Desktop wallpapers: sea: Watamu

Pole pole (= slowly by slowly) is the expression that more frequently you can hear since your arrival here. And pole pole we got to Kenya.

The Republic of Kenya is situated in East Africa. It is bordered by Somalia to the northeast, Ethiopia to the north, Sudan to the northwest, Uganda to the west, Tanzania to the south, and with the Indian Ocean running along the southeast border. The capital city is Nairobi.

The population is estimated at about 38 millions people. 78% are Cristians (Protestant or Roman Catholic), other religions include Islam and traditional beliefs.
Kenyans speak Swahili, a language which is spoken extensively in East Africa.
The local currency is the Kenya Shilling (Ksh); US Dollar and Euro are taken everywhere.

Watamu is a village located on the coast, approximately 120 km North of Mombasa and 25 km South of Malindi. The area has developed an international reputation for its white-sand, reef-protected beaches, which line the Watamu National Marine Park.
The protected Marine National Park ensures sublime snorkelling and diving among beautiful coral with a magnificent array of multicoloured sea creatures.
The name "Watamu" means "sweet people" in Swahili.

There are regular buses from Mombasa to Malindi and Nairobi to Malindi. Get off at Gedi from where matatu (=minibuses) take you to Watamu. There are also daily flights from Nairobi to Malindi. From the International Airport in Mombasa to Watamu the journey takes just under 2 hours.
Tuk tuk (a small three-wheeled cart) is the best vehicle for short distances. It does not have the taximeter and so it is necessary to fix the price in advance.

The best season for travel to Watamu is in August and from December through February. The best time to visit the area is from January to March when snorkeling and diving are ideal. While it is clear and dry in August and September, the ocean is rough and visibility low after the long rains. What's more, the beach is dogged with seaweed at this time of year.
Average annual temperatures: Max 30°C - Min 23°C.

Do not lose a boat excursion seeing: the nearby coral reef where we can dive and swim among a multitude of multicolored fishes; the island of the pink flamingos; dolphins; mangroves; a wonderful beach emerging barely from the sea. Lunch on a wild island with lobster, under a sun demanding lots of sun cream.

Of course it is not possible to come here without spending some time in the wildlife parks where you can admire lions, elephants, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, gazelles, impalas, hyenas and so on.
The nearest parks are East and West Tsavo.
A little far away there is the Amboseli Park where you can also see the magnificent snowcapped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. Soaring to 19,340 feet, it is the highest mountain in Africa.