Combination trip Kenya – Diving in Watamu National Park & on safari
Travel period
Features
Starting from
From coral reefs to wild safaris: welcome to Kenya
This trip takes you to two special places in Kenya. You start on the coast at Temple Point Resort on Mida Creek, from where you explore the dive sites of the Watamu Marine National Park. Underwater, you’ll be surrounded by colorful coral gardens and a wide variety of marine life, from stingrays and turtles to brightly colored nudibranchs and leaf scorpion fish. With any luck, a manta ray or whale shark will cross your path. Thanks to the resort’s convenient location, the dive sites are easily accessible regardless of the tide, and short boat trips take you to different spots where there is something new to discover each time.
After a week underwater, the adventure moves inland toward Tsavo East National Park. Here you will stay at Satao Camp, in the middle of one of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks. During safaris through the vast savannas and varied landscapes you will come face to face with elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, leopards and hippos. The contrast between the tranquil shores of Watamu and the wild landscapes of Tsavo makes this trip versatile and complete, where you will experience both relaxation and adventure.
Best travel time for a diving vacation to Kenya
The ideal travel time for a tour of Kenya with diving and safari is from October to February. The sea is calmest between October & March, so this is also when you have the best visibility underwater.
January & February are dry, warm months, perfect for safaris with clear days. March through May have “long rains,” when the sea is rough and it is more difficult to spot safari animals. From June to October it is hot and dry; the great migration in July brings a nature show, but also crowds. The “short rains” in November and December are mild, with quieter safaris.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Watamu National Park, Kenya
Between November and May a 3mm is sufficient, for the other months a 5mm is just a bit warmer.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | The journey to Mombassa, Kenya
Today you will depart (often in the evening) for Mombassa from Europe. The night flight is usually with a short transfer in Nairobi (capital of Kenya) so you should expect a total flight time between 11-13 hours. You will arrive at the Mombassa airport early in the morning on Day 2. Here a driver from Temple Point Resort will be waiting for you once you pass customs. After about 2.5 hours of driving, you will arrive at the resort, check in and it is time to relax and recover from the trip.
In the afternoon, walk by Extra Divers’ dive center to do some preliminary administrative work. The dive center is located in the resort and is just steps away from the pier. Led by German Matthias and his dedicated team, the dive center guarantees a professional and safe experience. SSI diving courses are offered, in German and English, ranging from Open Water to specialized courses.
Day 3 to 7 | Diving in Watamu National Park
There are a total of 16 dive sites to explore, ranging in depth from 8 to 40 meters and only 20 to 40 minutes by boat from the dive center. Daily you will make two dives a day here in the morning. In the afternoon a 3rd dive is possible on request or a night dive depending on the tides.
Watamu National Park, protected by the Watamu Marine Reserve, is a diving paradise with largely undamaged reefs thanks to years of protection from boat anchors. Founded in 1968, the Marine Park extends from Malindi to the mouth of Mida Creek. About 200 different species of fish can be found, including many moray eels, turtles and doctor fish. You can regularly see Napoleon fish there, as well as large schools of fish. Between November and February, whale sharks and manta rays also pass by.
Divers can enjoy dive sites in Watamu such as “Dolphin Point” and “Moray North,” with impressive drop-offs, rays, snappers and turtles. A particular highlight is the wreck of an 80-foot shrimp trawler, surrounded by schools of fish, but only diveable during neap tides. The Canyon, a popular diving site, offers deep drop-offs and coral gardens. Here, divers can spot rays swimming along sandy channels, encounter white-tip reef sharks and see turtles resting among the coral. The shallow coral reef nearby is ideal for calm dives.
Day 8 | Land excursions in Watamu
During your stay at Temple Point, several excursions are available to explore Watamu and the surrounding area above water. Examples of some of these excursions:
Paddleboarding and Canoeing in Mangroves: Enjoy a peaceful trip through the mangroves while paddling on a paddleboard or in a canoe. Listen to the birdsong and embrace the natural tranquility.
Marafa, “Hell’s Kitchen” Canyon Hiking: Explore the impressive beauty of Marafa, also known as “Hell’s Kitchen,” on a hiking tour. Experience the unique landscape features of this area.
Yoga with Nature Sounds: Relax and unwind during a yoga session with the soothing sounds of nature in the background.
Kitesurfing at Jacaranda and Short Beach: For the adventurous souls, there is the opportunity to kitesurf between the Jacaranda and Short Beach areas.
Bird watching in East Africa’s largest coastal forest: Bird lovers can spot rare bird species in East Africa’s largest coastal forest, a fascinating experience for nature lovers.
Visit the Gede Ruins: Explore the historic Gede Ruins and learn about the ancient history of the region.
Bio-Ken Snake Farm: Visit the Bio-Ken Snake Farm and learn more about the fascinating world of snakes and reptiles.
Local Culture Tuk Tuk Tour: Explore the local culture and community through a Tuk Tuk tour, getting in touch with the authentic features of the region.
Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, natural beauty or cultural discovery, Temple Point Resort offers something for everyone!
Day 9 & 10 | Safari in Tsavo East
Early in the morning you will depart from the Temple Point resort for Tsavo East, where you will go on safari. After a drive of about 1.5 hours, you will arrive at Tsavo East’s Sala Gate. During the drive through the park towards Satao Camp (your accommodation) you will already get a good first impression of the rich fauna of the park.
