DREAMING KENYA

Would you live there, in Watamu?

...thoughts after an unforgettable holiday

25-09-2024 by redazione

Ma tu ci vivresti, a Watamu?
Ci hai trascorso...

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TOURISM

Kenya, the hot August of tourism, between sea and safari

It's heading for a sell-out. Mondo Overland experts speak

10-08-2024 by redazione

It will be a much warmer August than the actual temperatures suggest in Kenya, which...

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ENVIRONMENT

Coral reefs in Kenya, a beauty to be protected

Young tourism returns to explore the Indian Ocean

03-02-2024 by Leni Frau

The Kenyan Indian Ocean is once again becoming an attraction thanks to younger tourists who...

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DISHES

Mandazi, the kenyan coast breakfast delice

Indispensable treat for tea or latte

07-03-2024 by redazione

Its shape, fragrance, hints of coconut or...

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PERSONS

Remo Lenzi, the 95th birthday of a pioneer of Watamu tourism

The same enthusiasm as when he arrived 25 years ago

29-02-2024 by redazione

A quarter of a century ago, after a life of incessant work and entrepreneurial success in Rome, Remo...

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REAL ESTATE

Rafiki Tamu, a reality born from the dream of Watamu

Discovering a beautiful residential pearl

24-02-2024 by redazione

Watamu is not an exotic holiday destination like any other, because in addition to delighting the...

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TOURISM

Tsavo,one of the world's 50 best travel destinations to visit in 2024

Kenya's savannah and its elephants among the 'must-sees' for Americans

15-01-2024 by redazione

Tsavo National Park has been listed by the prestigious US newspaper New York Times as one of the world's 50 best travel destinations to...

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From January no more visa for Kenya, but ETA

What is the new electronic authorisation required to enter

29-12-2023 by redazione

The site for electronic travel authorisation to enter Kenya, ETA Kenya, which will replace the online...

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ENTRY VISA

From Evisa to ETA, how entry into Kenya changes

DAY-TO-DAY UPDATES AND INFORMATION

18-12-2023 by redazione

The recent announcement by Kenya's President William Ruto, regarding the abolition...

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TOURISM

One of the most searched tourist destinations, Watamu

The secret of millions of clicks

27-12-2022 by redazione

There is a new Kenyan star shining in the firmament of the most clicked tourist destinations by Italians on search engines and most viewed on Youtube and Tik Tok video channels. It is...

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INFO

Travel to Kenya: what to bring and what not

Infos, rules and tips for europeans

10-04-2023 by redazione

For those preparing to travel to Kenya, a review of the international rules for importing items, objects, products and personal effects in suitcases from abroad into the African country is...

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PLACES

Sunset season kicks off today

Sunset beach reopens in Watamu

28-07-2023 by redazione

Reopening for the new season this afternoon is Watamu's most beautiful sunset. It's no coincidence that...

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RECIPES

Kikambala style prawns rice, a recipe from west Africa

The swahili version of "jollof"

30-06-2023 by redazione

Kikambala shrimp rice is a flavorful and lively dish that definitely resembles the more famous and common...

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NEWS

Coastal road between Watamu and Malindi progresses

Another 800 metres of asphalt for the link

21-06-2023 by redazione

The low season in Kenya sometimes holds some nice surprises, especially when new administrations (such as the one in national government and the one sitting in Kilifi's county offices) decide to...

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tourism

Bookings boom for next Christmas in Watamu

Early booking for the Kenyan Coast

16-06-2023 by redazione

So much for the 'Italian' summer, the hunt for holidays in Kenya for next Christmas has already begun, especially in...

TERROIR

Procera, the delicious kenyan gin good for the environment

Unique in the world thanks to forest juniper

15-04-2023 by redazione

High-altitude African juniper berries native to the Kijabe Plateau, more than 2,000 meters above sea level, not far from Mt. Longonot and the Maai Mahiu escarpment, harvested only...

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RECIPES

An unusual version of squid stew

A tasty dish of squid, tapioca and sweet potatoes

23-04-2023 by redazione

Throughout sub-Saharan Africa, tapioca (cassava) and sweet potato are used as side dishes for stews with tomato sauce. In inland regions, these dishes are based on ox or...

