Diani | WILD ROAMERS

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MARINE AquaLife in Kenya.

November 20, 2017 No Comments

An underworld thriving with colors popping life into the cold deep turquoise waters rich of aquatic flora and fauna have breathed more life into the coastal shores of Kenya than the fast food arm’s length restaurants and luxurious white beach hotels. Aqua life is one of natures proudest existence yet endangered by over-fishing and other uncontrollable human and environmental factors. Kenya’s marine parks have outlined the importance of conservation of marine life and established regions to protect and conserve these rare species. Sailing out beyond the coral reefs to experience this magnificence is breathtaking and refreshing

How best to get in touch with the Marine life:

• Scuba diving.
• Glass boats tours.
• Snorkeling and Under water diving.
• Underground Aquatic pool walks.
• Dhow sailing beyond the coral reefs.

See also: Water sports Fun Activities

TOP MARINE NATIONAL PARKS IN KENYA.

WATAMU Marine National Park.

Photo source: Diani sea resort

Casuarina fringed, Mida creek mangrove forest in Watamu has over the years been a tourist magnet for people with the urge to experience the other side of the beach and ocean other than the relaxation at hotels. It is rich in coral formation, varied fish species floating over calm waters coral beds, crabs and prawns shedding under mangrove roots, beautifully colored star fish and numerous reef caves that act as breeding sites for turtles.
Home to a variety of small mainland wildlife species like dik dik, antelopes and reptiles, it is also a major tourist destination for bird watchers with millions of bird species including resident birds and migrating birds that come to nest here in between June to September. More info:Watamu marine

KIUNGA Marine National Reserve (LAMU)

The Lamu archipelago is held by approximately 50 islands and coral reefs offshore the Northern coastline. Varying in age as exposed by old eroded corals and size, these sheer walled reefs covered by extensive mangrove forests and sea grass protrude from the sea bed and beautifully dot the northern coast.
Rich in biodiversity this park greatly boasts of protecting endangered sea turtles, valuable coral reefs, reef fish, lobsters and other various forms of marine life ranging from reptiles, fish to aqua plants.
Diving and snorkeling are a great way to explore the marine life here while skiing and surfing are a major water sport activity to get in touch with the quiet islands. More info:Kiunga marine

KISITE-MPUNGUTI (Shimoni).

Bubbling with life at the south of Wasini Island, in Shimoni near Kenyan Tanzania border this paradise is characterized by four islands surrounded by coral reefs, large coral gardens and a variety of fish. Varied landscape and vegetation ranging from the rich equatorial coastal forest to grass and thickets give this National park the serene beauty it deserves.
Stretching from Tiwi beach south it’s the best place to site Manta rays, to dive and snorkel. The snorkeling with dolphins is everything this marine park has to offer.

More info: Kisite mpunguti

Photo source: kifaru tours(blogwasinidolphins)

MOMBASA Marine National Park.

White sandy beach shoreline lying between Mtwapa and Tudor creek, dominated by coconut palms, mangrove forests, coral reef creeks and hotels busting with tourists and local communities setting sail and nets is characteristic of the coastal beaches. Mangrove swamps and coral reefs providing a home to endangered fish species from overfishing have ensured the spectacular beauty of this marine life is not stripped off. Mombasa marine park is a haven for rich marine life both flora and fauna and coral heads that are trophies. Water sport activities are a must engage here ranging from surfing, skiing and diving. More info: Mombasa marine park

MALINDI Marine National Park.

Unique coral gardens housing Green turtles, a diverse rich marine life, white sandy beaches and an introduction into the famous Gede Ruins forming the complexity of Malindi national park gives this park a fulfilling marine adventure. Glass boats give you the total marine sea life experience into the deep blue waters when the colorful rare fish swim underneath your boat and if you are more adventurous then a dive into the ocean is more rewarding.
More info: Malindi Marine Park

In Book and Join a Trip

WATER SPORTS Fun Activities.

October 30, 2017 No Comments

Ocean borne adventure full of adrenaline and thrill, skillful takes, random splashes that cool your sweating body, a Sea breeze that dries your face and leave you gasping for more air from the Old centuries Kenyan coast trade winds, raging rivers and calm lakes have all put Kenya on the map for some of the best Water sport activities.
With a full list of over and underwater, motorized and un-motorized water thrilling adventures let’s do away with swimming for today, everyone can swim apart from us with heavy legs right? What else do you expect when you head down to the beach or lakes?
Wind surfing, Surfing, Water skiing, Sailing, Kayaking, Jet skiing, Rafting, Canoeing, Rowing, Big game fishing, sport diving, snorkeling, scuba diving and trust the water sports list to be endless as long as you have an open mind and will.

