Bio-Ken Snake Farm & Laboratory

Top choice in Watamu

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This humble-looking place is one of the world's most renowned snake research centres. Bio-Ken specialises in antivenin research and acts as an emergency service for snakebite victims throughout the region. Passionate guides lead excellent 45-minute tours (included in the price), during which they introduce you to such deadly beauties as the black spitting cobra, black mamba, horned viper, puff adder, and the innocuous-looking but deadly twig snake for whose venom there's no cure.

Multi-day snake safaris can also be organised for ophidiophiles.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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Nearby Watamu attractions

1. Gede Ruins

2.43 MILES

This extensive collection of 13th- to 17th-century coral palaces, mosques and town houses – some of Kenya's most important Swahili ruins – lies quietly in…

2. Kipepeo Butterfly Farm

2.61 MILES

Visit this butterfly centre on a Friday morning, and you might spot exotic pupae being packed for export to the UK and USA. The farm pays locals to…

3. Watamu Turtle Watch

3.77 MILES

This excellent organisation protects the approximately 50 hawksbill and green turtles that lay their eggs on Watamu Beach. The centre provides much-needed…

4. Kirepwe Island

4.1 MILES

Mida Eco-Camp organises day trips (KSh3500) to this quiet island just across the estuary. The ruins are atmospheric and you can visit a Giriama village…

5. Watamu Marine National Park

4.62 MILES

The southern part of Malindi Marine National Park, this reserve includes some magnificent coral reefs, abundant fish life and sea turtles. To get here to…

6. Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve

4.98 MILES

This 420-sq-km tract of natural forest – the largest indigenous coastal forest remaining in East Africa – is most famous as the home of the golden-rumped…

7. Sudi Island

5.32 MILES

This uninhabited island on the far side of Mida Creek makes an interesting excursion. It is very green (at least during the rainy season) and there are…

8. Malindi Marine National Park

9.55 MILES

The oldest marine park in Kenya covers 213 sq km of powder-blue fish, organ-pipe coral, green sea turtles and beds of Thalassia seagrass. If you’re…