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TOURISM

Watamu boom during the festivities

The secret of the Kenyan gem's success

28-12-2023 by redazione

The tourism boom in Watamu is now unstoppable and growing year by year.
Even for this Christmas holiday season, the top tourist destination on the Kenyan coast is selling out.

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Tourism

Tourists back to Kenya: 10 golden rules

Lot of requests for a holiday: advices

13-01-2023 by redazione

With tourism reopening with fewer and fewer restrictions, direct charter flights have also started up again since last August, and European tourism is ready to resume the holiday discourse that was abruptly interrupted in February 2020.
In inviting you to discover or rediscover this beautiful country, we invite you to read our ten 'golden rules' that...

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ANNIVERSARY

The story of East Africa's most famous alcoholic drink

A century of Tusker, the iconic Kenyan beer

16-11-2022 by redazione

Kenya celebrates this year, a century of one of its excellences.
1922. An important year for Kenya.
Two years ago, the British East African Protectorate was made into a...

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Nature

Aardvark, one of the rarest species seen in Arabuko Forest

Not common to see this animal in Kenya

02-11-2022 by redazione

Though very difficult to spot, another wild animal is to be counted among the roster of those that can be found in Kenya and much closer than you might think...

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PRODUCTS

Halwa: a sweet with the fragrance of oriental spices and rosewater

An ancient recipe handed down over time

31-10-2022 by redazione

If you are a sweet tooth, you cannot miss the ecstasy of tasting Halwa.
Its name derives from the Arabic word "helw" which literally means sweet, it is a really delicious dessert that is widespread throughout the Middle East, Asia and some African countries.

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TOURISM

Smart Working in Watamu, why not?

New tourism to which other destinations already aspire

29-10-2022 by redazione

Smart Working in Watamu, why not?
It would be a great way to attract a new type of residential tourism (because we are ...

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TOURISM

The whales are coming!

In Watamu the spectacle of the marine migration

02-08-2022 by redazione

The tourist season has just begun, but those lucky enough to be in Kenya, and specifically in Watamu, these days...

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TOURISM

Kenya, visto online: what you need

How to proceed on the only official site

29-11-2023 by redazione

Entering Kenya as a tourist. It takes some patience, but it is not difficult, just a child of telematic times to which even African countries are adapting, for practical, security and...

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RECIPES

Mandazi: the famous pancakes of the Swahili coast

Sweet temptations scented with spices and coconut

05-11-2022 by redazione

The mahamri or mandazi is a very popular pancake on the Kenyan coast. It is excellent for breakfast with coffee, as a snack with tea or at the end of a meal, perhaps with a

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TOURISM

Hospitality market on the rebound, 24 hotel chains ready to open in Kenya

Kenya will become Africa's leading nation for the number of tourist accommodations

22-06-2022 by redazione

As many as 24 international hotel chains have eyeballed Kenya as one of the next markets to invest in, according to a survey conducted by a leading hotel consulting firm.

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TOURISM

Typical restaurants and Swahili cuisine: food tourism in Kenya

People attracted by the experience of local gastronomy

06-06-2022 by redazione

In recent years gastronomic tourism has grown considerably all over the world.
This is due to the popularity of certain programmes and also to the media coverage of dishes and restaurants, especially in social networks.

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RECIPES

Fish curry and coconut stew

A seafood dish of the Swahili tradition of Kenya

28-05-2022 by redazione

"Samaki wa kupaka ya nazi", literally "Coconut fish cubes" is a dish of the Swahili tradition of Kenya, which uses various spices of ancient Indian origin to give it flavor. A very tasty version includes "madras", the most common one being the classic curry.
Here is the recipe.

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PLANTS OF KENYA

The elegance of the Desert Rose

The plant of true and lasting love

01-06-2022 by redazione

At first glance it looks like a miniature baobab, with the base of the trunk being very bulky and swollen, formed by both the roots and the stem, and the ...

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PLANTS OF KENYA

The tree of life: the Moringa

The 'magic' plant with multiple properties

18-05-2022 by redazione

Moringa: the tree of life, the miracle tree or even the immortal plant.
It is a member of the Moringaceae family, of which at least 13 species are known, ranging from...

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SPORT

Kenya team at the top in Costarica

Watamu Fishing Festival trio promotes the destination.

