Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in Watamu ward, Kilifi County, Kenya
Last updated: 2025-01-31
Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in Watamu ward? AirROI have just the data insights! Over the last twelve months from February 2024 to January 2025, we've uncovered key trends and opportunities that successful hosts are leveraging in Watamu ward:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in Watamu ward?
The short-term rental market in Watamu ward shows distinct revenue patterns across different property tiers. Our analysis reveals that successful properties combine strategic pricing with quality management to maximize earnings potential. Market data demonstrates clear revenue differentiation among properties:
- Typical properties (median) earn $869 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $2,084 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $3,528+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $371
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in Watamu ward
The market in Watamu ward shows distinct occupancy patterns influenced by seasonal trends and local dynamics. Properties that maintain high guest satisfaction scores and implement strategic pricing consistently achieve stronger occupancy rates. Current market data shows:
- Typical properties (median) maintain 26% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 48% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 69%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 14%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in Watamu ward
Daily rates in Watamu ward vary based on seasonality, property quality, and market dynamics. Properties that effectively balance competitive pricing with strong amenities typically command higher rates. Market analysis shows the following rate structure:
- Typical properties (median) generate $105 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $185 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $324+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $60
Daily Rate Variations by Month
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Seasonality patterns in Watamu ward
Peak Season (March, August, February)
- Revenue peaks at $1990.67 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 41.39%
- Daily rates average $166.52
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $1550.10 per month
- Occupancy maintains 32.65%
- Daily rates hold at $158.25
Low Season (October, November, September)
- Revenue drops to $1066.06 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 25.42%
- Daily rates adjust to $143.56
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in Watamu ward in 2025?
Yes! Watamu ward demonstrates moderate seasonality with good off-peak opportunities, featuring a growing occupancy rate of 33% and monthly revenue averaging $1550 and With 243 active listings, the market shows established demand while maintaining room for growth. There's also room for profit through rental arbitrage strategies, if you can identify competitively priced properties. To maximize your return on investment, consider employing the following strategies:
Peak Season Strategy
- Implement premium seasonal pricing strategies
- Set longer minimum stay requirements during high-demand periods
- Enforce stricter cancellation policies
Shoulder Season Strategy
- Maintain competitive market-based pricing
- Offer moderate-length stay incentives
- Target a mix of leisure and business travelers with flexible booking terms
- Focus on weekend getaway packages and mid-week business traveler promotions
Low Season Strategy
- Adjust pricing to remain competitive in the market
- Target different guest segments (leaf-peepers, wine tourists, cultural festival attendees, solo travelers)
- Create targeted promotional campaigns to drive occupancy
Top Places to Start Airbnb in Watamu ward
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Watamu Beach | Famous for its beautiful white sandy beaches and coral reefs, ideal for tourists looking to relax and explore marine life. Popular among honeymooners and family vacations. | Watamu Marine National Park, Blue Lagoon Beach, Gede Ruins, Mida Creek, Watamu Village |
| Jacaranda Bay | A tranquil area offering beautiful views and a serene environment, perfect for tourists seeking peace away from busy beaches. Popular among nature lovers and those seeking relaxation. | Jacaranda Beach, Malindi Marine National Park, Local fishing villages, Nature trails, Snorkeling spots |
| Mida Creek | A picturesque coastal lagoon that attracts eco-tourists and bird watchers. Known for its rich biodiversity and stunning sunsets. | Mida Creek boardwalk, Kayaking, Bird watching, Local seafood dining, Traditional dhow sailing |
| Turtle Bay | Renowned for its luxury resorts and beautiful surroundings, Turtle Bay draws visitors looking for high-end experiences and family-friendly accommodations. | Turtle Bay Beach, Watamu National Marine Park, Kanondia Beach, Dining at luxury resorts, Water sports |
| Gregory's Beach | Less crowded than other beaches in Watamu, offering a laid-back atmosphere and perfect for visitors seeking a quiet getaway. Ideal for families and couples. | Gregory's Beach, Secluded beach spots, Local artisan shops, Cultural experiences, Small eateries |
| Watamu Village | A charming local village that offers a glimpse into the local culture and community. Attracts tourists wanting to experience authentic Kenyan lifestyle. | Local markets, Cultural events, Traditional crafts, Interactions with locals, Culinary experiences |
| Kibokoni | A unique escape combining local charm with beach access, this area is appealing to those wishing to combine relaxation with cultural exploration. | Kibokoni Beach, Historic landmarks, Local cuisine, Art galleries, Nature excursions |
| Mikoko Pamoja | An eco-tourism project focused on conservation and sustainable tourism. Attracts eco-conscious travelers interested in unique experiences in nature. | Mangrove forests, Eco-tours, Bird watching, Community engagement, Sustainable lodges |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in Watamu ward?
We recommend checking directly with Watamu ward's local government regarding short-term rental licensing requirements. Current market data shows limited licensing information (0% of listings), making it essential to verify current regulations before starting your Airbnb business.
