Savannah to Surf Kayak Expedition
For people with some kayaking experience, but you don’t have to be an expert. The water isn't too be rough, the distances are manageable and a support vehicle is not far away.
There is the option of living simply, camping lightweight in the bush - expedition style or having camps set up in advance.
This route is designed so that you can do a couple of days or the whole route depending on your time scale.
We can make it more challenging for keen kayakers as well as provide alternative activities for non- kayakers.
It makes an excellent add on to a safari and a perfect way of getting to the coast for some relaxation at the end of your trip.
Click here to contact us for further information regarding this package
Day 1
Leave Arusha and drive to the Nyumba Ya Mungu (a large lake fed by the melt waters of Mount Kilimajaro). Paddle South for about 10 kms. The birdlife is plentiful and diverse and there may be a few hippos and crocs.
The backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro should be wishing us on our way.
We will camp on the lakeside and cook under the stars. This can be done "expedition style" - using kit we have carried with us or you can opt for a higher level camp to be set in advance.
Day 2
The morning will see us packing up camp and continuing South on the Nyumba Ya Mungu until we reach the dam at its southern end. Once over this we meet the Pangani River- fast flowing with very little sign of habitation it is a real treat to paddle down. We again finish the day by setting up camp on the banks of the river and enjoying the sounds of the African night.
These first two days are ideal for kayakers with limited experience or we can extend the distance for more experienced paddlers.
Day 3
Spend the night at Mkomazi in Babu's Camp. You can take a short walking safari, a game drive and a vist to the conservation programme at the best time of the day for viewing.
Day 4
Drive to where the Pangani River finally reaches the Indian Ocean.
We will kayak for 2 hours from near the estuary mounth, into the ocean and South to Ushongo Beach.
Stay at the elegant but understated Tides Beach Lodge. Voted in the "World's Top Ten Undiscovered Beaches" by the U.K's Sunday Times, this beautifully relaxed setting is a perfect base for kayaking trips. It also offers scuba, fishing, village and historical tours as well as river trips.
The paddling here is slightly more challenging but we can adapt it somewhat if you dont want to be too challenged.
Day 5
Today we take to the open ocean and paddle to Maziwe coral island, in a marine reserve. Once at the island we can snorkel, swim or sunbathe. After a picnic lunch we can either paddle back to the mainland or go in the support boat.
Total paddling time is about 4 hours. There is the option to go on to another sand island for those who want a longer paddle. It is more challenging paddling than the river but open it all since there is always a support boat to jump into.
Day 6
Paddle further South to explore a mangrove creek, this tidal "drift paddle" has an eerie silence that gives it a unique quality. We can then continue South along the coast where will be met and taken back to Tides Lodge by vehicle. The paddling can be a little rough on entering the creek but again we can ammend it slightly to make it open to paddlers of all levels.
Day 7
Spend the morning relaxing before taking a light aircraft flight back to Kilimanjaro Airport after lunch.
If this isnt enough paddling for you...enquire about the open water crossing to Zanzibar or multi-day trips further South to Saadani National Park- maybe the only place to see African Elephants on the Indian Ocean!
