KENYA:

Tony Britchford, Kenya Net 14.316mhz at 0500hrs GMT is extremely helpful to cruisers in the Indian Ocean and along the East African coast and is based at Kilifi Creek.

It is NOT recommended that a yacht enter the Mombasa port - There are a couple of creeks just North of Mombasa which are much more user friendly for cruising yachts. However, should it be necessary to enter the port of Mombasa there is a yacht club with difficult anchorage (steep drop-off) as shown on the relevant chart. Security here could be a problem.

Kilifi Creek, Kenya (approx 40 miles North of Mombasa)
This is a well protected creek which is entered through a break in the outer reef (see relevant chart). It is well worth contacting Tony Britchford ("Kiore"- VHF channel 16) before entering as he is very helpful in assisting your passage into the creek. You will pass under a bridge (70'/21m)  and also be careful of the power line spanning the creek soon after the bridge. There is a small repair shop and close access to the main Mombasa road where many local taxi's are available. There is a customs office near the bridge and then proceed immediately by road to Mombasa to complete immigration formalities.

Mtwapa Creek, Kenya (approx 20 miles North of Mombasa)
This is a well protected and safe anchorage with good amenities for cruisers. Fuel and water is available on a dock. The shore-based resort is owned by a German ex-pat and security is good. Access to the main Mombasa road is easy. Entrance is through a dog's-leg channel through the outer reef. The author found the relevant chart and beacons very accurate. You should enter the channel on an almost high incoming tide as the current in the channel is strong. Once into the creek anchor off the restaurant on the starboard bank - beware the overhanging powerline should you proceed beyond this point. Proceed directly to Mombasa by road for immigration and a customs official will call on you at Mtwapa Creek for the cost of the taxi fare.

TANZANIA

Tanga
05 deg 04' S, 39 deg 06' E. Admiralty chart 866, VHF channel 16/12
As you sail in behind the bluff anchor off the most wonderfully friendly little yacht club on the port side of the channel just past the final dog's-leg into the port. DON'T miss this port of call. Good access from here to the Tanzania safari parks. Customs and immigration facilities available.

Dar es Salaam
06 deg 49' S, 39 deg 19' E. Admiralty charts: port - 693, approach - 694, VHF channel 16/12
It is compulsory for yachts to check into the harbor (customs & immigration facilities) to obtain written permission to move round to the Dar es Salaam Yacht Club http://kempnet.de/dyc/ . The yacht club is in the bay just North of the port entrance and it's facilities are unequalled North of Richards Bay, South Africa. The anchorage there, I'm sure, would be a little uncomfortable during the NE monsoon but WELL protected from the Southwesterly. A few cruisers left their yachts here for a flight home. When you depart Dar es Salaam it is not necessary to sail back into the port - a taxi ride into Dar to complete formalities at customs and immigration is all that is required.
UPDATE: Dec'01 - a cruiser reported that he was given permission on radio by port control that he could proceed directly to the Dar Yacht Club (Masasani Bay) and to proceed by taxi the following morning to Customs & Immigration. An American visa for 3 months is USD$50.00

Zanzibar
06 deg 10' S, 39 deg 11' E, Admiralty chart 3211, VHF channel 16/12
A 'strange quirk' about Zanzibar is that although it is part of Tanzania you are required to "check out" from the mainland when you sail to Zanzibar and go through the formalities again on arrival in Zanzibar. There are many anchorages around this 'mystical' island but it is better on arrival to anchor directly off "Stone Town", close to the port, to facilitate the customs and immigration formalities.

MOZAMBIQUE 

Nacala 
14 deg 47' S, 40 deg 68' E 
Nacala is possibly the finest deepwater port in Africa although facilities are minimal. Extremely well protected inside the port. Anchor off a small beach 200m before the wharf. Fuel and water is available as well as customs and immigration facilities. Basic provisions in the small town but not advisable to leave your boat unattended as youngsters paddle out in dugouts selling fruit, etc. 

Bazaruto 
The Bazaruto Archipelago is another safe hide-away on the Mozambique coast. Follow the channel as per the chart and anchorage on sand is on the South of Santa Carolina Island (in the middle of the bay). In a South-westerly move further into the bay to the lee of Benguera Island - be careful to follow the channels (the author had a crew member up on the spreader to see the channel). It is always safer to move on a 3/4 incoming tide in this bay. There are a number of small holiday resorts in the area. Wonderful diving and fishing. Supplies are available in the village of Villancoulos in the S/W corner of the bay.  

top of page