Watamu · Kenya
Safari in Kenya, with someone who was born here.
Private safaris from Watamu and Malindi with Beka, a local Kenyan guide. Tsavo, Amboseli, the Masai Mara and the Watamu coast.
4.9
Meet Beka
Bakari Yusuf, known as Beka.
Beka is the nickname of Bakari Yusuf, a licensed Kenyan tour guide based in the centre of Watamu. For more than ten years, with his drivers and team, he has taken travellers into Kenya's parks and out to sea along the coast. He organises everything personally, from hotel pick-up to your lodge in the savannah, and you can book before you leave home.
About →01 · Safari
Most popular safaris
From two days in Tsavo East to the grand five-park circuit.
2 days / 1 nightTsavo East Safari, 2 days
Our most requested trip. Two days and one night in Kenya's largest park, under three hours from Watamu.
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2 days / 1 nightTsavo East & Taita Hills Safari, 2 days
Tsavo East plus the private Taita Hills sanctuary, with a night at Salt Lick, the lodge on stilts.
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3 days / 2 nightsTsavo East & Amboseli Safari, 3 days
Tsavo East and Amboseli: elephants in front of Kilimanjaro. Three days, two nights.
Discover →- Tsavo West, Amboseli & Tsavo East Safari, 4 days4 days / 3 nights
- Tsavo East, Amboseli & Tsavo West Safari, 5 days5 days / 4 nights
- Masai Mara Fly-in Safari, 2 days2 days / 1 night
- Masai Mara Fly-in Safari, 3 days3 days / 2 nights
- Amboseli, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari, 6 days6 days / 5 nights
- Grand Safari, 7 days: Masai Mara, Nakuru, Amboseli & Tsavo7 days / 6 nights
02
Why travel with us
- 01
A local guide
Born and raised in Kenya, with deep knowledge of the parks and the coast.
- 02
Private safaris
Only your group in the jeep. Timing, stops and pace are up to you.
- 03
Drivers who track
Experienced park drivers who know where to look for lion, cheetah and leopard.
- 04
Fair prices, upfront
Your quote arrives on WhatsApp with everything that's included. No surprises.
03 · Excursions
Beyond the savannah
The ocean, the canyon and the history of the coast, minutes from Watamu.
Full dayBlue Safari in Watamu
A day by boat in the marine park: snorkelling, a lobster and prawn lunch on the island, then the mangrove forest.
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Half dayMarafa Canyon (Hell's Kitchen)
Kenya's little Grand Canyon: pink and orange sandstone pinnacles, at sunset or sunrise.
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Half day or combinedGede Ruins
The abandoned Swahili town in the forest, a few minutes from Watamu.
Discover →04 · Reviews
What travellers say about Beka
Real reviews from TripAdvisor (translated from Italian).
A wonderful experience with Beka
“My sister and I spent two weeks in Watamu and booked several excursions with Beka: safari, Blue Safari, Marafa, Gede ruins, Malindi and the golden beach. Beautiful experiences — a truly thrilling safari in the savannah.”
A star!!!
“Fantastic guy!! Professional and capable!! We did all our excursions with him, and my daughter (5) has wonderful memories!! Beka safari… Beka giraffes… Beka mangroves… Highly recommended.”
Serious, reliable, honest and knows the area
“Thanks to Beka and his driver, an expert at following tracks in the park, we saw all the animals — in particular a cheetah eating its meal… and lion cubs.”
Unforgettable
“First time in Africa, but unforgettable… excellent safari, we saw all the animals… beautiful Blue Safari… fair, reasonable prices… even outside the tours he always gave us advice on getting around.”
A spectacular holiday in Watamu thanks to Beka
“It was the first time in Africa for me and my friends… the two-day safari is highly recommended… his team are very experienced.”
Hakuna Matata with Beka
“We contacted Beka from Italy, trusting the great reviews, and we were happy! Even though we booked last-minute, his organisation lived up to what he promised.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the best safari from Watamu?
For a first safari we recommend Tsavo East, 2 days and 1 night: it's the closest park (about three hours), it has all the big animals and a night in the park gives you sunset and sunrise. With more time, add Amboseli (3 days) for elephants beneath Kilimanjaro. For the Masai Mara you fly from Malindi.
How much does a safari from Watamu cost?
It depends on group size, length, park and lodge. Our safaris are private and tailor-made: message us on WhatsApp with your dates and group size and we'll send a clear quote listing everything included.
Does Beka speak English?
Yes. Beka works with international travellers, mostly Italian, and guides in English and Italian.
Do you pick us up from our hotel?
Yes, safaris start and end at your hotel or resort in Watamu or Malindi. Longer safaris can also start from Mombasa or Nairobi.
Can I book before I travel?
Yes, it's the best way, especially in high season. Message us on WhatsApp or email and we'll arrange everything before you arrive.