Watamu, Kenya A Bucket List Destination

An ancient proverb in Kenya advises, "Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children." This sentiment echoes through Kenya's values; their constitution even says they must be “Respectful of the environment, which is our heritage, and determined to sustain it for the benefit of future generations”. The diverse natural landscapes, ranging from mountains to lakes and deserts to rainforests, contribute to the country's breathtaking beauty.

Noma is thrilled to bring you our bucket list Kenya Edition, inviting you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey filled with sea-side views, cultural immersions and the best safari in the world. Our base is the stunning Saba Saba Villa, a beautiful hilltop villa in Watamu village with a private pool, gardens and spacious living, lounging and working areas. This remote work paradise has luxurious rooms, a private pool, and a huge outdoor patio - a perfect location to escape the busy city life.

Watamu, translating to the "home of the sweet people" in Swahili, welcomes visitors seeking relaxation and exploration. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Watamu is an eco-tourist's dream. The Watamu National Marine Park and Reserve has over 1,000 fish species and vibrant coral reefs.

What not to miss:

• Watamu is one of the best places in the world for kitesurfing!

• Embark on snorkeling expeditions to Malindi Marine Reserve Park and see the amazing wildlife.

• Witness pods of humpback whales pass by Watamu between July and September.

• Visit the ruins of the 12th-century Swahili city of Gedi just 7km from Watamu.

• Explore the mangrove forests of Mida Creek by canoe.

• Relax on the long, white sand beaches or dive into the waves of the Indian Ocean.

The climax of your adventure awaits with our additional Maasai Mara Safari experience on the trip's final weekend. One of the world’s most famous wildlife areas, dubbed ‘The World’s Eighth Wonder’. Together with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania the Maasai Mara National Reserve forms Africa’s most diverse ecosystem. Stretching 1,510 sq km, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is known for the highest concentration of wild animals in the world hosting over 95 species of mammals and over 570 recorded species of birds.

The Maasai Mara is home to the Big 5 animals - the African elephant, lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceros. If you visit the Maasai Mara in July-October, you’ll witness the Great Migration of 1.5 million wildebeests.

Within the Maasai Mara National Reserve, there are a dozen community conservancies and Maasai villages. The Maasai people have 'historically depended on their cattle' and their herding practices are central to their cultural identity. With the arrival of safari organizations, the Maasai were no longer allowed to graze their cattle in the reserve, this led to the Maasai leaders creating several wildlife conservancies.

Facts about the Maasai people:

• The Maasai, both women and men, mostly shave their heads to celebrate rites of passage, indicating a fresh start and a new chapter in life.

• All of the Maasai’s music is vocal except for the large horns used for a select few songs.

• Adumu, also known as the Maasai jumping dance, is a type of dance that the Maasai people practice.

• Over 1 million Maasai people are living across Kenya and Tanzania.

• The Maasai language called ‘Maa’ is a mainly spoken language and the name ‘Maasai’ itself means ‘people who speak Maa’.

• As their language is a spoken one, they have carried their history down through oral tradition for centuries.

Join Noma for a genuine bucket list experience that combines work with wonder, leaving you with memories that last a lifetime.