Activities in Kenya
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Deep-Sea Fishing
If you want to ape the fish-wrestling antics of Ernest Hemingway, Deep-Sea Fishing is possible at Ocean Sports Hotel and Hemingway's (high season, up to four anglers per boat). People are a little more environmentally sensitive now than in old Ernie's day - tag and release is standard procedure.
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Dhow Trip
Taking a Dhow Trip is almost obligatory and drifting through the mangroves is a wonderful way to experience the islands. You'll be approached by touts and would-be captains almost as soon as you arrive, but it's worth shopping around to find a captain you like and a price you're happy with. Prices vary depending on where you want to go and how long you go for. Groups of more than five aren't recommended as the boats aren't very big.
Solo travellers joining an existing group to make up numbers will often be offered a great price, on the condition that they don't tell their fellow passengers how much they paid. As this generally means the others paid the extortionate asking…
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KWS Office
Most people visit the marine park on a snorkelling or glass-bottomed boat trip, which can be arranged at the KWS office on the coast road south of town. Boats only go out at low tide, so it's a good idea to call in advance to check times. The going rate is around KSh3500 per boat (five to ten people) for a two-hour trip, and masks and snorkels are provided. Alternatively, you can take a tour with any of the agencies in town.
The use of fins (flippers) is discouraged as there has been lots of damage caused by inexperienced snorkellers. Walking atop the reef at low tide also does irreparable damage and should be avoided. The KWS compound sits on a lovely stretch of beach…
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Tamarind Dhow
Topping the luxury dhow cruises is the Tamarind Dhow, run by the posh Tamarind restaurant chain of the same name. The cruise embarks from the jetty below the Tamarind restaurant in Nyali, and includes a harbour tour and a fantastic meal. The lunch cruises leave at 13:00. Longer and more splendid evening cruises leave at 18:30. There is a choice of seafood, steak and vegetarian dishes. Prices include a complimentary cocktail and transport to and from your hotel.
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Kingfisher
As you might expect with all the Hemingway allusions, deep-sea fishing is popular in Malindi. Kingfisher is one of the best places on the coast to find a cheap, private deep-sea fishing charter. It has a large fleet of boats that can be rented for a 'short day' of around six hours (up to four anglers). You can also ask around the boatyard for cheaper local crews. Tag and release is recommended in all cases.
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Jahazi Marine
A big luxury dhow cruise operator is Jahazi Marine, which offers evening trips. The price includes transfers, a sunset cruise, a walk through the Old Town and entry to Fort Jesus for the light show and a five-course meal; for an extra fee you can sample a casino and head on to the Bora Bora International Nightclub in Bamburi, on the northern beaches.
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Mombasa Yacht Club
If you can sail, it may be worth joining. Temporary membership is available. Wednesday is club night, where qualified sailors may be able to talk themselves into some crewing, and there are usually races on Sunday. Those hoping to hitch a lift on a passing yacht will have a better (though remote) chance in Mtwapa or at Kilifi Boatyard.
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Blue Fin
With the marine park just offshore from Malindi, scuba diving is a popular activity, although the visibility is greatly reduced by silt between March and June. All the big hotels have dive centres, usually run in conjunction with local companies. One of the main operators is Blue Fin. It operates out of several resorts in Malindi.
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Aqua Ventures
With the marine park just offshore, diving is understandably popular. Aqua Ventures, at Ocean Sports Hotel, offers guided dives in the marine park and an open-water PADI dive course. The best time to dive and snorkel is between October and March. Avoid diving from June to August because of rough seas and poor visibility.
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Aqua Ventures
With the marine park just offshore from Malindi, scuba diving is a popular activity, although the visibility is greatly reduced by silt between March and June. All the big hotels have dive centres, usually run in conjunction with local companies. One of the main operators is Aqua Ventures.
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Hippos Safaris
Almost all accommodation options rent boats for island trips. The best is Hippos Safaris as they charge a flat rate, which includes waiting time. It's technically possible to drive here along a small causeway, but the land owner is now charging extortionate fees for crossing his property.
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Tusker Safaris
Numerous safari companies operate from Malindi to Tsavo East National Park, entering the park via the Sala Gate. Trips to the Malindi Marine National Park are also a standard option. Tusker Safaris can also organise transport to the Marafa Depression.
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Nairobi Sailing & Sub Aqua Club
A number of private sports clubs in the suburbs, such as Nairobi Sailing & Sub Aqua Club, offer facilities for nonmembers. All are out in the posher suburbs and tend to be rather snooty. Temporary daily membership fees apply.
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People to People Tourism
For an introduction to the world of jua kali, Kenya's open-air manufacturing industry, People to People Tourism combines tours of the usual tourist sights with visits to jua kali workshops producing crafts and other goods.
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Lamu Dhow
Multi-day dhow trips head out to Paté or the still more remote island of Kiwayu. When it is properly up and running, Lamu Dhow will offer luxury trips with accommodation actually on board a massive vessel.
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Nairobi Club
A number of private sports clubs in the suburbs, such as Nairobi Club, offer facilities for nonmembers. All are out in the posher suburbs and tend to be rather snooty. Temporary daily membership fees apply.
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Impala Club
A number of private sports clubs in the suburbs, such as Impala Club, offer facilities for nonmembers. All are out in the posher suburbs and tend to be rather snooty. Temporary daily membership fees apply.
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Allamanda Safaris
Numerous safari companies operate from Malindi to Tsavo East National Park, entering the park via the Sala Gate. Trips to the Malindi Marine National Park are also a standard option.
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Silversands Tours & Safaris
Numerous safari companies operate from Malindi to Tsavo East National Park, entering the park via the Sala Gate. Trips to the Malindi Marine National Park are also a standard option.
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Southern Cross Safaris
Numerous safari companies operate from Malindi to Tsavo East National Park, entering the park via the Sala Gate. Trips to the Malindi Marine National Park are also a standard option.
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Power Boat Tours
If you want virtually guaranteed hippo sightings, you will have to venture onto the lake. Power Boat Tours that can take you further afield can be found at nearby Dunga Fish market.
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Paddle Boat Tour
If you want virtually guaranteed hippo sightings, you will have to venture onto the lake. As you might imagine, plenty of people here offer just such a boat trip.
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Tewa Caves
Dive trips to the Tewa Caves at the mouth of Mida Creek are popular, where a group of giant rock cod loiter menacingly at the bottom.
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Full-Moon Dhow Cruises
For something a bit flashy, Peponi Hotel, at Shela, offers Full-Moon Dhow Cruises including drinks, wine and a lobster dinner.
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Nature Kenya
Nature Kenya organises a variety of outings, including half-day Bird Walks from the National Museum every Wednesday.
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