Kilifi Creek, Kenya — Est. 2006
An Evening on
the Indian Ocean
Step aboard a hand-crafted wooden dhow and drift along the ancient Swahili Coast. Timeless sunsets, authentic cuisine, and a living maritime heritage — all waiting for you.
The Dhow Experience
A Journey Rooted in Centuries of Seafaring
The dhow is more than a boat. For over a thousand years, these wooden vessels stitched together the civilisations of the Indian Ocean — carrying spices, silk, and stories between East Africa, Arabia, and India.
At Savannah Dhows Safari, we keep that tradition alive. Our fleet of lovingly restored ngalawa and jahazi dhows carry guests along the same coastlines that explorers, merchants, and fishermen have sailed for generations.
"Every plank in our dhow has a story. We sail not just on water, but on centuries of Swahili heritage."
— Captain Omar Mwangi, Third-Generation Dhow Master
On the Water
Choose Your Experience
From tranquil sunrise sails to golden-hour swimming, every Savannah Dhows experience is crafted around the rhythms of Kilifi Creek.
Sunrise Dhow Cruise
Greet the dawn as the Indian Ocean blushes in amber and rose. Sip spiced chai on deck as the creek comes alive with the first light of day.
- Swahili chai & mandazi breakfast
- Dolphin watching opportunity
- Max 12 guests
Sunset Viewing
Watch the sky over Kilifi Creek turn to gold and crimson as the sun melts into the Indian Ocean. A breathtaking end to any day on the coast.
- Sundowner drinks on deck
- Scenic creek & ocean views
- Max 16 guests
Mangrove Island & Bird Watching
Glide through Kilifi Creek's ancient mangrove channels and discover a hidden world of rare coastal birds, marine life, and untouched wilderness.
- Guided mangrove forest tour
- Bird watching with binoculars
- Spot kingfishers, herons & more
Photo Moments
Sail the creek and coastline at the most photogenic times of day. Perfect for content creators, couples, and anyone wanting stunning shots of the SAVANNAH dhow.
- Golden hour & blue hour slots
- Scenic backdrops on the creek
- Drone-friendly open water
Swimming
Dive into the warm, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean from the deck of the SAVANNAH. Relax, float, and cool off in one of the coast's most beautiful spots.
- Anchored at calm swimming spot
- Life jackets & safety crew on board
- Snorkelling gear available
Bahari ni Maisha
The Sea Is Life
In Swahili, there is a saying: bahari ni maisha — the sea is life. For the people of the Kenyan coast, the ocean is not just a backdrop. It is their culture, their livelihood, their home. When you sail with us, you become part of that story.
Swahili Table
A Feast Born from the Ocean
Our onboard chefs are masters of the Swahili kitchen — a rich culinary tradition shaped by centuries of trade with Persia, India, and Arabia, married to the freshest catch from the Indian Ocean.
Every dish is prepared fresh on the day, using sustainably sourced ingredients from local fishermen and coastal farms.
- Grilled prawns in coconut & tamarind
- Pilau rice with whole spices
- Fresh-caught tuna in kachumbari
- Mkate wa ufuta (sesame flatbread)
- Halwa and chai ya tangawizi to finish
What Guests Say
Stories from the Sea
"The sunset dinner cruise was the most magical evening of our honeymoon. The taarab music, the five-course meal, the stars above us — we still talk about it every single day."
"Captain Omar knew every reef and sandbar. My kids spotted dolphins before 7am. The grilled fish lunch on the beach was the best meal of my life. Genuinely perfect day."
"I've sailed luxury yachts across the Mediterranean. Nothing compares to the soul of a traditional dhow. Savannah made me fall in love with the sea again. Absolutely peerless."
Visual Journey
Life on the Water
Our Story
Where the Ocean Meets the Sky
The story of Savannah Dhows begins where the ocean meets the sky—along the warm, golden coastline of Kilifi and Mombasa, where time slows and the tides tell stories.
It started with a simple idea: to bring people closer to the magic of the Indian Ocean. Not just to see it—but to feel it.
Long before Savannah Dhows became a name, it was just a vision. A vision of wooden dhows gliding gently over calm waters at sunset, laughter echoing across the waves, music blending with the rhythm of the sea, and strangers becoming friends under painted skies.
The founder saw more than boats. He saw experiences.
At first, it was modest—just a dhow, a few curious guests, and a deep love for the ocean. There were challenges: unpredictable weather, quiet days without bookings, and the constant effort to stand out. But what kept Savannah Dhows moving forward was something stronger than business—it was passion.
Word began to spread.
Visitors came not just for a ride, but for the feeling. The feeling of watching the sun melt into the horizon, casting gold and crimson across the water. The joy of sharing snacks and drinks on deck. The sound of carefully selected music setting the mood. The thrill of diving into the ocean for a refreshing swim. And most of all, the unforgettable photos—moments frozen in time, framed by nature's beauty.
Savannah Dhows became more than a service—it became a vibe.
Each trip was crafted with care. Mixed groups turned into lively gatherings. Tourists found authenticity. Locals rediscovered their coastline. Every detail—from the playlist to the timing of the cruise—was designed to create memories.
As the dhow sails filled with wind, so did the dream.
Today, Savannah Dhows stands as a symbol of coastal adventure and connection. It represents freedom, celebration, and the simple luxury of being present in a beautiful moment. From sunset cruises to private experiences, it continues to welcome people from all over the world to experience the ocean in a way that feels personal and unforgettable.
And the story is still being written.
Every wave that touches the dhow, every laugh shared onboard, every sunset captured—it all becomes part of Savannah Dhows.
Because it was never just about the journey across the water. It's about the feeling you carry long after the dhow returns to shore.
Be Part of the StoryNavigation
Sailing Routes
We depart from Kilifi Creek and sail the most breathtaking stretches of the East African coastline.
Kilifi Creek — Home Base
All cruises depart and return here. Easily accessible from Kilifi town and surrounding hotels.
Kilifi Creek & Malindi Coast
Scenic coastal sail through mangrove-lined waterways and golden beaches along the Kilifi coastline.
Responsible Sailing
We Protect What We Love
The Swahili Coast is one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet. We have a duty to leave it better than we found it.
Our PledgeNo Single-Use Plastics
All food is served on reusable ware. We eliminated single-use plastics from our fleet in 2019 and use biodegradable alternatives.
Marine Wildlife Respect
We follow strict no-disturbance protocols around dolphins, turtles, and whale sharks. Guests are briefed before every snorkel.
Sustainably Sourced Catch
All fish and seafood is sourced from local fishermen using traditional methods. We never serve endangered or threatened species.
100% Community Employment
Every team member — from captains to chefs — is from the Mombasa Swahili community. We invest 5% of revenue back into local schools.
Reservations
Book Your Cruise
Fill in the form and our crew will confirm your booking within 24 hours. All cruises include certified life jackets, first aid equipment, and an experienced Swahili-speaking crew.
Find Us
Come Down to the Port
Our crew is at Kilifi Creek from before sunrise to after sunset, every day of the year. Drop in, call, or send us a message — we always love to hear from fellow ocean lovers.
Kilifi Creek, Kenya