1. KAYAKING

Using a kayak to move across water for sports and fun or fitness work out purposes is one of the activities that require skill and are full of adrenaline rush. Tied on to a kayak and depending on your paddling skills to sway you against raging waves or calm water is a fulfilling task and adventure.
Where:
Savage Wilderness Riverside camp totally equipped with specialized services for first timers who would prefer calm flat waters or addicted kayakers who are more to the thrill on fast moving rapids and plunging into the rapid camp falls offers a worthwhile the experience. More info: Sagana Rapids
Lake Victoria with more calm waters is ideal for learners to learn boat control and basic strokes and rescue techniques, coupled up with fishing it is a thrilling adventure for a perfect sunrise adventure.

Photo source: Sand and sea watersports

2. WATER SKIING AND WAKE BOARDING

I’d say this is exhilarating adrenaline pump is closest to sky diving. Getting accelerated by a fast moving boat that pulls your gliding self over the water surface is as fun as it looks when that water is swooshing over your body until you get that rope and ski and try skimming the surface then scream your lungs out. It provides limitless thrill and adventure.
Where:
The Majili’s Resort Lamu at the Ras Kitau bay and Takwa Mangrove creek. More info: Majilis Resort
Sand and Sea Water sports Diani

3. WIND SURFING

With a spectacular flat and calm beach, both south and north coast offer a great sporting opportunity for windsurfing and kite surfing due to its favorable wind conditions all year round. Offering a touch of both sailing and surfing controlled by wind movements its spectacular to just even watch experienced surfers make beautiful stunts and moves on the waves.
Whether you just want to enjoy the warm turquoise water or watch the waves swoosh over surfers with great skill and beautiful stunts these extreme sports is worth a try for everyone.
Where: The Kenyan coast has numerous surfing sites, the top rated ones are;
H2O Extreme Diani Beach Kenya, offers Kite surfing lessons affiliated with IKO, and is a top water sport Centre due to its safety standards and thrilling water sport experiences. More info: H2O Extreme
Tribe Watersports Watamu also offers customized surfing experiences for the whole family for an amazing active beach experience. More info: Tribe Watersports
Che Shale Kite surfing School Malindi, a prime kite surfing area on a golden beach in between palms.

4. RAFTING AND RIVER TREKKING

Away from the ocean to the mainland, raging rivers offer a life thrilling adventure. Rafting expeditions on river Tana and Ewaso Ngiro expose you to varying rapids and white water that are a thrilling adventure to any soul looking for an off dry land activity. You can also test your kayaking skills here.
River trekking is more fun done in groups as it tests your teamwork and balance in rapidly moving water. It involves sliding, falling and swimming while trying to climb wet areas, navigation in water to the dry exit areas and your balance in rapid and calm water despite the weird objects your feet might feel in the water. The 2km walk is something you’ll remember in a lifetime.
Where:
Rapids Camp Sagana, water rafting on the rapids of river Tana offer you a relaxed afternoon calm water rafting varying all through to raging rapids (Class v) for a more adventurous side. More info: Rapids Camp Sagana
Ewaso Ngiro River, White water rafting offers a more wild experience for interaction with herds of elephants and other wild animals on the river banks, complete with a night camp experience to end the day.

Photo source: Sagana Camp Rafting

5. DHOW SAILING AND CANOEING

Specially and simply built for a more laid back sailing experience, dhows have been around for many years for cruises, water movements and local fishing purposes. They offer a great tour to marine parks to enjoy the magnificence of marine life, to snorkel and dive in the deep waters or to just sway across the ocean to a hanging restaurant.
Where:
Mtwapa Creek: Offers tour services to enjoy the mangrove bays and coral reefs.
Kizingoni Beach, Lamu offers an overnight dhow safari to explore Kiwayu and Lamu archipelago.
Distant Relatives Kilifi

6. SNORKELING

Strap on a mask to get in touch with the astounding marine life and untouched coral reefs below the Indian Ocean. As an endearing activity that needs you to snorkel deep under the calm blue waters of the endless ocean to enjoy the magnificence protected by lagoons snorkeling is a top water sport for many water lovers.
Where:
The Majili’s resort Lamu has daily motor boats and organized excursions complete with a lunch set up for an ultimate experience. More info: Majilis Resort
Kisite Marine, Shimoni offers one of the most breathtaking snorkeling experiences with dolphins at Wasini Island.

