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We
recommend you refer to a good guidebook, such as the Lonely
Planet or Rough Guide, for descriptions of the area and
especially for Kenya as a whole. Such guidebooks also provide
an excellent insight into local culture and practicalities.
The
Watamu area is part of a United Nations Biosphere Reserve, and
so is an area of great natural beauty. There are miles of
beautiful, mostly quiet, beaches with safe swimming.
The coral reef is rich in marine fauna and flora, and offers
excellent snorkelling and diving
opportunities. There is also a whole array of watersports
available in the area, as well as glass-bottom boat trips and
deep-sea sport fishing. Mida Creek
a lovely area for interesting walks amongst the mangroves,
boat trips and birding.
The
Gede ruins are some of the
oldest in the country and are beautifully set in dense forest.
The Kipepeo Butterfly Farm
next to the Gede Museum is a very interesting project aimed at
encouraging sustainable use of forest resources. Arabuko
Sokoke Forest is the largest remaining tract of
indigenous coastal forest in E Africa. It is also the second
most important forest in terms of biodiversity and endemic
species in the whole of Africa! There are lots of nature
trails here and also a tree house.
Watamu
village and amenities
Watamu
itself is small village functioning primarily as a fish landing
site and tourist area. There are 7 major hotels in the area,
mostly concentrated at the northern end of the marine park. Most
of these operate as small scale, package style, club operations.
The local people of the area are mostly of the Christian Giriama
or Muslim Bajuni tribes. There is a good array of shops in the
area to cater for food shopping and medical needs. There are
also internet facilities, local style eateries, tourist
restaurants, and 2 prominent African bars/discos. Anything you
can't find in Watamu you will be able to find in the much larger
town of Malindi (20kms to the north). Malindi is also the hub
for tourism and transportation in the area, and has a regional
airport. The city of Mombasa is approx. 2hrs to the south by
bus.
Visit
http://www.watamu.net/watamu-village.html
for more information about the Watamu area.
Accommodation
Volunteers
are accommodated in a simple but comfortable house located
within 5 mins walking of Watamu village and the beach. The house
is divided into fully furnished self-contained apartments, which
include a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen area and patio. One of
these apartments is suitable for 2 friends (2 separate sleeping
areas) or a couple, the other a single person or a couple. Bed
linen and mosquito nets will be provided. The house also comes
with an attendant who will keep the house clean, do your laundry
and guard the house at night.
Dining
The
volunteer accommodation is self contained and volunteers cook
for themselves or can eat out. Imported food is expensive but
there is an excellent selection of fresh fruit, vegetables,
fish and meat available in the village at very reasonable
prices. There are also many eating options available in the
village if you would like to eat out, ranging from
international style restaurants to inexpensive roadside grills
(the latter often cheaper than you could cook for yourself!).
Transport
The
project has a small Suzuki 4X4 vehicle for project activities
and will supply mountain bikes for volunteers personal use.
Watamu is well serviced by public transport (“matatus” and
busses) to Malindi and Mombasa.
Communication
The
project has purchased a "Pay As You Go" mobile
telephone and shall cover the costs of all calls made for
project work. Volunteers may purchase extra units to cover
personal calls during their time with the project. There are
international telephone services available in Watamu, as well
as internet services, though these are cheaper in nearby
Malindi. The project is unable to provide internet service.
Weather
It is
never cold in Watamu so basically bring clothes for a beach
holiday. There is a rainy season April-July, which means that
some days we may get a few hours of rain (if you come in this
time a light raincoat would be useful). It can get chilly on
the beach at night with the wind, so it is advisable to bring
a couple of light sweaters.
Security
and hassles
Security
in Watamu is mostly very good. Use your common sense and
remember Kenya is a developing country with all the associated
problems. Don't leave your valuables, cameras, music machines,
etc. lying around. Don't go onto the beach draped in gold or
leave things unattended. Make sure that you lock your passport
and money away or keep it somewhere secure. If you leave your
room or house, keep it locked. Really just like home! It's not
a good idea (as in most places) to walk alone at night,
especially if you are a woman. We do have some 'beach boys'
(often near hotels) who might cause problems 'hassle wise', so
don't be lured into being familiar with them. Similarly be
careful of over-friendly locals as they may be attracted by
your apparent wealth: again use your common sense.
