Upendo House, as its name suggests, is the “house of the heart”: the home of Gaetano and Paola, ready to welcome you inside the beautiful Rafiki Tamu Resort, just 200 meters from the white sandy beach overlooking the famous Love Island and about 1 km from Watamu’s lively town center. The property offers guests WiFi, air conditioning, ceiling fans, hairdryer, daily cleaning, private chef, linen change, and a night guard. Upon request, you can also enjoy airport transfers with a private driver, laundry service, and massages, making your stay even more comfortable and relaxing. We are ready to welcome you—discover Upendo House and enjoy your Watamu experience.

We are Gaetano and Paola, and we open the doors of our home with the desire to share not just a space, but a deep feeling: our love for Africa. Those who arrive here don’t simply find a destination to explore, but a mood — a rhythm of the soul that begins slowly, warmly, and then makes its way inside. Because the so-called African longing is real: it’s born when you experience this place intensely, when you let yourself be moved by its colors, the kindness of its people, and the silences that speak louder than words. Staying in our home means beginning a double journey: a journey through Africa and a journey within yourself. Among the scents of spices, genuine smiles, endless skies, and that indescribable feeling of instantly becoming part of something authentic. We are happy to welcome you to our little corner of paradise, where we hope you, too, will fall in love with this wonderful continent, just as we did. Welcome to our African dream.

Experience moments of pure emotion alternating with the romantic calm of a resort located just a short walk (500 m) from Love Island, a heart-shaped islet that appears at low tide near the Rafiki Tamu Residential Resort, nestled within the extraordinary natural reserve of Watamu. Its evocative name was chosen not only for its unique shape, but also for the irresistible charm of the place. In Watamu, relaxation begins right on the shore, starting from the beautiful Ocean Breeze Beach, one of the most stunning stretches of coastline, caressed by the crystal-clear waters of Watamu Bay. Not far away lies Kithangani, a small emerging land perfect for an excursion: reachable on foot at low tide, by swimming when the water rises, or aboard a dhow, the traditional local boat that glides gracefully across the sea between the atoll and the beach. Whichever way you choose to cross the bay, you’ll discover a fun curiosity that often makes Italian travelers smile: these waters are also known as “Sardinia 2”, for their resemblance to the natural pools of the Italian island, shaped here by the play of tides. A nickname coined by the Italian community living in the area, which has long contributed to its tourism and hospitality scene. It’s no surprise, then, to find alongside coastal dishes such as swahili-style fish, coconut prawns with stir-fried rice, chapati, samosa, and pilau rice, a plate of cacio e pepe or a delicious Neapolitan pizza: a blend of flavors that reflects the lively, welcoming spirit of Watamu without losing its authenticity.