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A dugout canoe on the brown water of a mangrove channel at Mida Creek

Mangroves

Mida Creek

Mida Creek is a wide tidal inlet just south of Watamu, edged with mangrove forest and opening to the sea. At low tide its sandbanks and mud flats draw thousands of wading birds; at high tide it fills with water, and dhows and canoes glide through the mangrove channels.

Why visit

Mida Creek is one of the most important places for birds on the East African coast. Migrant waders arrive from the northern hemisphere from about September to April, joining resident herons, egrets, storks and the striking crab plover. The mangrove forest around the creek is a nursery for fish and a buffer for the coast, and local communities run walks and boat trips that help protect it.

What to see and do

  • The boardwalk: a community-run walkway and suspension bridge through the mangroves, with a bird hide.
  • A sunset dhow cruise: sail across the creek as the sun goes down behind the forest.
  • Canoe trips: paddle through the narrow channels with a local guide.
  • Birds: look for crab plovers, sandpipers, whimbrels, egrets and yellow-billed storks.

Tides

The creek changes completely with the tide. Low tide is best for birds on the sandbanks; boat trips need water, so they run around high tide. Ask your guide to plan around the tide table.

Tips

  • Bring binoculars, a hat and insect repellent for the evening.
  • Booking a community guide puts money directly into local conservation.
  • Combine it with the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, just across the road.

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