Discover Our Story
Learn how Happy House began and how it supports children in Watamu.
About Happy House →100% of every donation goes directly to the children. UK registered charity 1098731.Sponsor a child
Beyond Watamu’s beautiful beaches, discover a place filled with love, laughter and opportunity. Visit Happy House, meet our team and learn how we’re helping children build brighter futures.
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Watamu is famous for its beaches, marine life, wildlife and coastal culture. It is also home to Happy House, a children’s home that has been part of this community since 2010.
On holiday with the family? Visiting Happy House is a lovely way for your children to experience Kenyan culture through a children’s home, with games, sports, singing and dancing at the heart of family life here. Little ones are very welcome.
It is also a chance to learn about the work of a local charity and meet some of the Kenyan team who make Happy House a loving home.
Saturday Kids Club is a much-loved part of Happy House family life. On Saturday late mornings the whole family gathers to look back over the week, celebrate achievements, sing and dance.
Explore the story, the people and the projects behind Happy House before or after your visit.
Learn how Happy House began and how it supports children in Watamu.
About Happy House →
Discover how education, technology and practical skills help children develop their potential.
Happy House School →
Learn about our gardens, food-growing initiatives, solar energy and sustainability work.
Explore our sustainability work →All visits must be arranged in advance.
Around 1–2 hours
Nothing is required. Donations are always welcome but never expected. If you’d like to bring a gift, please contact us first so we can tell you what is needed.
Light, loose clothing. Casual is fine, but please dress modestly in the community and avoid swimwear away from the beach.
Watamu, Kenya. Most tuk-tuk drivers know us, so just ask for Happy House.
Happy House is first and foremost a children’s home. A few simple guidelines help keep it a happy, safe place for everyone.
Read the full visitor guidelines →Please don’t share children’s names or personal stories online.
Children’s wellbeing always comes first and our arrangements apply to everyone.
Our team will look after you and let you know how best to spend your visit.
Please ask the office first, then ask each child. Children can say no.
Visits fit around school, meals and family time.
Come with curiosity and an open heart. That’s all we ask.
Yes. Holidaymakers staying in Watamu are welcome to arrange a short visit to learn about Happy House and its work. Visits are by arrangement only, so please get in touch first.
Yes. All visits must be arranged in advance so that they fit around the children’s school and family routines. Use our online booking page or message us on WhatsApp.
Absolutely. Short visits are open to holidaymakers, sponsors and anyone curious about our work. Volunteering is separate and involves a longer stay. Find out about volunteering.
Yes. Families are very welcome, and little ones are too. It is a lovely way for children to see Kenyan culture through a children’s home. Please let us know how many are coming when you register.
Yes. Saturday visiting hours are 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, and around 11am is a lovely time to come as the family gathers for Saturday Kids Club. Little ones are welcome too. Please register for a Saturday morning visit in advance.
We can’t promise this. Happy House is a family home, not an attraction, and time with the children depends on their routines and our safeguarding arrangements. You will always be able to meet our team and learn about our work.
Please ask at the office first, then ask each child before taking their photo. Children are free to say no. We also ask visitors not to share children’s personal stories online.
No. Donations are welcome but never expected. If you’d like to bring a gift, please contact us before you travel so we can tell you what the children need right now.
Happy House is in Watamu, on Kenya’s coast. Most tuk-tuk drivers in Watamu know Happy House, so you can simply ask for us by name. You can also use the map above or open Happy House in Google Maps for directions from wherever you are staying.
Most visits last around 1–2 hours.
Whether you’re visiting Watamu for a few days or enjoying a longer holiday, we’d love to share our story with you. Get in touch and we’ll help you arrange your visit.
Choose your preferred date on our secure visit booking page. It takes a couple of minutes.
happyhouse@childrenofwatamu.org