02-05-2022 by redazione

Watamu carried its name high as the world's offshore fishing destination by representing Kenya in the international offshore tournament held in Costa Rica in recent days and

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PRODUCTS

Agave plants and resources

Processing of the plant helps the economy especially on the Coast

13-07-2021 by redazione

Agave is a plant belonging to the Agavaceae family; there are more than 300 species, all native to Central America. The most common and spread species in Kenya is...

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TOURISM

Dhow, the traditional Swahili boat also fascinates local tourism

Here are the "magnificent 7" of the coast for suggestive excursions

09-12-2021 by redazione

One of the symbols of the Kenyan coast is undoubtedly the dhow, the typical Swahili boat.
Once only sailing, today also with the support of the engine, the dhow from...

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ENVIRONMENT

Many properties of mangrove honey

Even in Mida Creek there's this precious nectar

18-06-2020 by redazione

Watamu's mangroves are a natural paradise that attracts thousands of tourists, environmentalists and nature-loving travelers every year. They are a unique and fantastic natural landscape, with its microclimate and an ecosystem that allows you to observe certain types of birds, amphibians and crustaceans, such as the famous mangrove crab.

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NATURE

Watamu where turtles feel safe

LOC, a non-profit organisation committed to protecting Kenya's marine environment.

29-09-2020 by redazione

It all began in 1997 when a group of local residents from Watamu decided it was time to take action to protect sea turtles in the area and Watamu Turtle Watch was born. Fast forward to today, 21 years later, and Local Ocean Conservation

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TOURISM

Jacaranda Bay tourism to revive in Watamu

Interwiew with Daniele Tirito, GM Jacaranda Resort

25-01-2022 by redazione

After more than a year of forced closure, Watamu's Jacaranda Bay has come back to life with...

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BEAUTY

Miss Universe Kenya in love with Watamu

Interview with Roshanara: wellness, fun and future

24-01-2022 by Freddie del Curatolo

Beauty within beauty.
Roshanara Ebrahim, Miss Universe Kenya 2021, with her breathtaking...

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NEWS

Safari Classic Rally back: from Naivasha to Watamu

Invasion of classic cars and tourists in February

20-01-2022 by redazione

As in the last edition in 2020, the East African Safari Classic Rally will end in Watamu, after passing through some of Kenya's most beautiful and rugged locations for more than a week.

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NATURE

Khadzonzo or Sokoke, the forest cat

Increasingly rare and now mixed

17-09-2021 by redazione

The Mijikenda tribes call it 'Khadzonzo', a word that refers to their mottled coat, and it is the true indigenous cat of the Kenyan coast.
Originally from the Arabuko Sokoke Forest, it is known as...

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NATURE

A precious ecosystem to safeguard, the Sabaki River estuary

Extraordinary spectacle with thousands of flamingos

10-09-2021 by redazione

It is one of the most precious assets of Malindi, Watamu and the entire Kenyan coast, and certainly one of the most undervalued because of its ecosystem and its potential for nature conservation.

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PLACES

Watamu, a place for those who can see beyond

Not only beaches and nature, a unique location

25-01-2021 by redazione

Watamu may seem at first glance to be one of the many villages on the African coast, consisting simply of a small cluster of hotels, a strip of private houses on the beach, a cluttered and poor village shaded by...

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IMAGES

Watamu places

Low tide

16-01-2021 by redazione

The wonder of one of the corner of Watamu

NEWS

The homely discovery of Watamu destination

Encouraging numbers from domestic tourism

11-01-2021 by redazione

Until a few years ago Watamu was an unknown destination for many Kenyans from the north and inland.
In recent months, and in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, those who wanted to spend their holidays outside the big cities and in seaside resorts were...

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IMAGES

Watamu places

Images that tell the beauty of Watamu

12-12-2020 by redazione

Experience a day immersed in the pristine and enchanting nature of this marine protected reserve, the Mida Creek.

Watamu, a paradise to discover

The beaches, nature, history and welcoming people

21-09-2020 by redazione

The beauty of nature around Watamu is the first calling card of this wonderful resort in Kenya.
Twenty kilometres before Malindi, arriving from Mombasa and Kilifi, after the...

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PLACES

Bio Ken, the snake farm in Watamu

Not only reptiles, but also a study center and antidotes

17-08-2020 by redazione

The Bio Ken Snake farm in Watamu is definitely one of the most interesting and useful places to visit in the tourist town.
The structure that houses the largest collection of snakes in..

