamu offers an array of activities to suit all interests. Guests can explore the nearby Watamu Marine National Park, renowned for its coral reefs, snorkelling, and diving opportunities. Other popular activities include deep-sea fishing, dhow sailing, kite surfing, and beach relaxation. For those interested in nature, guided tours to the Arabuko Sokoke Forest reveal rare birds and unique flora. Cultural visits to local fishing villages provide insight into the coastal way of life. Hemingways Watamu offers a perfect balance of adventure and tranquillity in Kenya’s coastal paradise.
Sustainability: Hemingways Watamu is dedicated to sustainable tourism that protects Kenya’s delicate coastal ecosystems and supports local communities. The hotel employs energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures, and waste reduction initiatives to minimise environmental impact. It also partners with marine conservation organisations and local groups to promote the preservation of coral reefs and marine life. By choosing Hemingways Watamu, guests contribute to responsible tourism that ensures Kenya’s coastal treasures remain vibrant for generations to come.
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Watamu and Malindi Trip Inspiration
When to go to Kenya
Find out the best time to visit Kenya with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great time for wildlife viewing. The landscapes are lush and green after the 'short rains' and newborn animals can been seen. It is hot, but brief afternoon or evening showers cool things down, without compromising your safari. Over on the coast the sea is clear, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling, and the days are warm and bright.
February
February is an ideal time to visit Kenya, and great for game viewing. The landscapes are green and thriving thanks to the short rains, and newborn animals will be hopping around the plains. There maybe a few afternoon showers which are welcome in the heat, and don't impact on wildlife viewing. Water clarify is excellent at the moment, which is good news for watersports enthusiasts. And if you want to spot a whale shark, now is the time to try.
March
Still a good option for wildlife viewing and diving, although with the 'long rains' just around the corner, expect wetter and hotter weather.
April
April brings the start of the 'long rains' which means game reserves and national parks become muddy and harder to drive around. Over on the coast it's hot and wet, so it isn't the best time of year to travel. Some camps and lodges close during this period.
May
The 'long rains' continue into May, making park tracks difficult to navigate in the mud, and the coast very warm and wet. There will be less accommodation choice at this time as several lodges and camps during this period.
June
June is a beautiful time of year to visit Kenya, with the rains receding to just light showers, and the long dry season not far ahead. The high grasses can sometimes make it more of a challenge to spot game, but the landscapes are lush and some animals may begin arriving early for the migration. At altitude nights can be cool, but elsewhere the temperature is pleasant.
July
July marks the beginning of the great migration into the Masai Mara, and with warm and generally dry weather, this is a great time of year to visit. Days are sunny, skies are blue and there isn't too much dust around, so it's a great time for photography.
August
The migration is now in full swing in the Masai Mara, with lots of river crossing action, so if you want to see those massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, now is the time to come. Game viewing in general is excellent and it's one of the most popular times of year to visit, so some of the main parks do become crowded. Temperatures are warm and dry.
September
Game viewing continues to be excellent, and the weather is generally dry so this is another ideal month to visit Kenya's parks. The bush is less dense and as animals gather around waterholes and rivers it makes wildlife spotting much easier.
October
October is a great time if you want to avoid the crowds and don't mind the temperature slowly starting to rise. There may be a few short showers, but game viewing remains excellent with the end of the migration, and it's a good time to holiday anywhere in Kenya.
November
November heralds the start of the 'short rains' and with hotter temperatures some camps are closed. The Mara however is still open, and despite sometimes stormy skies, game viewing is still good. Fewer crowds and lower prices make this an attractive month to visit. Over on the coast water clarify is good for snorkelling and diving.
December
The 'short rains' are bringing the landscapes back to life, and as the plains start to become green again, wildlife viewing remains good, and it's a great time for birding. Some camps are closed (mainly in the north of Kenya) but many others remain open. The showers tend to fall in the afternoons and don't impact greatly on a safari. Take advantage of reduced visitor numbers and lower prices.
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