(14 reviews)
English, Swahili (optional)
Solo, Family, Couple, Group
What?
A slow, peaceful canoe ride through mangrove forests where the river gently meets the ocean. Glide through calm waters as you take in the beauty of this unique coastal ecosystem.
Where?
Kongo river in Diani, along the mangrove creeks near a local Digo village.
When?
At sunset, when the sky softens into warm, golden hues and the whole coastline feels a little more magical.
Why?
This is one of those rare, quiet moments in nature. Glide through the mangroves, spot birdlife, catch glimpses of local daily life and learn about the delicate mangrove forest ecosystem from the people who know it best. It’s calm, grounding and unforgettable.
How?
Hop into a traditional canoe guided by a local captain and ease into the rhythm of water. Just sit back and take it all in. If you would like, you can also plant a mangrove seedling alongside your guide and leave a small, positive impact behind.
This spot is off the beaten path yet a number of villages surround it and rely on the area for income. Growing and maintaining a mangrove farm which is crucial to the ecosystem.
The expert guide is from the local area. As demand for this trip increases, he is motivated to empower and spread his passion and knowledge to his peers.
The Canoe is powered by human energy (the captain rows) which means no engines and no dirty fumes entering the water.
This trips funds will trickle down into the community aiding healthcare, employment and education.
Aboard the canoe and meet your captain for the trip. Start rowing through the clear waters as you spot birds and fishes. Gain an insight into local life as the village kids jump into the water and enjoy their playtime. Discover the mangroves and learn about their vital existence.
Glide through calm, clear waters surrounded by lush mangroves. Keep an eye out for birds, catch glimpses of everyday life in the nearby village and learn how important this delicate ecosystem is from the people who know it best.
As the sun begins to set, everything slows down even more. This is a quiet moment to reflect, ask questions and simply be present in the experience. Option to plant a mangrove seedling.
Drift back as the light fades, carrying with you a deep sense of calm and meaningful connection to the place and people around you.
Shoes that are easily removable, a hat or cap and your own snacks/ drinks if you wish.
5pm is a good time to board the canoe in order to catch sunset.
It is approximately 2 hours, however timings for the experience can vary based on the sunset timing.
Such an incredible peaceful and romantic trip, highly recommend. Also, Travel4Purpose communication was great!
We had a great time! The trip was peaceful and calm. Omari was a fantastic guide 👏
We had an amazing experience. Omari is knowledgeable and passionate. He loves his mangroves. I will definitely recommend him to whoever wants to see the sunset.
I found this trip after following T4P on instagram for a few months. We met Omari, our guide, who is an absolute gem! He explained about the river, the mangroves, the belief of spirits in the area and he even let us plant some baby mangroves.He is so passionate about what he does even replying when we asked him what he gains from planting – “I do it because it makes my soul happy.”100% would recommend this tour, a very relaxed, quite & slow paced tour that is helping locals do good for the area while promoting eco tourism.
Had such a wonderful experience going on a Canoe ride to the Kongo river with T4P – whilst drinking FRESH COCONUT! We had a 10/10 guide, Omari who a great story teller and was so knowledgeable about the history of region. Booking the trip with Sham was very easy and straightforward, she also checked on us throughout the day.
Incredible experience! A big thank you to Omari for taking us on the canoe ride, showing us the beach and sharing stories about the local culture. We had an amazing time and made a friend! 10/10 for customer service. I highly recommend.
The most tranquil and relaxing trip, the sunset was gorgeous and the guide very informative. Would recommend!
Lots of birds and nature, a piece of heaven. Well organised tour that let us see a different part of Diani. Just we had to walk quite a bit to get to the canoe, but that’s because it was low tide, not T4P’s fault!
We did two activities with T4P and both were lots of fun.The beaded bracelet workshop was very insightful and gave us a new appreciation for the work that goes into making the bracelets. We had a lot of fun together and learnt a lot.The Kongo river sunset dhow cruise was very relaxing and also educational as we got to learn about the different types of mangroves, birds, trees and much more as we enjoyed the views and the sunset.Highly recommend T4P for any activities you may be planning.
We booked two tours with Travel4purpose. One in Diani which was a sunset canoe ride through the mangroves and the other in Watamu which was a half day tour on a private Dhow to see the dolphins, snorkel and have a meal on an island. The tours were well planned and the information we needed was provided to us well in advance. It felt so easy.. all we had to do was show up and have a great experience. The best part of the tours are the amazing tour guides. They are full of energy and so knowledgeable. This really adds a special touch to the activity. Thanks for an amazing time 🙂❤️
We were well received by our two guides Omari and Omar. They kept us well informed. The experience was just perfect, tranquil with beautiful sky with sunset. They even let us swim most of the way, considering safety at the same time. Definitely a must do in Diani. Thank you for a wonderful evening and experience T4P team.
It’s a truly beautiful place. We really enjoyed the trip. Omari is a great guide who tells us a lot about the mangroves and the wildlife. I can recommend it with a clear conscience. Thank you for the lovely evening.
Great evening spent on the Congo river, our guide Omari was very knowledgable and spoke very good english
We had such a wonderful experience with Travel for Purpose in Kenya! From the very beginning, everything was thoughtfully arranged, making the whole trip feel smooth, personal, and truly special.
The snorkeling safari was a real highlight—beautiful, vibrant waters full of life, and such a joy to explore. We felt completely at ease the entire time thanks to the caring and attentive team, who made sure we were comfortable and enjoying every moment.
One of the most memorable parts of our trip was the sunset canoe ride along the Kongo River. It was calm, peaceful, and incredibly beautiful—the kind of experience that stays with you long after it’s over.
What made it all even more special was the warmth and genuine care from the team. You can really feel the passion they have for creating meaningful experiences, and it made all the difference.
We would wholeheartedly recommend Travel for Purpose to anyone looking for a unique and heartfelt travel experience in Kenya.
Bansi & Sagar
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