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Hemingways Watamu
Hemingways Watamu
Hemingways Watamu
Hemingways Watamu
Hemingways Watamu

About Hemingways Watamu

On Turtle Bay beach at Watamu, two hours’ drive north of Mombasa, Hemingways Watamu is a mid-sized game-fishing ...

... base and small resort hotel. Its name harks back to Ernest Hemingway’s stay in Malindi in 1934.

When we first visited Hemingways Watamu we were not blown away. However, subsequent visits and a more recent overnight stay since, we were quite impressed. While this is not an overly luxurious property, the recent renovations and financial investment really show, and the addition of the apartments have really elevated its offering. There is a good range of activities available and it's location will suit people looking for a quieter surroundings compared to the busier Diani area. The staff are thoughtful and friendly, and many guests form lasting connections from repeat visits.

Our view

When we first visited Hemingways Watamu we were not blown away. However, subsequent visits and a more recent overnight stay since, we were quite impressed. While this is not an overly luxurious property, the recent renovations and financial investment really show, and the addition of the apartments have really elevated its offering. There is a good range of activities available and it's location will suit people looking for a quieter surroundings compared to the busier Diani area. The staff are thoughtful and friendly, and many guests form lasting connections from repeat visits.

Lyndsey Marris

Lyndsey Marris

Kenya expert

Accommodation

76 rooms

Children

Okay for all ages.

Open

All year

Activities

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Scuba-diving

Scuba-diving

Snorkelling

Snorkelling

Watersports

Watersports

Traveller reviews of Hemingways Watamu

3 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


93%
3 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
2
Good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
jocelin fromflorida

Arrived 21 Jan 2025, 5 nights

"Hemingways Watamu review"

"Lovely relaxing stay...Staff is wonderful. …" Read jocelin ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

T and PfromLondon

Arrived 31 Oct 2024, 2 nights

"Hemingways Watamu review"

"A taste of paradise. Such a beautiful hotel with excellent staff. …" Read T and P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr M & Ms OfromUK

Arrived 15 Feb 2015, 7 nights

"Hemingways review"

"Oh dear, this is very sad Hemingways has long been one of my favourite hotels …" Read Mr M & Ms O’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

See all Hemingways Watamu reviews

Hemingways Watamu: Our full report

On Turtle Bay beach at Watamu, two hours’ drive north of Mombasa, Hemingways Watamu is a mid-sized game-fishing ...

... base and small resort hotel. Its name harks back to Ernest Hemingway’s stay in Malindi in 1934.

Hemingways Watamu is part of the same small group that owns the long-established and popular luxury hotel Hemingways Nairobi and the safari camp Hemingways Ol Seki Mara in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy.

The Watamu stretch of coastline is less developed and much quieter than the popular Diani beach south of Mombasa. For those looking for a relaxed and quieter beach stay then this could be a good option.

Hemingways Watamu has a laid back atmosphere, but with friendly and efficient service. It is a popular property with both international tourists and local residents. While not a large resort there are plentiful places to relax so that it never feels overcrowded.

Hemingways’ 60 rooms, all have views of the Indian Ocean, but are divided into a couple of different categories, in two different 'wings'. There are 21 luxury apartments (one bedroom, two bedroom and four bedroom options available) and 39 comfortably appointed rooms (13 Deluxe rooms on the upper floor, and 26 standard rooms on the lower and ground floor).

The hotel rooms have had a full renovation in recent years, and are a good option for those on a slightly more economical stay. However we were most impressed with the apartments which were spacious, light, airy and luxuriously fitted. They come complete with large balconies, a lounge and fully equipped kitchen. Even if you had no intention of doing any self catering, we would still recommend these rooms as they offer more space.

Hemingways’ reception, guest services, well-stocked shop and cashier/foreign-exchange desk are under a large roof of makuti (palm-leaf tiles), creating a comfortably cool welcome around the hotel’s central area. Here you will also find the on-site activities office and a small little coffee shop serving hot drinks and pastries.

The large open-sided main restaurant is just around the corner near the two modest-sized (20m) teardrop-shaped pools, and one smaller childrens pool, all overlooking the ocean, and extensive terrace area. Also close to the pool area is the beach bar restaurant, with its TV and brightly re-coloured mounted game-fish trophies on the walls.

There is a quieter pool set further back in the tropical gardens, which is designed to be for adults only. Nearby is a small gym and spa offering a range of massages and beauty treatments.

