Watamu, Kenya 🇰🇪
#385
-3.35, 40.0166
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Watamu is a coastal town located in Kenya, renowned for its stunning beaches and marine life. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 20,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds are around 10-20 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering better connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 139 KES. Major banks include KCB and Equity Bank with ATMs widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's recommended to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Safaricom and Airtel are the major providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; mobile payments via M-Pesa are popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include beachfront resorts, Airbnb, and local guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payments (M-Pesa) are widely accepted alongside credit cards at many establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer numerous short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Watamu Backpackers provide budget-friendly lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hub Watamu offers a great working environment for digital nomads. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Come Again Restaurant provides reliable Wi-Fi and a beautiful ambiance for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by local expats at various cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Watamu Expats' facilitate community events and networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in nearby towns; local taxis can be hired for short distances. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles and scooters can be rented from shops along the beach. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Watamu Beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and white sands, just a short walk from most accommodations. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Kenya offers domestic flights from Nairobi to Malindi, which is close to Watamu. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Kenya Airways operates international flights to Nairobi from various locations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via the Mombasa-Malindi Highway, connecting Watamu to major transport routes. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service in Watamu; buses and matatus connect to larger towns. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local public transport is not organized around passes, but matatus offer budget travel options. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses travel frequently between Watamu and nearby towns like Malindi and Mombasa. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Watamu Medical Centre provides essential healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Watamu Yoga Centre offers classes in a serene environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Village Market Gym is available for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and some hotels provide laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is popular for food delivery in Watamu. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Swahili dish, Nyama Choma (grilled meat) served with ugali. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Lodge Restaurant offers extensive vegetarian and vegan menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Sails Restaurant serves delicious desserts with a view. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets around Watamu provide fresh produce and affordable goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is a popular online shopping platform in Kenya. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Shoppers can rely on Jumia Food for grocery delivery in Watamu. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife can be found at local beach bars like Jambo Village. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Tusker Brewery beers are popular; available in many bars and restaurants. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few dedicated wine bars; most restaurants have a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Explore local street food at beachfront markets for a variety of snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Maria's Restaurant offers Italian dining and fresh seafood. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Watamu Marine National Park is a must-visit for snorkeling and diving. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Near Watamu, you can visit the Marine Park Center for educational exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of Gede are an important historical site showcasing Swahili architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Watamu Catholic Church is a prominent local landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Watamu Festival held in July showcases local culture and crafts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the villages around Watamu to experience authentic local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local beach bars occasionally host live music and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Watamu Market offers local crafts and fresh produce every Saturday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local beach clubs often feature live bands and DJs. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found around the town and on local buildings. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Various resorts offer cooking classes focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists display their work in various shops around Watamu. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore the Gede Ruins for insights into the area's history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Swahili culture of Watamu is rich and vibrant, reflected in local customs and architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Arabuko Sokoke Forest is a short drive away, ideal for nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Watamu Marine National Park is perfect for snorkeling and diving. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic coastal paths offer beautiful views and outdoor exercise. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints along the coast provide stunning sunset vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Arabuko Sokoke Forest is renowned for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated bonfire spots along the beach are available for gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Malindi, just 20 minutes away, provide tech repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local resorts have table tennis tables for guest use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English and Swahili classes are available through local tutors and schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Watamu does not have public libraries; study spots are mainly found in cafes. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local churches and community halls often host events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options available; most digital nomads use personal devices. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Watamu; nearby Malindi has some gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes; based on property value estimates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 4%. |