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Watamu ward
Njera House Watamu. A fully serviced private villa
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Volandrella House-exclusive access to Watamu Beach
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Stylish and exclusive steps from the sea
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Nyumba Ya Madau - Stunning Beach Villa in Watamu
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Watamu Private Villa
Entire Place • 9 bedrooms
![[Ocean Villa Watamu] Private Chef - Cleaning Lady](https://a0.muscache.com/im/pictures/94e6156c-07c9-4121-8723-e070272fd57a.jpg)
[Ocean Villa Watamu] Private Chef - Cleaning Lady
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Top Performing Professional Hosts in Watamu ward
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antonio | 18 | $290,457 | 147 | 3.17/5.0 |
| Stefano | 5 | $115,652 | 124 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Njeri | 1 | $87,477 | 70 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Sharif Athman | 1 | $75,817 | 115 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Daniele | 1 | $70,222 | 34 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Dream Luxury | 7 | $68,543 | 44 | 2.10/5.0 |
| Benedetta | 1 | $67,431 | 98 | 4.69/5.0 |
| Amina | 1 | $64,950 | 19 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Matteo | 5 | $63,001 | 192 | 4.70/5.0 |
| Giovanna | 7 | $58,811 | 239 | 4.83/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in Watamu ward
AirROI also have other key metrics and comprehensive data for your vacation rental, real estate needs. Go explore the advanced metrics that can help you make informed decisions:
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Key Insights
- Market dominated by entire home listings (72.4%), with house and apartment & condo properties comprising 83.6% of inventory
- Untapped potential in others, outdoor & mobile segments (4.1% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 243 properties in Watamu ward shows that 1 bedroom properties are most prevalent, making up 30% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms together representing 57.2% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 1 bedroom (30%)
- Least common: 5+ bedrooms (7.8%)
- Market concentration: 57.2% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors smaller properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 243 properties in Watamu ward reveals that 2 guests properties dominate the market, representing 23% of all listings. The average property accommodates 4.3 guests, with a clear trend towards larger guest capacities. Properties accommodating 2 guests and 4 guests make up 42.0% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 2 guests (23% of market)
- Least common capacity: 7 guests (3.7% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 4.3 guests per property
- Market concentration: 42.0% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 243 properties in Watamu ward, the most common availability pattern is 271-366 days (67.1% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 1-30 days (35% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 271-366 days (67.1%)
- Most common booking duration: 1-30 days (35%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 92.6%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 7.8%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
102 listings
44% of total
2 Nights
76 listings
32.8% of total
3 Nights
26 listings
11.2% of total
4-6 Nights
14 listings
6% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
0.4% of total
30+ Nights
13 listings
5.6% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 76.8%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 6% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (5.6%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 88.0% accepting 3 nights or less
Recommendations
- Set minimum stays between 2-3 nights to align with market standards
- Adjust minimum stays seasonally based on demand patterns
- Consider monthly stay discounts to capture the growing extended-stay market
- Implement different minimum stays for weekends vs. weekdays
Cancellation Policy Distribution
Flexible
46 listings
26.6% of total
Moderate
22 listings
12.7% of total
Firm
45 listings
26% of total
Strict
60 listings
34.7% of total
Key Insights
- Strict is the preferred policy at 34.7% of listings
- Stricter policies (Firm & Strict) dominate at 60.7% of the market
- Strong market consensus around Strict policies
- Moderate policies are least common at 12.7% of listings
Recommendations
- The market supports stricter policies, with 60.7% using Firm or Strict terms
- Strong market preference for Strict policies suggests this should be your baseline
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in Jan, Dec, Aug, averaging 77 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Mar, Jun, May, averaging 39 days
- Winter shows the longest average booking window at 70 days, while Spring has the shortest at 39 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Winter bookings at least 70 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Spring to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Mar-May when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in Watamu ward
Below is the distribution of amenities across listings in Watamu ward:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 26.4% of total guests, indicating a moderate local market presence.
- Primary international markets: United Kingdom (19.4%) and United States (16.2%)
- English is the top language at 54.6%, followed by French (15.4%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 3.5%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for Nairobi and London markets
- Develop localized content for United Kingdom and United States
- Prioritize English and French language support
- Tailor experiences for Pre-1950s (Silent Gen) while maintaining broad age appeal
- Implement seasonal promotions aligned with key market travel patterns
Nearby Markets
Explore short-term rental performance in markets surrounding Watamu ward. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dabaso ward | 101 | $2,103 | $166.89 | 44% |
| Ramisi ward | 11 | $2,080 | $210.88 | 40% |
| Shella ward | 101 | $1,510 | $212.07 | 31% |
| Tiwi ward | 22 | $1,323 | $160.30 | 30% |
| Kinondo ward | 170 | $1,273 | $176.23 | 34% |
| Ukunda ward | 280 | $1,185 | $125.91 | 36% |
| Mkomami ward | 47 | $1,101 | $268.47 | 27% |
| Mnarani ward | 34 | $1,090 | $148.47 | 24% |
| Lamu | 24 | $850 | $113.76 | 28% |
| Gombato Bongwe ward | 235 | $820 | $96.19 | 32% |
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