I recently had the pleasure of joining a group of doctors for a magical evening aboard the Tamarind Dhow — a 4-hour dinner cruise that set sail from the beautiful Tamarind Restaurant in Mombasa.
We left Whitesands Hotel around 5:30 PM, navigating the usual evening traffic along Links Road in Nyali. By the time we arrived at the Tamarind Restaurant at about 6:00 PM, the sun was just beginning to set — and the view was absolutely breathtaking. The golden sky over the water created the perfect backdrop for what would turn out to be a memorable night.
After a quick look around the main Tamarind restaurant — a luxurious and charming spot in itself — we made our way down to the pier where the MV Nawalkheir was docked. This stunning traditional dhow is the larger of the two Tamarind jahazis (the other being the MV Babulkheir), both beautifully crafted by Bini from Lamu.
As I stepped onto the dhow, soft live music filled the air. The crew greeted us warmly with light snacks and welcome drinks. The ambiance was already buzzing with excitement. Around 6:30 PM, after a short safety briefing by the Tamarind team, we began our cruise.
The first sights to greet us were the historic Old Port of Mombasa and a docked ship said to be carrying spices from Zanzibar — a nod to the city’s rich maritime heritage. Just nearby, we caught a glimpse of the iconic Fort Jesus, and from a distance, the sleek silhouette of English Point Marina.
One moment that stood out for me was when we approached Nyali Bridge. As we sailed beneath it, I honestly thought the dhow’s central pole might brush against the bottom of the bridge — but to my surprise (and relief), it cleared perfectly. Clearly, this vessel was designed with precision.
We cruised all the way to Kibarani, where the dhow eventually stopped and anchored for dinner. For the next two hours, the Tamarind chefs worked their magic while the live band kept everyone entertained. The energy onboard was so lively and relaxed.
When the food was finally served — wow. From fresh seafood to rich coastal flavors, every dish was a treat. It was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long time.
Once dinner wrapped up, the crew untied the dhow and we began our return journey to the Tamarind pier. But this time, the party picked up a notch — guests were invited to the dance floor, and the music got everyone moving. There was laughter, dancing, and that shared feeling of joy that only a night like this can bring.
We finally docked back at Tamarind around 10:30 PM, our hearts full and spirits high.
If you’re ever in Mombasa and looking for a unique, relaxing, and vibrant evening — I can’t recommend the Tamarind Dhow Cruise enough. It’s the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal charm.