Kenya, located along the Indian Ocean coastline has long been associated with Dhows that for centuries sailed between India, East Africa, and Arabia propelled by monsoon winds to facilitate one among the world’s most ancient trade. Dhows are traditionally not made with metal but with local materials, an ancient craft still ongoing in Lamu. Several Dhows have been modified through modern methods and fitted with diesel engines to facilitate secure dhow for travellers on safaris.

Within Lamu, visitors may cruise round the isles, cruise by moonlight, or cruise at sunset. Dhow trips are almost mandatory and there is no more exciting method of experiencing the scenic islands than through floating past the mangroves on such trips. At Shimoni, tourists may cruise to the Marine Park. Several Dhow tours, packed with activities, are available at Mombasa. Visitors to the Kenyan coast are greeted by the spectacular expansive coral reef along which they can happily engage in a traditional dhow cruise aided by a local captain and an instructor.

The usual cruising is done north of Mombasa beach hotels right from the serene Kilifi creek, via Watamu Marine Nature Reserve, all the way to the intriguing Lamu Island. Majority of daytime cruises wander around the channel linking Manda and Lamu islands. Visitors can engage in snorkelling and fishing. However, such two activities are not very exciting because fish seem to go into hiding among the coral at daytime. Visitors usually have Lunch on Manda Toto Island, where tourists can enjoy more thrilling snorkeling.

For more exciting experiences, Shela’s Peponi Hotel provides full-moon Dhow tours including wine, lobster dinner, and drinks. Multi-day voyages take visitors to Pate or the more secluded Kiwayu Island. When properly operational, Lamu Dhow offers comfort tours with onboard accommodation. The shallow draught of the dhow permits visitors to access the lagoons near the shoreline overnight.

Visitors are gently introduced to Africa, and Kenyan culture, as they sip a chilled drink at Swainford’s boatyard at Kilifi Creek, which is a popular holiday destination for Kenyan Whites. Visitors may spend the night at Takaungu Creek, which is 3 miles southwards. Sailing for 25 miles brings visitors to Watamu Marine Nature Reserve, where one can swim, fish, watch turtles, call at the Gedi Ruins, sail to Sita, cruise to Watamu, visit Turtle Bay, snorkel, or cruise along Mida Creek to watch birds within the coastal Arabuko Sokoke jungle. January though March is the dry spell where the 300C air temperature gets cooled by land and sea breezes, whereas the ocean water gets heated to resemble a swimming pool.

The mild northerly monsoons are changed by the ocean breeze to provide reaching daytime conditions. An indolent land breeze calms and cools at night. This zone is above the tropical storm belt and hence the wind force seldom goes beyond Beaufort 5. The Mombasa climate is the driest, sunniest, ands hottest around January to March .Visitors need not go beyond Malindi to experience an exciting cruise, and however, more daring persons may traverse the Tana Delta to get an experience of ancient Kenya. This could entail visiting remote Kipini and Ngomeni before arriving at Islamic Lamu, a town devoid of cars but only having donkeys as couriers.

The northerly monsoons then drift cruisers 100 miles back to Kilifi. Visitors may as well fly back and have their boat brought for them. Tamarind Dhows, run by a popular Kenyan restaurant, provides night-time cruises in serene inland waters with fabulous meals prepared onboard with dancing and live music. On Mtwapa Creek, daytime cruises provide witchdoctor s plus other pleasures. Don’t miss this spectacular and memorable opportunity while at the coast.