Preparing for your arrival

Getting Here

The countdown to adventure is on! By now, you may have already organized your flight to Kenya. If not, here's a quick guide:

We recommend you travel by air to Watamu and can help arrange airport shuttles to the resort. The recommended airport shuttle options are:

Malindi - 30 minutes from the resort, a complimentary shuttle service from Noma 

Mombasa - 2.5/3 hours from the resort ($90 for 1-4 people)

Once you have decided which airport you'll be arriving at in your on-site starter form, we will organize your shuttle.

Visas

If you are a citizen of the EU, UK, USA, Australia or New Zealand you will be required to get a tourist visa to enter Kenya.

Kenyan entry visas are exclusively issued electronically and must be obtained before your departure. You can apply for visas on the Kenya e-visa website here, it costs $51 and can sometimes take a while to be processed so please allow enough time before your flight to purchase it. 

For the address, please use: 

Ocean Zuri

Fortuma Rd, Watamu, Kenya

Local Sim and Payment Information

Noma will equip you with a local SIM card preloaded with data to ensure seamless connectivity both on and offsite. 

The local SIM card can be used for payments, making local calls to verify information, and most notably, connecting you to Kenya's thriving mobile money economy. 

With over 60 million transactions a day, the virtual mobile money system called M-PESA is integral to Kenya's financial landscape. From supermarkets and restaurants to motorbike and tuk-tuk drivers, and even beachside coconut sellers, M-PESA is widely accepted. 

Arrival Process

Shuttles will be organized to get from Malindi or Mombasa airports. Coming from Malindi, the shuttle will be complimentary. If you opt for this option, a driver will be waiting for you with a NOMA COLLECTIVE to whisk you away to your destination.

If for any reason you cannot make the shuttle, we can provide you with numbers of trusted taxi drivers that you can book before or upon arrival. Please note there are no "official" airport taxi drivers at Malindi airport. 

From Mombasa, a fair price is around $90.

If you opt to make your own way, please head to the entrance of the villa and one of the team members will be there to greet you. 

Orientation

Now, once you've checked into your room, this is where the fun really begins. Our welcome/kick-off ceremony will provide you with all the necessary information about your stay and give you the chance to meet your unique Noma community. 

Before You Go  

Weather: 

Watamu has a tropical climate and temperatures range from 27 °C (80 °F) in July to 32 °C (90 °F) in March. The driest month is February with just 1 day of rain and the wettest month is May with 18 days of rain.

Some helpful Swahili phrases for your trip to Kenya include:

Jambo - Hello

Asante  - Thank you

Tafadhali - Please

Habari za asubuhi - Good morning

Tutaonana - See you later 

Ni wapi...?- Where is the…?

Sielewi - I don’t understand

Ni wapi choo? - Where is the bathroom?

Note: Alongside Swahili, English is also widely spoken in Kenya. However, the local people greatly appreciate any efforts to speak their language, so a little knowledge goes a long way.

Packing List:

• Lightweight clothing both long sleeve/leg and short sleeve/leg 
• Swimwear
• Hiking-type clothes: comfortable sneakers/ water shoes/ hiking boots. 
• A dry bag for water excursions (not necessity, but useful)
• Raincoat/poncho + umbrella (might be a few rainy days)
• Eye mask
• Earplugs
• Sunscreen
• Bug repellent/oil 
• International credit/debit card
• If you have an old unlocked phone, bring it (to use your local SIM card) 
• A portable monitor if your work would benefit from this
• Ethernet cable for extra connection
• If you take supplements, bring enough as they're 4x as expensive in Kenya
• Musicians, bring your instruments for proper jam time. :)

Communication

Important - all guest communication is on Slack. 

Please click on the below image to join our Noma Slack channel

Slack App is available on Web, Android and iOS. Please join Noma Collective on Slack clicking on the Slack logo above.

When you join Noma Collective, please DM @teamnoma letting them know the Edition & month you are attending. We will add you to the correct channels:

News And Events - For anything related to on-site events and activity sign-ups. @teamnoma uses this channel to let you know about the onsite event programme and daily announcements.

Onsite Chat - Think of this as your community conversation space, where you can share memes, have casual chats, see what people are up to and more!

#alumni - Once your trip is over you’ll get a VIP backstage pass to the entire Noma Collective Community. You’ll have access to exclusive perks, recommendations, advice, and alumni-only Editions.

You can also DM anyone by selecting their name in the bottom left which will enable you to discuss anything in private. 

Add a profile picture, pronouns and a short bio of current/previous job roles and any personal information of interest that you’d like to share in the ‘what I do’ section. This will help your fellow community members get to know you better!

If you have any questions for us, or any issues with anything on-site, please DM @TeamNoma. Also, if you’d like to flag anything in a general chat for our attention, simply add @TeamNoma to your post and we’ll pick it up.

Your Community Manager, Ivy, will monitor Slack between 8am and 8pm daily, and will respond within the hour (usually faster than this). You will have their WhatsApp number, so if there's an emergency, you can reach out to them via WhatsApp.   