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HISTORY

Watamu history

Vilage of sweet people and that irish family...

13-08-2020 by redazione

From ancient Arabic writings, we know that the Arabuko forest stretched from just outside Malindi almost to Kilifi and was populated by wild beasts, poisonous snakes (cobra especially) and elephants, who often came down to unexplored beaches and bays protected by barrier Reef.
There were no docks for ships, but dangerous "dry" so to Kilifi was good habit for travelers, surf off the coast until he glimpsed the Bay of Malindi.
Around 1300, the Arab community of Gede town, of which the ruins still remain today, makes a way in the forest in order to reach an outlet to the sea, in the Watamu Bay.
From there he developed a fishing village and the Arabs now established on the coast mingled with the local Giriama, creating a Bajun community that began flourishing boat trade with Lamu and Takaungu.

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PLACES

Discovering Watamu

The white beaches with bays, caves and coves and the "sweet people".

08-08-2020 by redazione

The beauty of nature around Watamu is the first calling card of this wonderful Kenyan resort.
Twenty kilometers before Malindi, arriving from Mombasa and Kilifi, after the villages of Chumani and Matsangoni, you meet...

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HISTORICAL PLACES

A trip to Gedi Ruins

Ashes of an ancient arab city in the middle of the forest

29-07-2020 by redazione

Gede is located between Malindi and Kilifi, in the coastal region of Kenya, 94 km north of the city of Mombasa.
Its ruins tell of historical un'insediamento, one of the oldest in the coastal area of ​​East Africa which has remained track. The town, which seems would host 3,000 people, was abandoned in the late 1500s the abandonment causes uncertain, but it is likely that it was an attack of the dreaded Somali Galla tribes, driven out of Malindi, destroying a large part of that civilization.

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PRODUCTS

The invigorating properties of tamarind

The drink is refreshing, the fruit cures rheumatism

31-07-2020 by redazione

Kenya is increasingly the ideal environment for tamarind, present on the Swahili coast since it was brought and planted from India a thousand years ago.
Tamarindus Indica is a majestic, long-lived evergreen belonging to the leguminous family.

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NATURE

Here come the birds on the Sabaki, Bird Watching Paradise...

With the monsoon, on the river estuary a spectacle of rare beauty

28-07-2020 by redazione

With the change of season and the winter and monsoon "Kuzi" wind, the mouth of the Sabaki River is filled with rare, colourful and beautiful tropical birds.
It is now a custom, but every year...

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NATURE

Baobab, its beauty and its properties

The tree of a thousand years and its resources

13-07-2020 by redazione

On the coast of Kenya there are many trees of Baobab (adansonia digitata) and many, in addition to the statuesque beauty that is one of the symbols, almost a "logo" of Africa, have also discovered its wonderful properties.... fake watches

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BOOKS

A magical moment on the coast of Kenya

From light to darkness less than an hour, and everything seems to pay homage to Africa

14-11-2020 by Freddie del Curatolo

Giuseppe Ungaretti, who was born in Africa, called it "the hour that clouds and dismisses".
Karen Blixen distinguished it from dawn for that extra hint of melancholy, of the annunciation of the mysterious and treacherous night.
In Kenya, along the line of the Equator and particularly on the coast, the brief moment from...

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TRADITIONS

Everything you need to know about Swahili Kanga

The history of the most used garment on the east coast of Africa, the meaning of their writings and colors

26-06-2020 by Ferdinanda Vigliani

East coast of Africa. 
The boundaries of that linguistic and cultural unity known as Swahili culture range from Mogadishu in the north to Cape Delgado in Mozambique. 
A long coastline shared by a single language: the kiswahili, a mixture of Arabic and bantu, whose texts date back to the 12th century. 
But a strong visual element, a fashion system that dominates women's clothing, imposes itself in this area in the eyes of the traveller. 
It is an explosion of colour, a display of shapes and symbolic elements, a touch of elegance that not even the poorest woman could ever give up: kanga. 

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PLACES

HELL’S KITCHEN The magic of Marafa

The hidden canyon

22-06-2020 by redazione

The natives call it “Nyari”, a giriama word that means “the place crumbling naturally by itself”.
Marafa village is in Magarini district, just forty kilometres down Malindi area, less than one hour drive, mostly on a good dirt road studded by baobabs and mangoes.

