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Overview
Malindi and Watamu are two coastal towns in Kenya, located about 20 kilometers apart. Both towns are popular tourist destinations, known for their beautiful beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life.
Malindi
Malindi is a historic town that was founded in the 14th century by the Portuguese. The town is home to a number of historical sites, including Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Malindi is also a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Watamu
Watamu is a small town that is known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs. The town is home to the Watamu Marine National Park, which is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. Watamu is also a popular destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
When to visit Malindi and Watamu
The best time to visit Malindi and Watamu is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. The weather during the dry season is mild and sunny, and the visibility in the water is better.
Getting to Malindi and Watamu
Malindi and Watamu are both accessible by road and by air. The nearest airport is Malindi Airport, which is located about 5 kilometers from Malindi.
What to do
Things to do in Malindi and Watamu
- Gedse Ruins: The ruins of Gedi are a historical and archaeological site near the Indian Ocean coast of eastern Kenya.
- Go snorkeling or diving: The waters off the coast of Malindi and Watamu are home to a variety of coral reefs and marine life. There are many companies that offer snorkeling and diving tours.
- Visit the Watamu Marine National Park: The Watamu Marine National Park is a protected area that is home to a variety of coral reefs, fish, and marine animals. The park is a great place to go snorkeling and diving.
- Go kitesurfing or windsurfing: Watamu is a popular destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing. There are many schools and instructors that offer lessons and rentals.
- Visit the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest: The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located about 20 kilometers from Watamu. The forest is home to a variety of plants and animals, including elephants, lions, and leopards.
Beach to Bush
There are a number of safari options available from Malindi, Kenya. Some of the most popular safari destinations within reach include:
- Tsavo East National Park: Tsavo East National Park is the largest national park in Kenya and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalo, and leopards.
- Tsavo West National Park: Tsavo West National Park is smaller than Tsavo East National Park, but it is still home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, and hippos.
Kipepeo (Butterfly) Project
The Butterfly Project is an insect conservation program run by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The project aims to protect butterflies and their habitat in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest area, Kenya.
The Butterfly Project started in 1993 with funding from the Kenyan government and overseas donors. The project has grown rapidly in recent years, and now includes a variety of conservation activities, including:
Care of butterflies and their habitat
Public education about insect conservation
Study of butterflies
The Butterfly Project has been successful in protecting butterflies and their habitats in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest area. The project has helped increase the number of butterflies in the area, and has helped educate the public about the importance of insect conservation.
Here are some of the achievements of the Butterfly Project:
The number of butterflies in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest area has increased by 30 percent in the last 20 years.
The project has helped educate more than 100,000 people about insect conservation.
The project has helped establish a new insect sanctuary in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest area.
The Butterfly Project is an example of how conservation organizations can work with local communities to protect wildlife. The project has helped create mutual understanding between wildlife and local communities, and has helped create a permanent foundation for insect conservation in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest area.
Here are some ways you can support the Butterfly Project:
Visit the Butterfly Project website to learn more about their work.
Donate to the Butterfly Project to help support their work.
Participate in the educational activities of the Butterfly Project.
By supporting the Butterfly Project, you can help protect butterflies and their habitat in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest area.
PHOTO CREDIT: Kipepeo Project
Arabuko Sokoke Forest
The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is a dry coastal forest located in Kenya. It is the largest remaining fragment of dry coastal forest in East Africa, and is home to a variety of plants and animals, including elephants, lions, and leopards.
The forest is located in Kilifi County, Kenya, about 110 kilometers north of Mombasa. It covers an area of approximately 41,600 hectares, and is divided into two parts: the Arabuko Forest Reserve and the Sokoke National Park.
The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including:
- Plants: over 500 species of trees, including baobabs, mahogany, and cedar; over 1,000 species of shrubs and herbs; and over 200 species of orchids
- Animals: over 400 species of birds, including the Sokoke scops owl, which is endemic to the forest; over 50 species of mammals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and giraffes; and over 20 species of reptiles
The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is an important habitat for a variety of wildlife. It is a stopover for migratory birds, and it is home to a number of endangered species, including the Sokoke scops owl and the African elephant.
The forest is also an important cultural site for the Giriama people, who have lived in the area for centuries. The Giriama people use the forest for a variety of purposes, including hunting, gathering, and farming.
The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is facing a number of threats, including:
- Deforestation: The forest is being cleared for agriculture and development.
- Poaching: Elephants and other animals are being poached for their ivory and meat.
- Fire: The forest is vulnerable to fire, which can destroy large areas of vegetation.
The Kenyan government is working to protect the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. The forest is managed by the Kenya Forest Service, and there are a number of conservation organizations working to protect the forest.
Here are some things you can do to help protect the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest:
- Visit the forest responsibly. Do not litter or disturb the wildlife.
- Support conservation organizations that are working to protect the forest.
- Learn about the forest and its importance.
The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is a unique and valuable ecosystem. It is important to protect this forest for future generations.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Malindi and Watamu
Malindi and Watamu offer a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts.
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PHOTO CREDITS: Hemigways Watamu
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