The best-known activity at Hemingways Watamu is what Ernest Hemingway came to the Kenya coast to do – game fishing – though he allegedly stayed up late drinking at the Blue Marlin in Malindi and never actually saw any rod-and-line action! Hemingways is an internationally recognised game-fishing centre and has four boats, ranging from 33ft to 54ft, all equipped for this exhilarating pursuit (and most fish these days are tagged and released). The season starts in July and becomes busy from October or November when the south-east kusi wind changes to the north-east kaskazi. This period, until April, is when big billfish such as swordfish, marlin and sailfish, can be caught.

However, if fishing does not appeal, then there is an array of other activities that can be organised by the pro-active team. The beach itself is quite small, and due to the very tidal nature along this coastline, is not particularly conducive to sunbathing. However, you can go snorkelling straight off the beach, with complimentary loan of equipment. When we stayed we really enjoyed a snorkelling trip and dolphin watching boat ride. It is also possible to organise kite-surfing, scuba diving and PADI certification. Sunset dhow cruises on Mida Creek are popular. Or if you prefer to be on terra firma then the team can assist in arranging a round of golf on the nearby world class course, Vipingo Ridge.

Geographics

Location
Kenya Coast, Kenya
Ideal length of stay
3–6 days
Directions
Mombasa’s Moi International Airport is 2½ hours from Hemingways; Malindi Airport 30 minutes.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Half Board
Food quality
Hemingways main restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner. The Pagoda à la carte restaurant opens for lunch and dinner.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Yes: Ksh400 (US$5) extra per service.
Drinks included
Two free small bottles of water per day per guest are included.
Bar prices are reasonable, with local beers at the time of writing Ksh275 (about US$3.50), soda Ksh90 (US$1) and house wine Ksh400/glass (U$5)

Special interests

Beach holidays
Hemingways is an internationally recognised game-fishing centre where you can try your luck hooking swordfish, marlin, sailfish and sharks. You can also go dolphin-watching, snorkel straight off the beach and go on BBQ and dhow trip to Sudi Island.
See ideas for Beach holidays in Kenya

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome.
Property’s age restrictions
None
Special activities & services
Babysitting is available from housekeeping.
Equipment
Cots and highchairs available.
Generally recommended for children
Hemingways Watamu is a child friendly property that will work well for families.

Communications

Communications
Direct-dial phone in rooms. There’s WiFi access throughout the hotel, plus a business centre.
TV & radio
In-room TVs in Executive Suites only. TV at bar and in TV room (movies, sport etc on satellite channel DStv).

Sustainability

Hemingways Watamu sustainability

Fighting against ocean plastic pollution

Located in one of the world’s richest fishing grounds, Hemingways Watamu earns its renown by making consistent efforts to conserve protected species for everyone to enjoy on one of the best snorkeling and diving areas on the coast of Africa. The hotel’s newest eco-awareness project which seeks to encourage proper disposal of plastic waste stands as proof for its sustainable commitment.

In July 2018, Hemingways has announced its partnership with EcoWorld Watamu, an NGO which employs disadvantaged locals to collect plastic debris along the beach and teaches them how to proper reuse or recycle it. All plastic waste from the hotel’s operations is sent to EcoWorld where it gets melted before being used for other purposes. The initiative not only helps remove plastic waste from the ocean, but also generates income for locals, as they use the recycled waste to create artworks, furniture, fence posts, and trinkets which can be further sold. Results are already visible. The hotel has banned the use of plastic straws within its premises, and has also replaced several palm leaf roofs with ones made from recycled plastic.

In addition, Hemingways Watamu seeks to educate guests on the impact that plastic waste has on the fragile environment. It offers them the possibility to learn about the Watamu Marine Association and EcoWorld Watamu, spend a day joining in on the recycling process, or even collect garbage as they are exploring Watamu beach using one of the hotel’s recycled plastic bags provided in their room.

See more great sustainability projects in Kenya

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
A fee-paying doctor visits Hemingways Mon–Fri 7.00 – 8:00am and 1.00¬–2.00pm. Extra charges for call-out.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
There’s a minimum of two askaris on duty by day, and many at night, when G4S security guards also patrol the site.
Fire safety
Fire extinguishers are in many areas; smoke alarms; trained staff.

Activities

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Scuba-diving

    Scuba-diving

  • Snorkelling

    Snorkelling

  • Watersports

    Watersports

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
Money
Foreign exchange is available.
Room safes.
Accepted payment on location
Cash payments may be made in US dollars, euros, pounds sterling or Kenyan shillings. Visa and MasterCard are accepted, with a surcharge.

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Hemingways Watamu's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Hemingways Watamu.


