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The amazing sailing pirogues perform acrobatics, which you think should be categorised as 'extreme sport', particularly as most sails seem to consist of roughly sewn rice sacks or even plastic bags!!!  It is very unusual to see motors on any of these fishing vessels in this part of the world!

Mombassa - Mtwapa Creek

This is a beautiful anchorage on the Mtwapa River, well marked from the ocean, but easily mistaken if approached from the North (you sight the 2nd markings 1st which guides you straight across the reef).  Once inside the creek, anchorage space is restricted, but easy access to the village compensates!!!  We found Mtwapa a delightful local village, with good fresh produce and friendly colorful Kenyans.  The women dress in bright layers of clashing patterns and colours from head to toe, with 'matching' slings for the beautiful children they carry on their backs or hips.

The over crowded 'dala dala' (mini-bus) into Mombassa is very cheap and a real culture experience.  You're likely to be standing with your arms or legs draped around various body parts of other sweaty bodies, or if you are lucky enough to get a seat, provide a lap for someone else's child/chicken or shopping bag!!!  It's all done with a big smile and 'habari" (Swahili greeting).

Back at the anchorage, Kenya MarineLand (under management from yachties on a break), has an excellent restaurant (great for a treat) and their own Masi Mara who always befriend the yachties.

Whilst in the area of Mombassa, don't miss the ebony-carving community of 'Wengi' (phoenetic spelling).  You hear them shouting 'wengi wengi' at the dala dala station in Mombassa, that will get you straight there.  A large rough 'courtyard' in the middle of the area is full of men and women of all ages 'whittling' away at elaborate Masai Mara statues, plaques and various animal carvings.  The women carve delicate jewellery, spoons and letter openers, and the children are busy covering up any mistakes with 'kiwi' bootpolish!!!!! (buyers beware) Look close and carefully and you can haggle a good souvenir here.

Zanzibar and Pemba

A great sail from Mombassa, Zanzibar is rich in culture and spices!!!  Anchor right next to the 'night market' which is a hustle and bustle with locals and tourists devouring magnificent displays of freshly caught lobster, crab, fish and squid.  Make sure you try their 'pizza' which is a cross between a kebab and a filled pancake - delicious!!!  If you're addicted to good food, you could put a lot of weight on at less than a dollar a go!  Wash it down with sugar cane juice extracted with something which looks more likely to mangle your laundry dry during wartimes!!!!

Old stone town is a fascinating place to get completely lost in the narrow streets, bustling with activity and spicy smells.  The famous Zanzibar 'door' can be seen at various ages (as well as the reproduction).  Apparently, the giant spikes on the heavy doors were to discourage elephants from trying to turn in the narrow streets and destroy their front doors!!!

Social life can be restricted in this Muslim dominated town, so head for the North of Zanzibar for some serious 'chilled out' beach life.  Ras Nungwi is a great anchorage in the S.E. season, with white sand beaches, turquoise waters and 'backpacker' style bars.

Pemba is an isolated Island with many small 'islets' surrounding it.  Good snorkeling, breath-taking scenery and little-else makes it definately worth a visit (beware of the charting of the reefs, although visibility is good enough to eye-ball)

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