The Tamarind Dhow: Mombasa
Kenya’s original dinner cruise, the Tamarind Dhow has been providing exquisite seafood on board since the ’70s. Now two Jahazis have been elegantly fitted out as floating restaurants, providing lunch and dinner cruises along the coast of the ancient trading port of Mombasa. Passengers watch the sun set over the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fort Jesus, built in the 1590s and the site of numerous historic events and dastardly battles, as they listen to local bands and sip their fresh Dawa cocktails. The opulent dinner showcases the Indian Ocean’s spectacular seafood, as well as steak and vegetarian options. Top tip: don’t miss the Mixed Seafood Hors D’Oeuvres.
Whale Shark Adventures: Diani
This is the season that the world’s largest living species of fish passes through Kenya’s seas. The enormous whale shark is known as Papa Shillingi for its glimmering coin-like markings; legend has it that so delighted was God with his creation he gave his angels gold and silver coins to throw onto its back. Whale sharks were in our seas before the time of the dinosaurs; watching these stately and beautiful creatures glide through the water is spellbinding. Whale Shark Adventures offers boat cruises, snorkelling and scuba diving with these iconic beasts, and works with sister company East African Whale Shark Trust in multiple projects on marine conservation.
Watamu Marine Excursions: Watamu
Perhaps the most playful mammal in our seas, and one of the most loved, is the dolphin. Highly social creatures, dolphins live in pods and use clicks, touch and gestures to communicate with each other. Although they live in Kenya’s seas all year round, the best time to see these spirited creatures is this season when the seas are calmer and the weather is balmy. Head for the protected Malindi Watamu National Marine Park wbere Watamu Marine Excursions, with experienced guides and professional researchers, offers dolphin-watching boat cruises. In partnership with Watamu Marine Association, they also work to conserve the environment.
Dhow Safari: Kisite National Marine Park
At the southern tip of Kenya’s coast, Kisite National Marine Park is a paradise of coral gardens. Coral reefs are known as the rainforests of the sea since they provide home and refuge to nearly a million types of marine life. Add to this large numbers of aquatic and migratory birds, and you have a paradise for nature lovers. Spend a full day on a boat to fully experience the wonders of the marine park. The cruise includes collection from your resort, refreshments on board, snorkelling at two different sites with qualified marine guides, and a lunch of sumptuous seafood – with meat and vegetarian options – on an idyllic island.
Sunset Cruise down the Lamu Channel
The atmospheric island of Lamu comes into its own at sunset. The ancient Arabic houses of Lamu Old Town, the longest continuously inhabited town on the coast of East Africa, glow as the sun sinks behind the sand dunes. The water meandering through the mangroves of Manda Island glistens and gleams. The channel between Lamu and Manda becomes dotted with dhows offering peace and tranquillity, sundowners and samosas. Step onto one of the dhows, relax into its cushions, gaze at the sail against the setting sun and you’ll be transported back in time to the days of the trade routes.
Tamara Britten, 23 June 2020
Published also in: The Link: Safarilink's inflight magazine
Made up of a collection of idyllic islands at the northern end of Kenya’s coastline, the Lamu Archipelago is living history. The Old Town’s narrow alleys, Arabic architecture, fort and mosques speak of age old culture, while the surrounding beaches and reefs sparkle in today’s sunshine.
Read more about LamuStretching from Nyali to Malindi, the North Coast is known for its long white beaches, its trading history and its Swahili ruins. Highlights include Tana River Delta, Malindi Marine National Park, Watamu Marine National Park, Arabuko Sokoke Forest, Mida Creek and Gede Ruins.
Read more about North CoastThe South Coast is known for its long attractive beaches, vibrant night life, marine national parks, coastal national parks and remote islands. Highlights include Diani Beach, Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, Shimoni Caves, Shimba Hills and Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary.
Read more about South CoastMombasa has a colourful history stretching back a thousand years. Invasions, sieges and trade have all made their mark on the culture of this coastal island city. East Africa’s largest port, Mombasa is the gateway to all the landlocked countries of central Africa, and is the second largest city in Kenya.
Read more about Mombasa