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STORIES

When Ernest Hemingway discovered Watamu

Two days for marlin fishing and a bath in blue lagoon

16-06-2020 by redazione

The great American writer Ernest Hemingway was almost 35 years old, when he saw Kenya for the first time.
He, a great vivour and passionate of strong emotions, a hunter of women and animals, had long been fond of deep-sea fishing.
From the Florida villa, with the Pilar boat, purchased with the proceeds of the first novels published at home, he decided to carry out an expedition in the heart of Africa where he could match the passion for marlin and shark fishing to big hunting.

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ENVIRONMENT

The spectacular coral reef of Watamu

Ecosystem and best places for snorkeling

15-06-2020 by redazione

The coral reef is one of Watamu's and Kenyan Indian Ocean attractions.
Off the tourist resort, the first barrier is present from the entrance of Mida Creek to Malindi without interruption and has allowed over time and thanks to the tides, the formation of the famous sand atolls off Mayungu.
The first barrier, when the low tide is particularly low, emerges at the water level and is also walking on foot, although their beauty is to be discovered by snorkeling, or swimming deep in mask and fins if Not in "diving" with even oxygen cylinders.

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PLACES

The beauty of the mangroves in Mida Creek

Boat trips and walks in unique landscapes

13-06-2020 by redazione

Among the thousands of possibilities to enjoy Nature that Kenya, and particularly its coast, can boast, there is certainly the sea landscape dominated by mangroves.
These plants, which have their roots in soils which feed on water from the Indian Ocean, form really particular landscapes.

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AFRICAN POEM

Malindi and Watamu, different sister, but so unite

Imagining the two Kenya towns like women

30-05-2020 by Freddie del Curatolo

Watamu the beautiful.
Malindi the magic.
Watamu the young and sparkling.
Ancient Malindi but still interesting.

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ART AND CULTURE

The 10 most beautiful songs dedicated to Africa

From Miriam Makeba to Toto, a playlist to read, listen and see

27-05-2020 by redazione

"Africa."
How many times have we heard this word, this evocation, in a piece of music?
Hundreds are the pop songs whose title bears the name of the Black Continent, every language and nation has its own song.
Here is the playlist of malindikenya.net with the 10 most beautiful songs for us dedicated to Africa.

READ, WATCH AND LISTEN

PLACES

Mnarani Ruins, more than an ancient story

107 steps to visit ancient 14th century ruins and enjoy a spectacular view

20-05-2020 by redazione

There’s an ancient story, two hundred metres from the tall bridge over Kilifi creek, along the Mombasa-Malindi highway, on the southern bank of the creek, just where the old ferry landing stage is. 
On the top of the hill you can

PRODUCTS

More and more edible mushrooms in Kenya

Rain and moisture feed them, the farmers now recognize them

10-05-2020 by redazione

Global climate change, which also affects Kenya in part, has both positive and negative effects on the fertile land of the African equator.
One of these, given the ever closer temporal and climatic connection between the great rains, between May and July, and the small rains of October and November, is the presence of the edible fungi on the Kenyan territory.

PLACES

A trip into the "white world" of kenyan coast

Ngomeni, 30 km north of Malindi, an unique landscape

04-05-2020 by redazione

The "white world" of the Kenyan coast is about thirty kilometers north of Malindi.
After the golden beach of Che Shale, beyond the Italian base of the San Marco aerospace project, the view of the ocean disappears and miles and miles of...

RECIPES

Kaimati, the greedy Kenyan tortelli

How to make typical Swahili sweets

30-04-2020 by redazione

Kaimati are characteristic sweets of Kenya, and particularly of the Swahili coast, similar to our carnival tortelli, not stuffed.
They are often garnished with a caramelized icing and sprinkled with white sugar.
HERE IS THE RECIPE

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Ten reason why you come back to Watamu

Repeaters: What's next after the first vacation?

01-12-2019 by redazione

The success of Watamu in this season (first coastal destination for influx of tourists, the best "leisure" destination in Kenya, second only to Zanzibar in all Sub-Saharan Africa) is due not only to those who...

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ENVIRONMENT

Arabuko Forest is now world biosphere reserve

UNESCO will protect the Watamu natural heritage

31-07-2019 by Leni Frau

The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, which stretches between the hinterlands of Malindi and Watamu and Kilifi, has...

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