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Che Shale, Watamu | Timbuktu Travel
Watamu

Che Shale

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Che Shale

Chill out castaway-style on Kenya’s remote northern coast.
Che Shale is a rustic beach lodge on a remote stretch of Kenya’s northern coast, about 20 kilometres north of Malindi. This laid-back tropical resort epitomises relaxed barefoot beach living, with comfortable rustic accommodation to suit couples or families in a beautiful natural setting away from the busier tourist hotspots further along the coast. One of East Africa's top kite-surfing destinations, the lodge offers other exciting watersports and ocean-side activities, endless sandy beaches to explore, and plenty of space to kick back and do absolutely nothing at all. Pack a kikoi – it may be all you need!
Watamu , Kenya
From $150 per person/per night
Beach
7 Rooms
Open Map
Static map

Property details

The property

A sandy track leads through the dunes to the reception area and huge lounge bar and restaurant under a shady palm-leaf roof. Above, a loft with scattered floor cushions provides a quiet spot to relax and take in the fabulous ocean views, and in the evenings the lounge bar springs to life with music sessions and the occasional disco. There’s also a small massage hut, and a beach shop with one-of-a-kind locally made jewellery, crafts and African-style clothing.

The rooms

Nine en-suite rustic beach bandas offer comfortable island-style accommodation. The units range in size from doubles to a triple, two family bandas and two larger luxury suites, all with a delightful castaway-chic appeal. Charming natural interiors have soft woven palm mats underfoot, beautiful handmade driftwood furniture, cane loungers and quirky designer fittings. Bathrooms are en-suite and open to the sky. Further along the beach are several very basic backpacker-style huts with shared bathroom facilities – a great budget option.

Activities

Che Shale is one of the top kite-surfing spots in East Africa, with excellent instructors on hand to get you started if you’re a novice. Try your hand at the other watersports on offer – stand-up paddle-boarding, surfing, scuba diving and deep-sea game fishing, or snorkelling trips aboard a dhow to the shallow reefs beyond the bay. Speed along the long beach on a kite buggy, comb the sands for treasures, or chill out back at the lodge.
Plan your stay

How to book Che Shale

How do I book Che Shale?

Che Shale can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Kenya trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Kenya trips featuring Che Shale or get advice and suggestions from one of our Kenya specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Che Shale?

Stays at Che Shale start from around $150 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Che Shale

Kenya

Watamu & Surrounds

Dazzling beaches, a world-class marine park and a dose of history – welcome to Watamu.