Watamu Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Kilifi County, Kenya
Is Airbnb profitable in Watamu in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Watamu, Kilifi County, Kenya to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Watamu, based on AirROI data from August 2024 to July 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 35 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Watamu, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Watamu Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Watamu Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Watamu (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Watamu is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Watamu is typically January, while May often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Watamu across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $2,803+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $1,873 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,010 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $451, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Watamu
Watamu Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Watamu STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Februarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while May experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Watamu:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 69%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 52% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 30%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 17% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Watamu
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Watamu (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Watamu involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Watamu typically peaks in December and dips lowest during September. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $187+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $143 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $95 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $59 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Watamu
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Watamu (2025)
Peak Season (January, February, August)
- Revenue averages $1,715 per month
- Occupancy rates average 45.7%
- Daily rates average $109
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $1,279 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 33.9%
- Daily rates hold near $113
Low Season (May, June, September)
- Revenue drops to average $859 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 28.8%
- Daily rates adjust to average $110
Seasonality Insights for Watamu
- The Airbnb seasonality in Watamu shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Watamu's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $1,793, occupancy reaching a high of 49.5%, and ADRs peaking at $118.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $661, occupancy could drop to 23.8%, and ADRs may adjust down to $105.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Watamu.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Watamu seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Watamu (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Watamu? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Jacaranda Beach | A beautiful stretch of beach known for its pristine sands and stunning sunsets, attracting both local and international tourists looking for relaxation and adventure. | Watamu Marine National Park, Jacaranda Beach Resort, Snorkeling and diving spots, Beachfront restaurants, Turtle Watch, Sundowner Boat Trips |
| Watamu Marine National Park | A World Heritage site with rich biodiversity. Perfect for eco-tourists and those looking for unique underwater experiences including snorkeling and diving. | Coral reefs, Sea turtles, Dolphin watching, Glass-bottom boat tours, Nature trails, Marine conservation activities |
| Gede Ruins | An ancient Swahili town full of history and heritage, appealing to tourists interested in culture and archaeology. | Gede Ruins National Monument, Historical museum, Guided tours of the ancient city, Nature trails nearby, Bird watching, Local crafts market |
| Mida Creek | A scenic inlet providing a tranquil setting for kayaking, bird watching, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area, ideal for nature lovers. | Kayaking and canoeing, Bird watching tours, Mangrove forests, Local fishing experiences, Sunset boat trips, Cultural interactions with local communities |
| Watamu Village | A vibrant area showcasing local culture, dining, and community life, appealing to those interested in authentic experiences. | Local shops and markets, Traditional restaurants, Community events, Cultural experiences, Swahili cuisine, Artisan crafts |
| Sandy Point Beach | A quieter beach option known for its serene atmosphere, making it a great spot for families and those seeking peace. | Uncrowded beaches, Swimming and sunbathing, Beachfront cafes, Walking trails, Picnic spots, Wildlife watching |
| Kirepwe Island | An island retreat offering a unique getaway experience, favored by adventurous travelers and honeymooners seeking romantic isolation. | Private beaches, Snorkeling and scuba diving, Island excursions, Sunset views, Local wildlife, Luxury resorts |
| Turtle Bay | Known for its biodiversity and conservation efforts, Turtle Bay attracts eco-conscious travelers and families looking for a warm, welcoming environment. | Turtle conservation programs, Beach activities, Watamu Treehouse, Water sports, Local dining experiences, Wildlife tours |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Watamu (2025)
While Watamu, Kilifi County, Kenya currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Watamu to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 3% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Watamu (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Watamubased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Luxury villa with swimming pool 5 minutes from the sea.
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Moringa tree villa&big pool 5 minutes walk to sea
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Trio Villa 1 - Incredible 1BR Villa with Pool!
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Christian House - Milele Resort
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Trio Villa 2 - Incredible 1BR Villa with Pool!
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Sabrina House - Milele Resort
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Watamu (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Watamu based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ken | 2 | $43,244 | 22 | 4.70/5.0 |
| Filippo | 2 | $39,982 | 31 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Luisa | 1 | $36,814 | 70 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Fulvio | 1 | $34,161 | 56 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Azzurra | 2 | $18,743 | 7 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Josephine | 3 | $15,204 | 29 | 4.61/5.0 |
| Awa | 1 | $13,337 | 6 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Emilie | 1 | $13,216 | 8 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Annapaola | 1 | $11,961 | 15 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Maurizio | 1 | $11,894 | 13 | 5.00/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Watamu.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Watamu STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Watamu. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsWatamu Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Watamu
- The Watamu Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 85.7% of the 35 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Watamu, House properties are the most common (54.3%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 54.3% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 5.7% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
Watamu Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Watamu
- The dominant room capacity in Watamu is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 34.3% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 60.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Watamu, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 31.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Watamu.
Watamu Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Watamu
- The most common guest capacity trend in Watamu vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (28.6%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 2 guests dominate the Watamu STR market, accounting for 54.3% of listings.
- 31.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Watamu.
- On average, properties in Watamu are equipped to host 4.6 guests.
Watamu Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Watamu
- The most common availability pattern in Watamu falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 65.7% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 85.7% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 1-30 days range is most frequent in Watamu (40%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 14.3% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Watamu Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
10 listings
28.6% of total
2 Nights
9 listings
25.7% of total
3 Nights
3 listings
8.6% of total
4-6 Nights
1 listings
2.9% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
2.9% of total
30+ Nights
11 listings
31.4% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Watamu is 30+ Nights, adopted by 31.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (31.4%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Watamu, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 31.4% of Watamu hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 28.6% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 31.4% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Watamu.
Watamu Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
10 listings
30.3% of total
Moderate
14 listings
42.4% of total
Firm
4 listings
12.1% of total
Strict
5 listings
15.2% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Watamu
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Watamu is Moderate, used by 42.4% of listings.
- The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 72.7% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Watamu may expect booking flexibility.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 42.4% market standard in Watamu.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Watamu.
Watamu STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Watamu
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Watamu is 49 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 62 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in May (average 18 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (57 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (30 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (49 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Watamu.
- For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 62 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 57 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Watamu averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Watamu (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Watamu
- Essential amenities in Watamu that guests expect include: Wifi. Lacking these (this) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Kitchen, Pool, Essentials are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
- A pool is a highly desired but not standard amenity, making it a key feature for attracting guests seeking leisure in Watamu.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Watamu: Wifi.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Kitchen or Pool to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Watamu to stay competitive.
Watamu Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Watamu
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Watamu consists of predominantly international visitors (77%), with top international origins including United Kingdom, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or French.
- Domestic travelers account for 22.8% of guests.
- Key international markets include Kenya (22.8%) and United Kingdom (13.9%).
- Top languages spoken are English (39.8%) followed by French (15.7%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from United Kingdom.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Watamu Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dabaso ward | 101 | $2,023 | $195.27 | 42% |
| Ramisi ward | 13 | $1,835 | $202.48 | 33% |
| Mnarani ward | 32 | $1,677 | $213.02 | 30% |
| Shella ward | 103 | $1,635 | $206.31 | 34% |
| Tiwi ward | 17 | $1,608 | $191.77 | 29% |
| Kinondo ward | 183 | $1,198 | $175.43 | 32% |
| Junju ward | 48 | $1,097 | $217.49 | 22% |
| Ukunda ward | 324 | $1,082 | $132.47 | 32% |
| Lamu | 26 | $927 | $140.62 | 28% |
| Watamu ward | 242 | $883 | $152.42 | 29% |