Location 

Everything you need to know about Watamu and Our Noma Villa

The Neighborhood - Watamu 

Watamu, translating to the "home of the sweet people" in Swahili, welcomes visitors seeking to unwind amidst stunning nature and rich culture. The local people, the Giriama, are some of the most friendly people you'll meet. Most people in the local village still adhere to the traditional ways of living within family compounds, building mud and palm-thatched huts, and preserving their ancestral traditions.

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. The diverse natural landscapes, ranging from sandy beaches to mangrove forests, contribute to the town's breathtaking beauty. 

Watamu holds a surprising charm - nicknamed "Little Italy" due to its large Italian community. Don't be surprised if you hear a friendly "Ciao" or "Buongiorno" alongside Swahili greetings.

Here is a list of useful numbers and links for your stay in Watamu:

Remember to add +254 if you're contacting from a international phone.

Supermarkets

Mama Lucy 

Blue Marmalade

Safaricom Malindi

0722 003272

Land and Sea Guides

Nemo - 734997695 

Chui - 736703319 

Sampson (forest) - 796175805

Water sports

Kinghi - 0726139718

Tribe Watersports - 0718553355

Doctor

Dr. Erulu - 0722437423

Malindi Hospital

020 2131261

Personal Chefs

Kahindi - 0723058415

When Going Off Site

We're thrilled to provide you with a tailored Google Map showcasing our handpicked local hot spots. This map will be your ultimate guide for discovering hidden gems, must-see attractions, and our personal favorites. Get ready for effortless access to insider recommendations that will elevate your Kenya adventure! 🗺️🌟 

Check out some of the Team Noma favorite restaurants, bars and cafe's in the local area:

• Hemingway's
• Crab Shack
• Visiwa
• Tamu Beach and Fusion
• Naturalmente Pane
• JJC (Gede)
• Ocean Sport
• Pilipan
• Kobe
• Prawn’s Lake
• Mbuyu Lodge
• Hosteria Romana
• Swahili Snacks
• Swahili Dishes
• Wasafi Swahili Dishes
• The Liar’s Club
• Willy Beach
• Amici Miei Cafe
• Nadia's Chinese Food
• Prawn Lake
• Sunset Beach
• Non-solo Gelato
• Cafe "F"
• Tannes Tavern
• Mama Glassy (Turtle Bay Beach kiosk)

We recommend eating from the local grills and kiosks that you encounter on your journeys around the town. We can also recommend personal chefs to create a meal for you and your Noma crew at an incredibly reasonable price. 

                              The Noma Villa  

 Fortuma Road, Watamu, Kenya

Our base is the stunning and tranquil Ocean Zuri, where villa await. The main house offers spacious living, lounging and working areas. This remote work paradise has King sized bed rooms, a large pool, a huge outdoor space and close proximity to the beach - a perfect location to escape the busy city life.

Food & Beverage 

Cook in our on-site community kitchens or savor our included breakfast flavors! Numerous restaurants surround the accommodation, and we offer delicious Giriama meals upon request, prepared by our partnered family. Savor chicken or fish with rice, beans, and renowned Kenyan chapatis for an authentic taste of the Watamu.

 Transportation 

Explore Watamu with ease! Motorbikes, tuk-tuks, and bicycles are popular choices, with fares typically ranging between 150 KES and 300 KES and on a tuk-tuk 200-500 KES. Rentals for a day or longer are readily available for all options. Prefer four wheels? Car rentals can also be arranged.

For budget-friendly travel between Watamu, Gede, Malindi, and other coastal towns like Diani, hop on a matatu, the local public bus. These cost around 100 shillings per ride.

Safety Briefing

Living up to its name, "Watamu," which translates to "home of the sweet people" in Swahili, the Giriama community is known for their warm and welcoming nature. From friendly resort staff to greetings on the street, expect friendly faces and engaging conversations in most interactions with the locals. Coastal people are known to say the word “Karibuni!” or “Welcome!” dozens of times during a single interaction.

Watamu is one of the safest places in the world. Really!

Collaboration between village leaders and the inherent good nature of the community creates a secure environment for visitors. It is incredibly rare to hear about any crime occurring in Watamu. Women safely navigate the streets at night, and locals are genuinely helpful. Relax – you can explore freely, phone in hand, belongings unattended on the beach, or travel with your laptop without worry. 

Road Safety

Need a ride? Taxis are readily available outside hotels, restaurants, and popular spots. Most operate 24/7, offering a convenient way to get around. We can also provide a list of trusted motorbike and tuk-tuk drivers you can call for familiar faces.

Most of these drivers are extremely cordial and safe.  If you find a driver is going too fast for your liking — you are well within your right to tell them to slow down or pull over. 

Relational & Romantic Safety

Watamu boasts a vibrant mix of cultures. Alongside the welcoming Giriama people, you'll find Kenyan tribespeople, British and Italian Kenyans, and expats from around the world. Making local friends is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the true spirit of Watamu.

Romantic relationships can blossom anywhere, and Watamu is no exception. However, it's important to be aware of potential cultural differences. 

We want to stress that these observations will NOT apply to the majority of people that you’ll encounter — but it is something to keep in mind.

