| Established in 1968, Watamu is Kenya's first Marine Park. Comprising an area of 10 sq. kilometers, it is mainly a lagoon, fringed on one side by the beach, and on the seaward side by a Marine Reserve. The National Park and Reserve system include Mida Creek, Whale Island, and numerous dive sites. The coral reefs form the physical and biological basis of the area with over 150 species of hard and soft corals. The park contains over 500 species of reef fish, the Reserve more than double this number.
As a result of this biodiversity, the Park is probably one of the best small parks in the world for sheer variety of fish, whilst the Reserve is regarded by experts as one of the top world diving areas, with whale sharks, manta rays, marlin and sailfish among some of the larger species encountered.
Near to Mida Creek is Kenya's greatest archaeological heritage, the ruined city of Gede, a lost city whose population inexplicably vanished in the 17th century. The outer wall of this lost city encloses an area of about 18 ha. Many of the houses together with the Sultan's palace have been excavated and partly restored.
At the southern end of the Park, are some caves housing a collection of very large groupers or giant rock cod. To find them you must search the tunnels which run under and through this little reef. The first sight may be their enormous, gaping mouths, fringed with tiny fish. A side view of these huge placid monsters shows that they are five to six feet long weighing several hundred pounds. They are alleged to be harmless!
Watamu is also a vital turtle breeding area, with an active turtle watch group. Whereas green and hawksbill turtles are the primary species, olive ridleys, loggerheads and leatherback turtles have been occasionally encountered. Boat tours are readily available in the park, and guided tours are also available. |
| |
|
 |
 |
| Located inside the Watamu marine park, Hemmingways is the premier resort in Watamu. The view off the terrace at Hemmingways Resort looks into the Watamu Marine Park. The five star standards of Hemmingways - from its renowned cuisine to its special persona service - have earned the hotel recognition as on of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Hemmingways has been voted Best Beach Resort in Kenya for a number of |
|
years. Inspired cuisine, great service and friendly staff, watersports facilities, a gymnasium and the possibility of a wide rage of safaris and excursions provide all the ingredients you need for a truly memorable encounter with Africa.
|
 |
Accommodation: Hemmingways has a total of 78 tastefully appointed rooms. All rooms and the suites are extremely comfortable, have ocean views, are within yards of the beach and benefit from 24 hour room service. All rooms have bathrooms with showers ensuite, fans, air conditioning, mosquito nets, personal safes, a fridge and tea and coffee facilities. However, the room size and additional facilities do vary. Superior, deluxe and suites also have hair dryers. |
Location: Hemimngways is situated approximately 128 kilometers north of Mombasa and 28 kilometers south of Malindi on the Turtle Bay Beach at Watamu. Hemmingways is only 3 hours from Tsavo East National Park, Kenya's largest National Park. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
Terms & Conditions
Office Locations
AFRICA - The Stanley, Standard Street, Nairobi - Kenya. Ph: +254-20-226996 Fx: +254-20-214371
EMail: startravel@iconnect.co.ke Web Site: www.startravel.co.ke
Site designed, developed and maintained by Star Travel & Tours Inc.
USA - 1031 NE Ives Dairy Road, Suite 228, Miami, FL 33179. Tel: 305-914-3767
Fax: 305-914-3768 TOLL FREE: 1-877-SAFARI-3
|
|
| | |