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When to go to Kenya Coast

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Hemingways Watamu in Kenya Coast


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Kenya in January

Clear, hot days and warm nights make this high season a popular time for safaris and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling as water clarity is excellent and gets better as the dry season progresses. Most lodges and tented camps treat January after the New Year week is over, as mid-season, making it a good compromise in terms of value for money with reasonably reliable, dry weather and some greenery left in the landscape.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in January, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, January is the second driest month of the year
  • Elephants dig waterholes in the dry riverbed in the Samburu reserve.
  • Wildebeest and many antelope have their calving season, to February.
  • Migrant birds are seen in huge numbers, especially in the Rift Valley.
  • Sea water clarity around the coral reefs generally good.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

Kenya in February

With the short dry season well established, the grass grazed down and wildlife gathering close to water points, this is still a good time for a safari. Good water clarity in the Indian Ocean's coastal waters makes for excellent diving and snorkelling conditions.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in February, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, February is the driest month of the year.
  • It’s sometimes possible to swim with whale sharks at Diani Beach.
  • Migrant birds are still seen everywhere, especially near water.
  • This is usually peak calving season for wildebeest and many antelopes.
  • This month is often the hottest of the year, especially on the coast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in February

Kenya in March

Hot, increasingly humid weather – with good diving and snorkelling conditions at the start of the month – gives way to rains and lower accommodation costs. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in March, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and predicting the seasons since the beginning of this century has been difficult.

March is the month when – traditionally – intensely hot conditions build up until a cloudburst finally happens at the end of the month or in early April, to relieve the humidity. As ever, regional variations across the country can greatly impact on visitors' experiences.

  • Sea-water clarity is best for diving before the long rains start.
  • Visitor numbers are low, though the Easter holidays can be busier.
  • Night skies can be scintillatingly clear in early March.
  • Cropped down savannah grasses can make it easier to see the wildlife.
  • Temperartures climb high, especially at lower elevations.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Kenya in April

April sees the full onset of the southeast monsoon wind or kusi, which heralds the long rains. Temperatures drop soon after the rains are established and you’ll often have facilities largely to yourself in this more affordable low season, sometimes known as the "green season". The bush quickly springs to life, with greenery sprouting almost before your eyes. While you're likely to get a fair number of heavy showers, the breaks in the rain can yield sparklingly clear conditions.

With the dust settled and bright sun piercing the clouds, conditions can be sublime for photography, especially first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon with another storm brewing. You may be lucky, or you may find conditions very wet and muddy.

  • A wet month, the coast often gets more than 300mm (12in) of rain.
  • Sunny spells can provide great light for photography.
  • Buffalo and zebra calving season often happens in this month.
  • Baby crocodiles hatch, for example on Central Island in Lake Turkana.
  • Palearctic migrant birds gather to fly north to breeding grounds.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in April

Kenya in May

While game viewing can be trickier as vegetation runs riot, between the cloudbursts the colours and light are great for photography at this time of year. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in May, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and while it's reasonable to expect heavy rains in many parts during this month, especially on the coast, the rains don't always come evenly or in some areas come at all.

In an El Niño year, the so-called long rains that normally are established across much of the country by May can be meagre, to the despair of farmers. On the other hand in a La Niña year, the long rains can bring floods. On the coast, the monsoon winds make the climate much more predictable, with heavy rains common throughout this month.

  • Frogs breed in the ponds in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest near Watamu.
  • Wildebeest, impala and other grazers are in rut (the breeding season).
  • Kilimanjaro looks its best as heavy rain falls as snow on the summit.
  • There's a sharp peek of rainfall on the coast with many rainy days.
  • Accommodation prices are uniformly low, while some camps close.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in May

Kenya in June

The rains give way to cloudy, cooler weather, often making for comfortable conditions by the end of the month, especially in the highlands. Starting from mid-June or the beginning of July and running until the end of October, this is the high season, and accordingly has higher accommodation rates and – at least until early September – higher numbers of visitors.

While the early part of June can often be rainy on the coast, it can be a great time to go on safari, with fresh greenery, many young animals and good photographic conditions with clear air.

  • The Taru Desert, inland from the coast, is carpeted with flowers.
  • The Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is held in Loiyangalani.
  • Madaraka Day (commemorating self rule) is 1 June.
  • The annual Lewa marathon runs a course through the wildlife.
  • The Diani Rules "sports" event rips up the rulebook at Diani Beach.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Kenya in July

Kenya’s “winter" season sets in (winter is a misnomer but locals feel the change), and the highlands can be rather grey. Skies are often cloudy and the days can be surprisingly cool, with an average daytime high in many highland safari areas of 15-20°C and night-time temperatures dropping below 10°C in Nairobi and the highlands. Lower parts of the country and the coast are usually warm and dry, typically reaching highs of around 25°C with lows in the high teens.

