There’s something deeply grounding about travelling across Africa — not as a checklist exercise, but as an act of reconnection. Each journey reminds me that our continent is rich in beauty, culture, and stories waiting to be told by us.
My Kenyan escape took me to Watamu, a small coastal town about 105km north of Mombasa. While my original plan back in 2020 was to experience Nairobi, the global pandemic had other ideas. This time, the trip unfolded differently — a blend of rest, celebration, and perspective — as I travelled to Kenya for both a friend’s wedding and a much-needed reset.
Getting to Kenya: The Journey Matters Too
Travelling from Lesotho, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is never a straight line — and this journey was no exception. We began with a five-hour drive from Maseru to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, followed by:
- A 4-hour flight to Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport)
- A short domestic flight from Nairobi to Mombasa
- A scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive from Mombasa to Watamu
If you’re travelling on a Lesotho passport, no visa is required, though you may need to present a Yellow Fever certificate. Our return journey reminded me why flexibility is a hidden travel cost — a four-hour flight delay meant an unplanned overnight stay in Johannesburg.
Money lesson: Always budget for contingencies. Delays, accommodation changes, and transport hiccups are part of travel — especially across borders.
Getting Around Watamu: Simple, Local, Intentional
Watamu moves at its own rhythm. The main modes of transport are tuk-tuks and motorbikes, which are affordable and efficient for short distances. The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling, and while cards are accepted in some places, M-Pesa is king.
If you can get a local SIM card and activate M-Pesa, do it. It simplifies everything — from transport to meals.
I mostly used a motorbike for daily travel, which was both cost-effective and immersive. A special thank-you to James, my bike driver, who turned every ride into a mini cultural exchange. Travel becomes richer when you engage with the people who live there.
Accommodation: A Lesson in Flexibility
In true travel fashion, I accidentally booked accommodation in Nakuru — about 12 hours away from Watamu. Thankfully, I used my Mastercard debit card, and the host’s flexible cancellation policy allowed me to rebook without financial loss.
My last-minute accommodation in Watamu wasn’t remarkable, but it served its purpose: shelter and safety. Not every stay needs to be aesthetic — sometimes functionality wins.
Money lesson: Always check cancellation policies and avoid booking accommodation in a rush without double-checking locations.
Travel Budget Breakdown: What I Spent
Having a clear travel budget made this trip manageable and stress-free. My total spend came to USD 1,389.97, broken down as follows:
- Flights: $647.05
- Transport from Maseru: $52.00
- Travel insurance: $13.53
- Accommodation: $247.05
- Activities: $135.29
- Entertainment & dining: $294.10
Kenya is relatively affordable, especially when costs are shared and local transport options are used intentionally.
Why Watamu Stays With You
Watamu has a quiet kind of magic. Known for its Marine National Park and Reserve, the area is home to pristine white-sand beaches and three protected bays: Watamu Bay, Blue Lagoon, and Turtle Bay.
But beyond the scenery, it’s the people who leave a mark. The warmth, generosity, and openness of the locals create an environment where you feel welcome — not like a tourist passing through.
My eight days were filled with:
- Kayaking
- Sunset cruises
- Beach days
- Long meals, good music, and slow conversations
The trip also came with unexpected richness — meeting people from the US, UK, Asia, New Zealand, and across Africa, all gathered to celebrate love. Travel, once again, reminded me how deeply connected we all are.
Would I Recommend Watamu? Absolutely.
That said, if I were to do it again, I’d structure the trip differently:
- 3 days in Nairobi
- 3 days in Mombasa
- 4 days in Watamu
Kenya offers diverse experiences — urban energy, historical depth, and coastal calm — and it deserves to be explored intentionally.
If you’re planning your next African escape, Kenya should be high on your list. Affordable, culturally rich, and full of moments that quietly change you.
About Escapes with TKay
Escapes with TKay explores the intersection of finance, travel, and becoming — offering practical money insights, honest travel storytelling, and reflections on designing a life of intention, freedom, and sustainability.
If you enjoyed this story:
- Explore more travel reflections on www.escapeswithtkay.com
- Listen to related podcast episodes
- Watch travel vlogs on YouTube
- Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly reflections on money, movement, and meaning
Until the next escape — travel intentionally, spend consciously, and keep becoming. 🌍✈️
