Central Africa
Yacht charter guests looking to sail as far as possible from the beaten track will be awe-struck by the lush lowlands and colonial coastal towns that etch out...
Luxury Yacht Charter Guide to East Africa
From the bush to the beach, yacht charter adventures to East Africa introduce you to a thousand different shades of sailing and safari. The Indian Ocean is warm to the touch, ever inviting, and filled with floating mantas and rays. Blue and white island scenes dazzle beneath skies full of stars, and early mornings come dressed in pink sunrise shades and big five safari adventures. From the magic of Mozambique to the spice islands of Zanzibar, this is your guide to East Africa.
Reasons to Charter a Yacht in East Africa
Blissful Beaches
East Africa doesn’t fall short when it comes to boasting some of the world's best beaches. Sugary shifting sands, warm Indian Ocean waters and colourful delights are ever tempting. Mozambique’s Bazaruto is all sandbars, scattered islands and dunes with dhows dotting the horizon and cheerful local beach bars keeping you satiated in ice cold beer. Zanzibar boasts a drool worthy collection of shores, from trendy Bwejuu to lively Nungwi where the party stays in full swing beneath the moon.
Spice and Seafood
From the heady nickname of Spice Island to the markets of Stone Town, Zanzibar’s foodie scene is certainly worth setting sail for. From the Zanzibar style Galette to the meat skewers soaked in spice, the Persian delights, and the tangy soups, every morsel seems to be heaven sent. Mozambique’s prawns are another perfect gem and the deep waters brim with thousands of different types of fish and seafood delights ready to be grilled, fried, smoked or stuffed into something simply delicious.
Sailing Safaris
Endless islands mark East Africa on the map as being a sailing haven. Mozambique boasts the remote Quirimbas Archipelago with its mangrove forests, community conservation projects, and in the south you can find the coral gardens down in the Bazaruto Archipelago. Tanzania entices you to go from the swaying grass seas of the Savannah to the evocative island of Zanzibar and beyond.
Where to Visit in East Africa
Mozambique
A picture-perfect paradise lined with soft palms, coral fringed shores, the scent of sizzling seafood and remote archipelagos crying out to be explored, Mozambique is an unexpected sailors paradise. You can surf down in the south, watch fluttering Dhow sails cross the blue, and even beyond being blissed out on the beach you can find museums and late-night parties in the capital of Maputo.
Zanzibar
The Spice Island of Zanzibar is every inch as evocative as her name suggests. Stroll around the ancient Stone Town with its rich spice markets, fragrant feasts, and cultural crossroads spilling out of markets and chic sidewalk cafes. Venture beyond the town and onto those jaw-dropping sugary beaches where snorkelling and kayaking invite you to plunge right into some of the clearest waters in the world.
Tanzania
Start your yacht charter adventure in Dar es Salaam, a former fishing village that has boomed into Tanzania’s tropical thriving city. After getting your city kicks, you can explore the magic of Pemba Island with its lush vegetation, coral studded waters, and shifting silver sands. Home to some of the best diving spots in East Africa, few tourists make it this far, preferring instead to stick to Zanzibar, meaning the waters can truly be yours alone.
When to Charter a Yacht in East Africa
The Northern monsoon season pours down on Zanzibar between the months of late December until March. For those looking to charter the waters around East Africa, you will find sweet spiced winds and reliable conditions between June and October. This also combines with some of the best wildlife viewing in Tanzania. Those looking to catch the Great Migration as part of their safari and sailing session in East Africa would do well to plan to be in the bush between the months of June and July.
