Jacaranda Beach Resort Beside Watamu’s Tidal Sandbanks

The Jacaranda Beach Resort is situated on Jacaranda Bay, on the coastal stretch lying between Watamu and Malindi; along the beach, which has white sand, sandbanks and natural pools appear at low tide, giving rise to a constantly changing scene for strolls and time spent by the water.

Guests can relax away from the beach in tropical gardens and three swimming pools; garden rooms and those with an ocean view cater to different tastes, and the shared facilities mean that the resort is suitable for couples, families and safari travellers who prefer a resort atmosphere to having a private villa.

For those who are visiting both the coast and Kenya on a safari, spending time here provides a change from the early mornings and game drives.

Reaching Jacaranda Bay

Malindi Airport is the best local airport for arriving at the resort. Those who get in at Mombasa Airport or at the Miritini SGR terminus will have to make a longer journey towards the north. Our planning of arrivals begins with your last destination on the safari, so that the flight or road link can be matched to the overall itinerary. The time taken for the transfer will vary according to the route and the state of the roads.

Sandbanks, natural pools and the changing tide

The holiday at Jacaranda Bay is defined by the area known as "Sardegna Due", where at low tide white sandbanks and natural pools are exposed, offering the possibility of beach walks, photography and exploring the shoreline.

The level of the tide causes the sandbanks and swimming zones to become accessible at different times. People who wish to swim in the ocean should take the tides and local advice into account. Rooms located by the beach have views of the bay all day.

When you are visiting the sandbanks or going into the water, make sure to follow the local advice regarding channels, tides and the safe times for returning. If your trip is beyond the immediate beach, find out whether special arrangements or extra charges are needed.

Garden rooms or a front-row ocean view

The Jacaranda Beach Resort has three principal types of rooms, each varying in size, position, and capacity. The room suggestions we provide are determined by your preferred setting, the number of people in your group and how you plan to sleep.

Classic Room

Main features: The accommodation is about 36 to 48 square metres and is located in garden buildings with a private veranda or balcony; it can house between one and four guests, depending on the setup, with options for double, twin, triple and quadruple room arrangements.

Suits: Couples and families who prefer a garden setting and do not require a direct ocean view.

Why it matters: The range of sleeping arrangements gives different group sizes options within the same category. Selected family quadruple layouts have two bathrooms, and connecting rooms are available subject to availability.

Beach Garden Room

Main features: Approximately 31–44 sqm, positioned beside the second pool or close to the beach, on the ground or first floor. Accommodates one to three guests, with a double bed and single-bed arrangement. Many rooms have a partial ocean view.

Suits: Couples and smaller families who prioritise proximity to the pool or beach.

Why it matters: This category offers convenient access to the coastal areas, but the position and outlook vary between rooms. A partial ocean view should not be confused with a full frontal view.

Beach Ocean Room

Main features: Approximately 37–69 sqm, in beachfront buildings with full frontal ocean views and direct beach access. Accommodates one to four guests, with double-bed or double-bed-plus-two-single-bed arrangements.

Suits: Couples and families who want the ocean outlook to be part of their room experience.

Why it matters: This category combines beachfront proximity with a direct sea view, rather than simply placing guests near the beach..

Dining, meal packages and time around the pools

The resort has a main restaurant with panoramic views, along with several bars and three swimming pools, so that guests have a variety of places where they can relax either between meals or when they are on the beach. Other facilities available include an amphitheater, a play area, beach volleyball, boutiques, a spa, water sports and a scuba-diving centre.

The restaurant facing the ocean offers a buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring international dishes, Italian specialities and Kenyan recipes; the dining experience is varied by the demonstration cooking of fresh pasta and by a weekly evening themed around Kenya.

The all-inclusive prices cover buffet meals, snacks, and certain beverages, although there are restrictions applicable to some drinks. When we check your booking, we will verify the meal plan, the included drinks, and any supplements for your stay.

The cost of spa treatments, diving, and other special activities is not covered by the accommodation rate, and the play area along with the organized activities does not offer supervised childcare.

Watamu outings beyond the beach

The Gede Ruins lead visitors along the deserted Swahili town, which includes coral-stone houses, mosques and a palace all set among coastal forest. During the guided tour, information is given about the settlement's history and the buildings that are still there.

Mida Creek is a tidal inlet surrounded by mangroves and provides guests with the opportunity to explore by canoe or by walking along a raised boardwalk through the trees. Those who wish to can enjoy birdwatching or go on sunset trips, which offer a more peaceful alternative to spending time on the open beach.

More inland lies Marafa, which is also called Hell’s Kitchen, a sandstone canyon that has been eroded and contains tall rock formations as well as winding passages. Guests are given a guided walk which allows them to get closer to the formations and also hear the local stories associated with the landscape.

The way in which we plan our excursions is to combine the amount of time spent travelling with the number of days you would like to spend on the beach. When organising water-based activities, we take into account the tides, the weather, sea conditions and the availability of the providers, without making any promises regarding specific wildlife sightings or reef visibility.

A north-coast chapter after your Kenya safari

Following the early mornings and game drives, Jacaranda Beach Resort provides a more relaxed alternative through pool days, coastal walks and watching the tides. Our itinerary is arranged to include a sufficient number of coastal nights so that you can make the most of the view, not just treat the final night as a hurried conclusion.

If you want a more extended wildlife experience before visiting the beach, we can add the 3-Day Tsavo East Safari and arrange transport to Jacaranda Bay so that it fits in with your schedule.

In a longer circuit, Amboseli can be included before Tsavo, and in order to combine with the Maasai Mara, a flight is required rather than a road transfer. Let us know your preferred balance between wildlife, excursions and free time, and we will then match your safari duration, number of coastal nights and final transfer.

Coastal conditions and length of stay

With a stay of three nights you can relax by the beach and the pools after the safari; a visit lasting four or five nights gives you more flexibility for activities in Watamu and more leisure time at Jacaranda Bay. The various beach getaways available help you to compare the different coastal options for your Kenya itinerary.

When planning trips and carrying out water-based activities, you should take into account the seasonal weather, the tides and sea conditions. No particular month can guarantee clear skies, calm seas or good visibility.

What to know before booking

• Book in the room category and position you prefer as early as possible.
• Let us know in advance about your dietary requirements and any celebration requests you may have.
• Where appropriate, check whether the access is step-free and if the bathroom is suitable.
• Inquire about the options for arriving early or leaving late.
• Before finalising the itinerary, arrange the coordinated transfers and choose the selected excursions.

Connect Jacaranda Beach Resort with your safari

Our Kenya-based specialists help you choose between a garden setting, beach proximity or direct ocean view, ensuring bedding meets your group’s needs. We also confirm your meal package and coordinate your road or flight transfer from your final safari stop.

Please let us know how you would like to allocate your time among wildlife viewing, coastal activities, and days by the water, and we will organize your room and coastal nights to correspond with your preferred Jacaranda Bay experience.