Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve

Privately Owned Hotels & Lodges

• Hemingway’s Watamu
• Ocean Sports Resort
• Turtle Bay Beach Resort Watamu
• AHG Lion Beach Resort
• Medina Palms

Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve is one of the oldest marine protected areas in Kenya and a cornerstone of marine conservation along the Kenyan coast. Gazetted on 26 March 1968 through Legal Notices No. 98 and 99 with Boundary Plan 204/43, the protected area was established to conserve representative coral reef and mangrove ecosystems, promote scientific research, and support sustainable use of marine resources.

The Watamu Marine National Park covers approximately 10 km² and is designated as a no-take zone, while the surrounding Watamu Marine National Reserve, including Mida Creek, allows controlled and sustainable resource use. Together, these areas play a critical role in biodiversity conservation, livelihoods, education, and sustainable tourism.

Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve forms part of the broader Watamu Marine Protected Area (WMPA), which includes:

• Watamu Marine National Park
• Watamu Marine National Reserve
• Part of Malindi Marine National Reserve

All three components were gazetted simultaneously in 1968, making Watamu one of Africa’s earliest formally protected marine ecosystems.

In 1979, Watamu and Malindi Marine Protected Areas became the first Marine Protected Areas in Africa and the third globally to be designated as a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Reserve. This designation recognised the area as a global model for balancing biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and scientific research.

By Road: Watamu is located about 120km north of Mombasa and 28km south of Malindi. At Gede, which is on the main Mombasa Malindi Road, turn towards the Indian Ocean. Watamu is 11km from the main road.

By Air: Accessible from JKIA or Wilson Airport to Malindi Airport.

By Rail: Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Syokimau (Nairobi Terminus) to Miritini (Mombasa Terminus) train stations then connect by road.

• Personal effect
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• First aid kit
• Sunglasses
• Clean drinking water
• Appropriate beach wear
• Camping gear

Your safety matters. Please review our essential guidelines to help ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for you and for the wildlife.

1. You are in the wildlife’s home. Please respect their privacy and right of way.

2. National parks are plastic-free. Single-use plastic is prohibited.

3. General road rules apply. Car hooting or driving under the influence of alcohol are strictly prohibited.

4. Adhere to park entry and exit times. Gates open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM, unless you are spending overnight.

5. Move slowly and quietly. Animals can react dangerously if startled.

6. Noise distracts wildlife. Use mobile phones and sound devices sparingly and only in designated areas.

7. Remain in your vehicle unless in designated areas. Keep doors closed at all times.

8. Observe the maximum speed limit of 40 km/h (25 mph). Speeding attracts penalties.

9. Stay on established roads and trails. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited.

10. View wildlife from a minimum distance of 20 meters.

11. Feeding wildlife is prohibited, as it disrupts their diet and leads to human dependency.

12. Carry out all trash to help keep the park clean.

13. Do not leave campfires unattended while camping.

14. Visitors enter the park at their own risk and Terms and conditions apply.

Toll Free: 0800 597 000

Email: customerservice@kws.go.ke

WhatsApp: +254 (0) 726 610509