Medical
Considerations
We ask
volunteers to prove to us in advance that they have medical
insurance and to give us the
policy details and emergency telephone numbers.
The medical
facilities in the area are basic but adequate for all
but the worst accidents. In event of bad accidents and severe
illness Mombasa has a good hospital and there are very good
medical facilities in Nairobi.
For a fee
you can become a temporary member of the Flying
Doctors who will Casavac you to Nairobi if there is a
serious need. We do have an ambulance
service in Watamu, which is run by the Watamu
Association and we have an agreement with them for volunteers
to utilize this service to Mombasa hospital if necessary.
AIDS-
This is a very real problem here. We don’t wish to dictate
what you do with your personal lives while in Africa, but,
especially in a tourist area, the threat is very real.
Malaria
- We suggest that you consult your own General Practitioner
before you leave the country and ask for information on the
most appropriate drugs, and their side effects. The best tip
of all is don't get bitten in the first place! Go out at night
in trousers or long skirts, sarongs etc. Put repellent on.
Sleep under a net. IF YOU FEEL ILL......have a severe
headache, aching bones, feel sick....one or all of these
symptoms, go to a doctor (Dr Erulu if you are in Watamu) and
have a malaria test straight away. It's easy to do and cheap
and if you act quickly you will get better quickly too!
Visit
you local doctor at least a month before you come to Kenya to
get all your necessary vaccinations. They will be able to
advise you on what is required.
If
you have a medical condition please consult your doctor so
that they can advise you of medical facilities and medicines
available. Please bring all your personal medicines with you.
If
you find you have a medical problem while you are here ask our
advice.
THINGS
YOU MUST BRING
Medicines
- You can buy most things here but we recommend you bring the
following: malarial tablets, insect repellent, general allergy
tablets, any personal condition medication you may need, and a
first aid kit.
Sunglasses
- The sun is very bright so come with a good pair, especially
for the beach.
Suntan
lotion - You can get this here
but it is quite expensive
Torch
– There are occasional power cuts and you may be moving
around at night in places with no street lighting.
Clothing:
Old Shirts
and T'shirts - for walking /snorkeling/ working in the sun.
Hat –
essential
Shorts,
trousers, long skirts, sarongs.
Rain
jacket – in the rainy season.
Sandals -
a good pair of rubber walking sandals, which can take walking
in rocky areas and water. The ones available here are of poor
quality.
Running
shoes – essential for sport and walking in the forest or
bush.
NOTE
(especially for Women): This is
a predominately Islamic area. Please respect this. We would
advise you to wear long shorts or skirts near your knees and
not too skimpy a top if you go in to town. It is always useful
to carry a long sarong so that you can wrap this around your
shorts if you find you need to enter a sensitive area. Men
should also wear a top in town areas. Many tourists do not
respect this and it has led to bad feelings over time. It is
also spoiling many traditions in the area and you can not
expect to be respected if you do not dress respectfully.
Please do not go on the beach topless or in the nude it is
against the laws of Kenya. For any work in local schools, or
with community groups, please remember you are representing
our project.
Mask
(& Fins) – You can not buy
these in Watamu, and not easily in Kenya unless you go to
Nairobi. They will really add to your enjoyment of Watamu. We
can not lend you any and would appreciate any such donations
to the project when you leave as it would save future
volunteers having to carry them out.
Camera
- Many people in Kenya are camera shy so be careful not to
offend people by taking pictures without permission. If you
don't have a waterproof camera, underwater disposable cameras
are fun to have with you when snorkeling, but they are
expensive in Kenya so bring them with you. Films - you can buy
most kinds of film here.
Binoculars
- Will add to your enjoyment if you plan to go on Safari or
are interested in bird watching.
Small
rucksack – Useful for carrying
things around on the beach.
Swimsuit
& Towel
Toiletries
- Most are available in Malindi. Don't expect to get a huge
choice though! Very basic toiletries are available in Watamu.
All sanitary wear is available in Watamu.
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