Photo source: Diani sea resort

7. DEEP SEA FISHING AND SAILING

Hook a large sailfish, Marlin or tuna alongside your boat and boast a huge catch after sailing through deep waters and enticing dozens of fish species amid rapid waves. Deep sea fishing is a rewarding experience for any sailing adventure unless you just want to sail for fun and enjoy the view and ocean breeze from the laser boats.
Boats are well equipped with state of the art equipment for local operators and international full day charter clients and conservation is well taken care of with the tag and release program.
Where: Tudor Creek and Mtwapa creek

8. DIVING

Jumping out of a boat that your life depends on into the deep endless sea is nerve wrecking and only for people who don’t even know what aqua phobia is or believe so much in their swimming expertise.
Diving off a hanging cliff or reef rocks close to the shore in Watamu give you one of the best exhilarating experiences, while diving into Nyulli reef in Shimoni offers you a chance to taste the strong tidal currents and drifts
Where:
Watamu Marine Park, With sheer wall reefs, fine drop offs and large corals the central turtle reef attracts colorful fish and sharks and is a breeding site for the green sea turtle which makes your dive here a world class dive.
Kisite Mpunguti, Shimoni is a rare 12 meters dive into bottle-nose dolphins, largest manta rays and spectacular coral.

9. JET SKIING

Affixed onto a jet ski and racing over water trying to outdo an oncoming wave is one of the easiest and fun water sport activities. It is easy to learn and not so nerve wrecking. The thrill comes in the racing over a wave and spraying all that water behind you
Where: Diani Beach and Nyali Beach.

10. SURFING AND SKIM BOARDING

Photo source: Xtreme sports

Gliding across water on a surfboard is never the easy task but with great skill and learning meeting that oncoming wave and gliding across it on a surfboard or riding it back on a skim board is a rewarding experience. Malindi bay spot is ideal for body surfing and Shela Lamu. Although Kenya is not so ideal for body surfing due to the numerous reefs the adventure is worthwhile the experience in the few spots available.
Where:
H2O Extreme Diani Beach Kenya. More info: H2O Extreme

The Kenyan coast is a top rated tourist destination with a wide range of activities to do during your stay in Kenya. Water fun activities and sports is a must try for any adrenaline thrill.

🙂 🙂

In Destinations

The Sands of Diani -Kenya

December 7, 2016 No Comments

Do you Love a quiet, Sunny and Private beach?

Or to just Lie on sand gaze up in the palmy blue skies? Who said only good swimmers should love the beach? I Love walking on,playing with the sand and just being white.They say its good for the skin and atleast its what i believe, and if you are like me Well you wouldn’t be wrong to go down to south coast Diani, Kwale County about 30 km from Mombasa Town.

Stepping into the ferry I Immediately got “this is gonna be a good weekend” feeling, am not sure it’s the childhood memories of the last time I was in a ferry or it was finally the view of the ocean, though I missed catching the sunrise over the ocean as I had anticipated, But I was so ready for a good time.

Driving down to Ukunda gazing at the coastal homestead culture with Palm trees whistling away their breeze to my face,and it finally feels good to be away from the hustles of the City. By the time we reached Galu trust me all I wanted was “Madafu”. Well adventure is all about the risks, will and good company and hey I had it all.

Diani has high class restaurants and hotels with an amazing beachfront that is quite private and uncrowded. With Lantana Galu Beach Hotel being one of the best at the southern Diani beach I Loved its beachfront and there’s a shining wall on the gate that resembles a good sunrise, okay well according to me.

I spent my first night at Waridi homes and their poolside was amazing. Every major window directly facing the pool, a sunrise pool view is the first thing you wake upto and you will never want less. They make the best pilau I’ve had in my travel diary so far, am not sure whether it was because I was hungry and missed lunch but that pilau by the pool side was magical. Am a bad swimmer but sitting by/in the pool both daytime and at night, Not to mention the music and wine in the pool at night is everything, Well before I deviate lemme focus on the beach.

Waking upto the beach daily, the walks on the sand, the calm blue ocean waters, and just the view of the ocean is relaxing and satisfying. The good news is I missed my sleep by waking upto the sunrise daily on my stay and blame the late nights in the pool,

And hey enjoy my amazing photos of the ocean sunrise and a sneak peak of what the sunset looks like in the clouds and watching the clouds in the evening was my best part of the day as it gave me this Heavenly feel that God is watching over our happiness. Unluckily you can’t have a view of a clear sunset as it sets on the opposite side of the beach hotels.

So many activities go on along the beach; Boat rides being an essential and that may include deep marine fishing, Scuba Diving, Kite surfing, Waterskiing, Sky diving, horse riding and many other beach games. You can never go to diani and not find something interesting because the choice is yours to involve you in any of the activities or like me enjoy basking on the sand and just watch all the activities.

Not to forget I slept deeply on the beach sand for two hours quietly, just say that was the best time of my life aside from the fact that I woke up away from the beach castle in my dreams. Make a date with diani then come back tell me about it, in the meantime enjoy some of my photos.

Love n Love