AAS05: THE TAMARIND DHOW IN MOMBASA

The Tamarind dhow, Mombasa
For the ultimate magical experience, you must board the Tamarind Dhow. As soon as you step off the gangplank, you are met by a traditionally-dressed waiter who shows you to your table and serves you with a ‘Dawa’ the house cocktail made with vodka, lime, honey, sugar and crushed ice. As the dhow slips gently away from the jetty, the resident band starts to play and you quickly fall under the spell of the magical Tamarind atmosphere.

With two sailings a day, you may choose lunch, shaded from the midday sun by a canvas awning, or maybe a romantic candle-lit dinner under a star filled sky. With attentive service to match the cuisine, your meal draws to a close while the waiters serve coffee from a traditional Arab brass coffee service. By now the band is in full swing, playing a variety of popular rhythms which soon have the majority of guests dancing on the main deck.

The Tamarind dhow "Nawalilkher" was built in 1977 for trading. At 23 meters, she is the largest dhow on the coast. Purchased in 1986, she was converted for restaurant use by her original builder Fundi Bini on Lamu Island, under the watchful eye of Mohammed Shalle, who is still her captain today.