Watamu
At 580,367 square kilometres (224,081 sq mi), Kenya is the world's 48th largest country by total area, along the magnificent East coast of Africa
A little History (I won't make it too long )
The shoreline in the area features white sand beaches and offshore coral formations arranged in different bays and beaches: Garoda Beach, Turtle Bay, Blue Lagoon Bay, Watamu Bay, Ocean breeze, and Kanani reef and Jacaranda beach.
According to archaeological findings, Watamu has been inhabited from the 13th Century. Watamu is home to the Bajuni people; who trace their descendants to intermarriage between the local Giriama People and Arab traders.
We´ve all spoken about it, read about it, heard about it, but the experience never really shocks you as hard as being there in the moment, in front of the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant on planet earth. Hell, the closest I thought I would ever get near these magnificent beings was probably at your local zoo forced into close proximity with other species and human beings which may be unnatural for it, deprived of its natural habitat.
Maasai giraffe, also called Kilimanjaro giraffe, is the largest species of giraffe. It is native to East Africa. The Masai giraffe can be found in central and southern Kenya and in Tanzania. It has distinctive, irregular, jagged, star-like blotches that extend to the hooves. A median forehead lump is usually present in bulls. We had the privilege of spotting this gentle giants on our safari trip in Tsavo National East Park.
Kitenge or chitenge (left picture) is an East African, West African and Central African fabric similar to sarong, often worn by women and wrapped around the chest or waist, over the head as a headscarf, or as a baby sling. Kitenges are colourful pieces of fabric. In the Coastal area of Kenya, and in Tanzania, Kitenges often have Swahili sayings written on them. You can find these in any local store, but if you want more variety, you´ll have to travel a little out of Watamu to Malindi town. This a tremendous opportunity to really see the authentic village and its people. I wandered through the many many stalls and kept wondering how so many vendors, selling the same items, can compete. A truly fascinating bustling place!
