Floating restaurant at Mtwapa Creek

Coastal escapades can never be quite complete without venturing into Mtwapa - also popularly known as the Las Vegas of the Kenyan coast.

The Mtwapa experience is unlike any other in the country, a city that moves to the beat of its own drum. Sometimes described as chaotic, the town’s temperament is bound to give you more than you bargained for; a whirlwind of a time, so hold on tight!

Amidst the hustle and the bustle of the Mtwapa way of life, it is possible to disappear into The Moorings, a floating seafood restaurant which is almost completely obscured from the public eye, except for a quick glimpse of it across the shimmering inky blue creek waters as you cross the Mtwapa Bridge

The restaurant

Nestled amid mangrove trees the restaurant offers a unique dining experience with spectacular views on an out of this world waterfront setting.

As you take the short walk from the parking lot down to the water’s edge, the unmistakable smell of the ocean wafts up towards you as the cool, gentle breeze caresses your skin leading you to the gangway linking the restaurant to the land.

A marvel to behold; the wooden deck is built on a buoyant platform. The open sides coupled with the makuti roof ensures that diners remain cool and comfortable even during the coast’s hot, sultry season.

At the centre of the restaurant is a well-stocked bar with a wide range of quality wines and spirits.

They also serve a tantalising range of cocktails. Seating arrangements are either within the restaurant or under umbrellas on the deck extending out from the main restaurant.

The reception is both warm and friendly and the staff are eager to seat you and to take your order. Not sure what to eat? A well-designed menu takes you through the cuisine on offer and the staff are happy to answer any queries you might have.

The Mooring’s menu showcases cuisine which includes starters, the main course that ranges from fish and seafood, poultry, beef, various salads and pasta dishes and finally, a delectable variety of desserts.

The restaurants offers an equally exciting range of dishes to cater for vegetarians. For the in between hours, they have a range of lip smacking snacks such as fish fingers, chicken wings, samosa and bruschetta (an antipasto from Italy made of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with chopped tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and salt.

At the end of your sumptuous meal, it is relaxing to sit out on the deck with your drink of choice in hand, taking in the cool sea breeze and listening to the soothing sound of the lapping waves.

If you are lucky, you may even sight flying fish leap in and out of the water as they make their way up the creek.

The marina

For the more adventurous, Moorings is much more than just a restaurant; it is also a marina with boats anchored at the jetty.

It is possible to hire a boat and explore the full lengths of the Mtwapa Creek as it winds into the hinterland rich with palm groves, mangrove swamps and other lush coastal vegetation.

Sea-going vessels are also available for those who prefer a day out enjoying deep sea fishing, not to forget water ski-ing up the creek.

With the boat surging ahead full throttle and the wind in your hair, this adrenaline-filled activity is super fun but not for the faint-hearted!

The dhow

Docked by the restaurant is the Mooring’s dhow, a typical Arab sailing vessel with the capacity of 20 people. In days gone by, the dhow was a popular mode of sea transport for commercial journeys between the Middle East and the East African coast using sails to power it.

The Moorings dhow keeps traditions of the past with a hint of modernity through installation of comfortable seats, and an engine that allows for movement even without the wind.

This vessel can be booked for group leisure activities. Service on board includes traditional bitings and arabic coffee with halwa, an arabic sweet.

It is also possible to hold ‘shisha’ parties on board, or enjoy aperitifs accompanied by entertainment as you sail up the creek into the sunset, an excellent pre-dinner leisure trip!

So, if you’re looking to chase ethereal coastal sunsets, enjoy the cool balmy breeze amid the sweltering heat, indulge in a succulent meal and delight in an experience like no other, then The Moorings is the place to be.