Tsavo East is a dream for animal lovers. You can see everything here, from lions and giraffes to zebras and, of course, lots of elephants. Bird lovers are also in for a treat, as there are about 500 species of birds, including ostriches. The special thing about Tsavo? The elephants. They often take a dust bath, giving them a red color. You may even see up to 1,000 elephants at the waterhole one day! Groups of lions are also often seen.
Lunch at Satao Camp is followed by a second drive to admire the wildlife. As you drive through the park, keep your eyes peeled for the 500 different species of birds, including migrating kestrels and buzzards. End the day with dinner and overnight at Satao Camp.
On the second day of the safari, day 10, you will leave after breakfast for an extended morning safari that lasts until lunchtime. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Satao Camp and prepare for another adventurous afternoon safari. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at Satao Camp.
Day 11 & 12 | Final safari & home
Early in the morning you will make another beautiful game drive through Tsavo East, then have breakfast at leisure and then it is time to pack your suitcase.
Once you are packed you will be taken to Mombassa airport. The drive to the airport takes about 4.5 hours and on the way you can enjoy the Kenyan countryside once more.
Somewhat depending on your flight times, you fly home later in the day, on day 11, and finally land back in Europe on day 12.
The accommodation
The stay and surroundings
Temple Point Resort
Temple Point Resort, located at the intersection of the Indian Ocean and Mida Creek, offers a combination of adventure and relaxation between the Watamu Marine National Park and the bird-rich Mida Creek.
The resort features two saltwater pools surrounded by sundecks. The private Temple Beach, situated on a cliff, gives direct access to the secluded Tiny Beach. There are also several food and beverage options, including an à la carte restaurant, the Sunset Bar with panoramic terrace and several other bars such as the popular on-site LichtHaus bar. For wellness and work, there is a spa, gym, stylish boutique, co-working space and conference rooms.
In terms of activities, there are opportunities for kitesurfing, fitness, pilates, yoga, SUP and canoe trips.
A 50,000-square-meter botanical garden houses 16 unique Kenyan coastal-style chalets. With white facades and characteristic makuti roofs, they fit perfectly into the flora-rich environment. The resort has 56 rooms scattered throughout the chalets, each with a shared terrace or balcony.
Cozy Rooms: Facing Mida Creek with its mangroves are these rooms. They have a shower, air conditioning, mini-fridge, mosquito net, shared terrace or balcony and Wi-Fi. The decor features African prints and dark wood.
Boutique Garden Rooms: These rooms are located in the botanical garden full of plants and animals. They have all the amenities of the Cozy rooms plus a deluxe sink set, coffee/tea facilities and closet. They have double and single beds and are brightly decorated.
Creek Deluxe Rooms: Located directly on Mida Creek, these rooms offer views of the creek, the mangroves or the botanical garden. They have the standard amenities plus a deluxe sink set. The decor combines neutral colors, boho and Swahili styles.
Satao Camp - Tsavo East
The camp has 20 authentic safari tents with private bathrooms, each with a private veranda, harmoniously situated among the tamarind trees that surround the camp and adjacent to its own watering hole. The tents are strategically positioned for an unobstructed view of the wildlife while ensuring complete privacy.
Of these accommodations, there are 16 tents and 4 suites. The interiors of the tents are sublime and they are all tastefully decorated according to a unique African design. The suites are more spacious and closest to the watering hole. In addition, the tents at Satao Camp are designed to accommodate guests with disabilities.
In terms of food and drink, you hardly imagine yourself in the African wilderness. Satao Camp’s chefs prepare a tasty assortment of dishes using the freshest ingredients. After your early morning safari, enjoy breakfast with eggs prepared to your liking. Lunch is served under a 200-year-old tamarind tree, where you can observe elephants at the watering hole at the same time. Dinner is served in the restaurant area, usually followed by drinks by the campfire. Private dinners and dinners in the bush can also be arranged.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is € 3.199 per person based on two people in a Creek Deluxe Room and Luxury Tent at Satao Camp. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from € 3.199 p.p.
- 7 nights at Temple Point Resort in a Creek Deluxe Room based on bed and breakfast
- 10 dives at Extra Divers Temple Point Resort
- 2 nights at Satao Camp Tsavo East based on full board
- Game drives as described in 4x4 safaris, incl water.
- Professional, English-speaking guide (German on request)
- Entrance fee Park Tsavo East
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Mombassa from € 700
- KWS Marine Park Fee € 16 per dive day
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Diving equipment, incl. Computer € 26 per day
- 15L Tank € 4 per dive
- Nitrox EAN32 € 4 per dive
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Frequently asked questions about this diving holiday
Diving general
Boat Dives
These range from 5 to 20 minutes of boating.
2 dives per day in the morning. In the afternoon on request with a minimum of 2 divers.
Yes, this can be booked on the spot.
Yes, both PADI and SSI courses are offered here.
Yes, this one is on-site!
Diving equipment
Standard diving is done with DIN, but they can supply adapters for INT controllers
Yes, these cost € 4 extra per tank.
Yes, cost € 4 extra per tank.
Yes, cost € 26 per day, including computer.
Other activities & excursions
Boat snorkeling trips are offered, price approx. € 45 p.p. for a 2/3 hour boat snorkeling trip. Exclusive equipment. Mask, snorkerl, fins cost € 11 per day.
Several excursions are described under Day 8 of the daily program and can be booked through the Temple Point front desk.
Accommodation
Yes.
Yes, Bazaar Restaurant serves fusion meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a beautiful garden view. The on-site LichtHaus bar, located directly on Mida Creek is a popular lounge & snack bar open daily from noon to 10 p.m.
Yes, there are even 2 swimming pools.
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