Mombasa Activities
Deep-sea fishing
Some of the best fishing of the African continent is to be found off the Kenyan coast, where many all-Africa records are set. Not only are there more than five million billfish in Kenyan waters, but they also contain most of the top sporting game-fish of other species. Malindi is probably the best place in Africa for sailfish, while the Pemba channel is known for striped marlin, large yellow-fin tuna and sharks. All along the coast, from Lamu in the north to Shimoni in the south, there
are boats available for hire, with well trained crews, to take anglers out to the fishing grounds. Types of craft vary from luxury cruisers to a wide range of smaller craft, both for offshore and inshore fishing trips. The bigger offshore boats are fitted with
radio and are fully equipped with tackle. Fishing from the shore is possible in some places, with squid or prawn being the best bait. Kenya has an eight-month fishing season, which runs from the beginning of August to around the end of March, although
some boats operate through the rainy season. There are two peak fishing periods, August to October for tuna and December to March for billfish, although it is possible to reel in impressive catches year round.
Water-sports
Numerous activities are available along the entire coast, including water-skiing, wind-surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Dolphin-watching
These friendly creatures of the sea can be frequently observed off the coast. At Shimoni special
dolphin spotting dhow trips are organized to the Kisite Marine Park, which include a traditional lunch. Snorkelling
equipment is provided for exploring the coral gardens.
Dhow trips
A dhow is a traditional Arab sailing ship with a 1000 years history of plying the waters of the East African coast.
Built entirely of wood, they were used to transport spices, carpets and other goods between Africa and India. Sightseeing, lunch or dinner cruises are available with on-board entertainment such as fire-eaters, limbo dancers, acrobats and fashion shows!
Glass-bottomed boat trips
A fascinating way of observing the reefs and marine life is from a glass-bottomed boat.
Shopping
You might like to treat yourself to a souvenir from the Makonde carvers, who will carve a name plaque for your home
while you wait. There's also ample opportunity to watch a performance of Masai dancers.
Golf
The game is well established in Kenya. There are golf courses on both the
North and the South coasts.
Birdwatching
The area has a rich bird life both in the mangrove forests and on the overhanging cliffs. Ngumi Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its wealth of bird life.
Butterflies
The latest attraction in the Bamburi Quarry Nature Park is the Butterfly Project where many of Kenya's 870 different species of butterfly can be seen.
Night Partying
The World famous night life of Mombasa and its Coast is one area you should actually experience to enjoy your stay.
