Welcome to Wide Wild Africa
The original 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 the island of Lamu, under the watchful eye of Mohammed Shalle, who is still her captain today.
Dhows are an ancient design of Sailing Cargo Carriers, particularly suitable for the Indian Ocean due to the design of the lateen sail which enable them travel with the Trade Winds which blow South (Kaskazi) between November and April and North (Kusi) for the rest of the year. It is due to these trade Winds (Monsoons) that the trade between the East African Coast and the Arabian Peninsula flourished. The Nakhoda (captain) is unique in shipping as he is not only the transporter of cargo but also the owner. He will spend his time in port trading his present cargo for a different type of cargo for the return trip.
SAIL INTO THE SUNSET,
The sun is low on the horizon as you board the dhow,
it slips quietly and gently away from the jetty. What better
way to spend an evening with friends and loved ones? as
the band starts to play and you sail silently upriver you
quickly fall under the spell of the magical atmosphere.
With superb food wine and dancing this really is an
excursion not to miss.