Romantic Exchanges

In some parts of Watamu, you’ll notice much older foreigners (women and men) with much younger coastal Kenyans. 

It's important to be aware that some locals might approach foreigners with romantic intentions motivated by financial aspirations. Trust your gut and prioritize emotional compatibility for a genuine connection. If you find that anyone you're interacting with begins to ask for financial support - please, come to talk it through with Noma Staff to understand the best course of action.

Beach Boys

Chances are, if you go to any public beach, you'll be approached by friendly "beach boys" in khaki attire offering water tours. They earn commission on sales, so expect offers for snorkeling or dolphin-watching trips. It's perfectly safe to join these tours during your free time, and you're welcome to check with a Noma guide to verify the prices you’ve been offered.

If you're not interested, feel free to say, “Thank you very much, I already have a guide who has booked my trip.” or politely decline another way. Most will recognize you after a few encounters and respect your boundaries.

Safety First

If in the unlikely case, someone is being inappropriate or threatening with their requests, ask for their name, and then let them know that you will be reporting them to the main Kenyan Wildlife Services Office in Turtle Bay. 

Please talk to the Noma Staff for more support, if you do come across an uncomfortable situation. We have familiarity with most of the operators on the beaches and can make sure that there is no continued disturbance.

Work

Your Digital Nomad Guide 

We'll provide everyone with a personal Wi-Fi hotspot which will be your main source of connection. There is Wi-Fi in the villas, however as Watamu is a coastal peninsular, there may be the occasional short drop-out. 

As digital nomads ourselves, we know how important it is to our community to change their working environments. This is why we provide multiple working spaces around the property. 

All of these areas have Wi-Fi, however, if there are any drops, please contact the front desk and our technician will be with you as soon as possible.

As mentioned previously, we'll provide you with a Kenyan SIM card preloaded with data. This will ensure that you can stay connected in case of power or Wi-Fi emergencies.

The villas offer outdoor table areas in case you need privacy for a work call.

Be prepared for jealous co-workers over Zoom!

Community

Our community, events and code of conduct

We announce the weekly events schedule on Slack every Monday morning which includes at least one event a day, offering something for everyone.

The events consist of 4 categories:

Wellbeing: Yoga and meditation classes are included as part of your package. We can also offer some group training sessions with the wonderful Vic.

Adventure: Weekly group excursions ranging from boat trips and elephant walks to historical tours and safari adventures. 

Community: We host various community events including a weekly family dinner and group game nights

Professional Growth: Noma community members have the chance to host workshops that focus on their professional background or personal interest/skill. We usually have one a week. If this is something you're interested in, please let us know!

Code of Conduct 

We are a diverse and inclusive community, committed to supporting one another in our shared journey. Please extend your support to those organizing events and don't hesitate to ask questions; there are no such things as 'stupid questions' or 'boring events.'

At Noma, the safety and comfort of every member are paramount. We have solo travelers and staggered arrivals, so let's make every newcomer feel genuinely welcome and supported in their experience.

Understanding and Consideration:

Noma attracts individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and ideologies. It's essential to be mindful of this diversity. Avoid making comments or jokes related to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, divisive political figures, or national stereotypes. Let's practice empathy and understanding at all times.

Respectful Communication:

In our community, respectful communication is paramount. We have zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior such as sexual references, innuendos and passes that could make others uncomfortable. Let's foster an atmosphere of professionalism and mutual respect, ensuring everyone feels secure and valued.

Ensuring Safety:

1. Consent Matters: Never touch someone without their clear and enthusiastic consent.

2. Respect Personal Space: Everyone deserves their privacy and personal space; please respect their boundaries.

3. Reporting Concerns: If you witness any unsavory, criminal, or unwelcome behavior, please report it to a member of the resort staff immediately. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation and are unsure how to handle it, Team Noma is always available to assist.

Maintaining Confidentiality:

We value discretion and will handle issues with utmost sensitivity unless you specify otherwise. Reach out to us in person or DM on Slack if you have concerns or need assistance.

Accountability and Support:

If you wish to report something related to your Community Manager or escalate any issues, please feel free to email the Head of Community Operations at calla@noma-collective.com or DM her on Slack. Your safety and comfort are our top priority.

Engaging With The Local Community In Watamu

We believe in the importance of engaging with and making a positive impact on the local community.

We're in the process of creating exciting volunteer and skill-sharing opportunities! From social media coaching for local businesses to English tutoring, share your talents and make a lasting difference. Let us know if you have skills you'd love to contribute, and we'll help connect you. We're always open to new ideas for supporting the local economy too!

Leaving Process

Leaving Ceremony

We love to gather feedback during a Noma Community Forum at the end of each Edition. We'll have a space to share your experience over some pizza and beers.

Some of you will have opted to join the safari trip at the Maasai Mara. More information will be sent separately for this. For those who are not joining the safari trip, shuttles will be organized to the airport.

Finally, sit back, relax and start counting down the days until you arrive in Kenya! We can't wait to see you and show you around one of our favorite places - it's going to be an incredible adventure.