As this is the start of the high season, coinciding with the usual arrival of the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, July is a busy month. Ask your Expert Africa specialist to advise on how to avoid the crowds, which is not that difficult to do.

  • The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Maasai Mara in July.
  • Simbi Lake (Kisumu) and Crater Lake (Naivasha) can attract flamingoes.
  • Watersports start to pick up and some surfing is possible at Malindi.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are a common feature in the Maasai Mara.
  • The sea can be choppy along the coast, making diving difficult.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

Kenya in August

The Great Migration fills the plains of the Maasai Mara, and school’s out, so the park roads are full of tourists – ask your Expert Africa specialist for advice on crowd avoidance tactics. Choose a private conservancy rather than a public national park or national reserve for quieter conditions.

Like July, August is generally mild and relatively dry in the safari areas, but it can be very chilly in the highlands, even in the middle of the day, and hail occasionally falls above altitudes of around 2,400m (8,000ft). Nairobi can be disappointingly overcast, with low cloud.

  • Apart from Christmas holidays, this is the busiest month of the year.
  • Late August sees peak wildebeest drama at the Mara River crossings.
  • Coastal winds are good for kite- and wind-surfing.
  • Few mosquitoes are around at this generally dry time of year.
  • The annual Camel Derby takes place in the Samburu capital, Maralal.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

Kenya in September

The skies clearing of cloud signals the start of hot, dry weather with little chance of rain – and, after the first few days of the month, far fewer visitors – making the latter part of September a good time for a quieter safari. While early September is often good for dramatic migration crossings along the Mara River, you might consider deliberately postponing your trip until later in the month, when the migration can still be very impressive and visitor numbers fewer.

If tourist surges are somewhat predictable, however, the patterns of the wildebeest migration are more volatile, and like all of Expert Africa's climate and weather assessments, they are based on accumulated years of experience rather than guaranteed certainty.

  • This is still high season, with prices to match.
  • Many river crossings take place on the Mara river in both directions.
  • Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators.
  • The Rift Valley Music Festival takes place by Lake Naivasha.
  • With school holidays over by early September, late-month is quieter.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Kenya in October

Still hot, mostly dry and not too busy, this is many people’s preferred month for a safari, and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling. The wildebeest and zebra herds of the great migration are often still to be seen, though in dwindling numbers. The swamps of Amboseli attract thirsty wildlife including large herds of elephants.

While we wouldn't expect much rain across most of the country this month, the climate has become so unpredictable that you can never say never, and the possibiity of the short rains – usually associated with November to mid-December, starting early, can't be discounted.

  • This month sees the tail end of the great migration in the Mara.
  • Palearctic migrant birds start to arrive, staying until March.
  • Turtle nests hatch at Watamu, until November.
  • Amboseli elephants focus on the swamps for their daily water.
  • The Indian Ocean monsoon winds turn from southeast to northeast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Kenya in November

The northeast monsoon wind or kaskazi heralds the start of the “short rains", usually some time in the second half of the month. From November to mid-December, this is the low season, and accordingly has lower accommodation rates and lower visitor numbers. Across most of the country you can expect warm, somewhat cloudy weather, with occasional heavy showers and localised flooding.

Expert Africa bases its description of the climate in November, like the other months of the year, on the records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable: some years the short rains don't come at all, or don't reach every part of the country. In an El Niño year, the November short rains can be very heavy, but in a La Niña year, they can fail completely.

  • Swimming with dolphins in Lamu can be done from now until April.
  • Birders gather at Ngulia in Tsavo West to ring Palearctic migrants.
  • The Lamu Cultural Festival takes over the town and Lamu Creek.
  • Agricultural shows often take place regional market towns.
  • This is low season, so camps can be great value, with special offers.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Kenya in December

In a typical December, the rains usually finish by middle of the month, leaving the landscape looking its best, under clear blue skies, and heralding the start of the second peak tourist season from around 20 December to the first week of January. Our assessment of the likely weather in December, like the other months of the year, is based on climate records, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

Christmas can sometimes be wet, but most years the rains have finished a week or two earlier, with the festive season ushering in the perfect combination of clear skies and sunshine by day and starry nights.

  • Christmas and New Year are busy, with the lodges and camps full.
  • Rates are highest after 24 Dec, with supplements on public holidays.
  • Republic Day and Independence day are celebrated on 12 December.
  • Good kite- and wind-surfing restarts, with strong northeasterly winds.
  • Mango season begins, providing excitement for primates and elephants.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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