Property Portfolio: Kenya

Hemingways Watamu


hemingways watamu

The majestic billfish captured the imagination of every reader, immortalised in the writings of Earnest Hemingway, and the Hemingways resort in Watamu Kenya, lives up to the name of this legendary writer and angler.

Deep ocean canyons and drop offs within sight of the shoreline keep travelling to these rich fishing grounds to a minimum. This area is synonymous with big game fishing and, in particular, the 3 species of marlin, sailfish, and broadbill. Here, angling is a gentleman’s undertaking entirely; the boats are large and very comfortable, with experienced skippers and crews amongst the best we’ve ever had the pleasure of fishing with.

The venerable old hotel herself has recently undergone a complete facelift, with every modern convenience, excluding the original Hemingways Bar, which was thoughtfully retained and remains adorned with fishing history.

There are a number of venues that advertise bill fishing off the East coast of Africa, but none can boast the track record of Hemmingways.

Aside from a resort giving everything that you’d expect from a top-class hotel. The owners and operators are totally fixated with bill fishing, and under their guidance, you stand the best chance of landing your bill on fly.

So I Went to Kenya

So I went to filming in Kenya with my cameraman Chucky. He’s from Zimbabwe. A lot of people think he’s my bodyguard. Not sure why. Sure, he’s built like a brick house, but he’s a damn good cameraman and people shouldn’t jump to conclusions.

Manda Bay


manda bay

Manda Bay lies within the Lamu archipelago, and enjoys the best of the beach and the bush. The Island is uniquely situated next to mangrove forests that provide an ideal nursery for breeding fish, and within casting distance of tropical waters that host a range of species hard to match elsewhere on the Kenyan coastline. 

The reefs around this shoreline support an impressive array of life, the tides pushing baitfish that hungry predators chase.

An easy boat ride offshore will take you to hunting grounds where you can encounter world-record tuna and other Pelagics, as well as 5 species of billfish, making a slam a very real possibility in the right season.

Manda Bay is a family owned and run lodge privately tucked away, with spacious rooms, tropical ocean themed décor, and a warm, friendly atmosphere giving it distinct character. Meals are created from fresh, locally sourced seafood, which is hard to match.

With all manner of watercraft, very experienced local guides, and generations of fishing knowledge, this is a unique destination that will offer you a secluded retreat and the attraction of first-class fishing on your doorstep.

Manda Bay

The ultimate in barefoot luxury … Unique is not a word that I generally just throw around, but it does have its place. A good example would be the blend of luxury and barefoot simplicity that exists at Manda Bay Lodge, a small boutique lodge on Manda Island in the Lamu Archipelago in northern Kenya.

Ragati


ragati

It took some hardy and dedicated English fly fishers to get Trout into the dams and rivers around Mount Kenya in the early 1900’s, but how well it worked! With the snow-capped mountain looming over 5000m above, you have to keep reminding yourself that you’re virtually on the equator.

Now, a small group of equally hardy local fly anglers have built a stunning log cabin in the Ragati Conservancy, available to guests for rent. It’s tucked into beautiful Montane Forest, inhabited by amazing birdlife as well as both Elephant and Buffalo. Accordingly, a guide is always on hand. 

Unique to this hidden gem is the Ragati Red, a Rainbow Trout which has a unique bright red colouring.

The streams, one of which burbles right past the cabin, are rich with fish but can be a bit technical due to thick riverine vegetation. But there is the option of a larger, easier-to-fish still water. The “cabin” comfortably sleeps 8 and, if you prefer, catering is available. It’s a truly remarkable destination.

Mount Kenya Magic

Getting to Mount Kenya by vehicle from Nairobi is interesting to say the least. It’s 160 km and takes around 5 hours on what are ostensibly tar roads which would have Mr. MacAdam spinning in his grave. The gay abandon with which Kenyans drive is akin to putting a bunch of drunk teenagers into dodgem cars and advising them not to crash into each other.

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