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Guide
Watamu, Kenya π°πͺ
#385
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Watamu is a coastal town located in Kilifi County, Kenya, known for its stunning beaches and marine life. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 20,000 inhabitants. |
π» Internet Speed | Average download speeds reach up to 25 Mbps, depending on the provider. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Kenyan Shilling (KES); 1 USD β 140 KES. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | Voltage is 240V, 50Hz; Type G sockets are commonly used. |
πΆ SIM Card | Safaricom and Airtel are the main mobile providers offering good coverage. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Local banks such as KCB and Co-operative Bank; international options include Wise for online transfers. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb rentals, beach resorts, and local guesthouses. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile money services like M-Pesa are widely used. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb offers many short-term rentals; expect prices starting from $30 per night. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include hostels like Watamu Adventist Hostel, starting from $15 per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Watamu Beach area is popular for tourists looking to enjoy the sea and sun. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Watamu Beach and Jakonda areas are highly recommended for their amenities and internet access. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Sawa Sawa Co-Working Space, known for its relaxed atmosphere and reliable internet. |
β Best Cafe for Work | The Beach Bar offers a serene environment with Wi-Fi and beautiful ocean views. |
πΌ Networking Events | Local expat meetups can be found through Facebook groups, with events held monthly. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Watamu Expat Community hosts regular meetups and social events for networking. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber services are available in nearby Malindi; local taxis can also be hired. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles and scooters can be rented from local shops, typically starting at $7 per day. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Watamu Beach is known for its white sands and clear waters, just a short walk from most accommodations. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Fly540 and Silverstone Air operate flights to major cities. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Kenya Airways provides international flights from Nairobi. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | The Malindi-Watamu Road connects Watamu to Malindi and further inland. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service directly in Watamu; the nearest station is in Mombasa. |
π Public Transport Passes | Matatus (shared minibuses) are the main form of public transport but do not offer passes. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Travel options include buses and matatus to nearby towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Watamu Maximum Healthcare Center provides basic healthcare services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Watamu Yoga Studio offers classes and wellness workshops. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Climbing Fitness Gym features weight training and fitness classes. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Local laundromats and services like Majimbo Laundry Service are available. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food operates in Watamu, offering deliveries from popular restaurants. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try local dishes like Nyama Choma (grilled meat) and fresh seafood. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Malindi Fish Restaurant offers vegetarian dishes alongside local seafood. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Mario's Gelato is famous for its refreshing gelato and desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Watamu features local markets where you can buy fresh produce and food items. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Kilimall are popular for online shopping. |
π Grocery Delivery | Small grocery stores offer delivery services within Watamu. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Watamu Village and Beach Bar are popular spots for nightlife and socializing. |
π» Local Brewery | Although local breweries are few, Tusker Lager is a popular beer widely available. |
π· Wine Bars | Local restaurants often serve selections of wines, but dedicated wine bars are rare. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer snacks like samosas and kebabs near the beach. |
π Popular International Cuisine | The Italian restaurant Enso serves great pizzas and pastas. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Watamu Marine National Park and the Ruins of Gede. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Gede Ruins showcase the history of the Swahili Coast. |
π° Historical Sites | The Gede Ruins are an essential historical attraction worth exploring. |
π Religious Sites | The Watamu Church serves the local Christian community. |
π Annual Events | The Watamu Festival showcases local culture and art each December. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The local market area provides insight into the region's culture and daily life. |
π Theater Venues | Local theaters host cultural performances and events, mainly during tourist seasons. |
ποΈ Local Markets | The Watamu market offers local crafts and foods every Saturday. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music is frequently hosted at venues like The Beach Bar. |
π¨ Street Art | While not prominent, some local artists display their work along the beach. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer traditional cooking classes focusing on Swahili cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Art galleries featuring local artists are found in nearby Malindi. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The architecture around the Gede Ruins provides a fascinating glimpse into history. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Swahili culture is prominent; many traditions and customs are upheld in the community. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Arabuko Sokoke Forest, a biodiversity hotspot, is a short drive away. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Watamu Marine National Park offers opportunities for snorkeling and diving. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal pathways along Watamu Beach provide scenic routes for walking and cycling. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Watamu Beach offers stunning views of the ocean. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Arabuko Sokoke Forest is known as a birdwatching haven. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow for bonfires, especially during gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services like DHL and Flash Express are available. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Mobile repair shops in Watamu offer services for smartphones and laptops. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers have table tennis tables available. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Language schools in nearby Malindi offer Swahili courses for expatriates. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The Watamu Library offers quiet spaces for reading and studying. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Community centers host events and workshops for locals and expats. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges exist; most gaming is conducted through online platforms. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Watamu, but nearby Malindi has a few gaming options. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬48,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬900 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬36,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬78,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬950 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬57,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,400 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬112,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬80,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is 10%. |
π¦ Tax System | Residency taxation model; worldwide income is taxed. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 16%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No stringent CFC rules currently applied. |
π Property Tax | Yes, property tax is based on the annual rental value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax is typically 2%. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Kenya does not have specific tax incentives for digital nomads. |