CLIMATE
The East African climate is governed by the two monsoon seasons, the "Kusi" or South-East Monsoon and the "Kaskazi" or North-East Monsoon separated by two doldrum periods. The Kusi starts anytime from mid-March to end March and continues until late October. The kaskazi starts to blow any time from mid-November until mid-December and continues in to early March. Typically the kaskazi reaches its strongest during January with rough seas and strong winds. Usually from mid-february onwards the winds are becoming lighter and the seas calmer. March is typified by very calm, hot weather with the occasional rain storm in the latter half. The rainy season comes mostly in April and May with the strongest SE winds in June. As one progresses from July through September the periods of strong wind decrease and those of calm increase. October and November are usually calm similar to March but less hot with occasional rain.

TUNA SEASON
Annually large yellowfin tuna migrate along the Kenya coast and become channeled through the Pemba Channel. The largest tuna taken from Shimoni was 193-lb. September and October are normally considered the peak months yet it is interesting to note that the commercial offshore fleets in the Western Indian Ocean note May and June as the peak tuna months off East Africa. Certainly huge numbers of big yellowfin tuna were found in the Pemba Channel in early June 2003 taking quite readily.

The yellowfin tuna schools are followed by huge blue and black marlin as well as striped marlin, sailfish, mako shark, wahoo, dorado (mahi mahi, lampuga, coryphaen..), and many other game fish. The biggest black marlin taken was 800 lb. on 1st September, the biggest blue marlin, 724 1/2 lb. caught in the middle of September and granders have been raised at this time. There have been many big marlin caught and lost during August, September and October.
As the yellowfin tuna tend to run closer to Pemba Island a Pemba safari is ideal. One can be in the prime areas long before anyone else and leave long after the Shimoni-based boats have turned for home. But also you have a greater chance at all the other species such as wahoo, narrow-barred mackerel, barracuda etc. prolific along the Pemba drop-offs.

Other large tunas, such as bigeye tuna are present on the seamount some 55 nautical miles due east of Shimoni and huge dogtooth tuna occur along the Pemba reef's edge.

BILLFISH SEASON
Six varieties of billfish are found in the Pemba Channel including all three species of marlin - black, blue and striped - as well as sailfish, broadbill swordfish and even the rare shortbill spearfish. Of the marlins, striped form the majority and huge numbers of them migrate through the channel every year. The season runs from mid-November to mid-March when the wind blows from the Northeast, although small numbers may be caught at any other time. Sailfish are present throughout this period as well, although possibly December is the peak month.
Large sharks, such as tigers and hammerheads may also be taken at this time of year. Due to heavy commercial fishing in the World's oceans sharks are becoming endangered worldwide and we strongly encourage adopting a tag & release approach to sharks.

SWORDFISH SEASON
Although they may well occur all year round, October, November and March are ideal months to fish for them as the sea is generally calmer at this time. Fishing is at night, either by drifting with fresh squid (calamari) and cyalume lightsticks or slow trolling with artificial lures.
Strike rates have been very high in recent years with up to 17 strikes in a night from one boat.
Kenya is rapidly setting a name for broadbill on fly tackle. There have been three world records taken on fly off this coast so far. As the average size is small it is an ideal opportunity for those interested in broadbill on light or even ultra light tackle or fly fishing gear. But, not all are small for fish of over 150 kg have been taken, and some more than 200 kg seen during the daytime.

NIGHT FISHING
For broadbill swordfish either from Shimoni or as part of a Pemba Island Safari. If you take a trip to the seamount then one night is spent fishing for broadbill as part of the trip.

SEA MOUNTAIN
Trips to the Sea Mountain - this is 55 miles due East of Shimoni and must be done with a minimum of 2 boats. Generally we leave Shimoni at 06:30 arrive at the seamount around noon in time for the evening bite. We then fish for broadbill overnight and after fishing the early morning rise we return to Shimoni arriving at around 15:30 on day 2.

CUSTOMIZED SAFARIS
As well as our Pemba Safaris we are offering safaris to Mafia Is and Kilwa in Southern Tanzania or to Kiwayu in Northern Kenya. We can customize a safari to meet your specific requirements.

PRICES
We are continuing to offer our special LOW SEASON rate until 30th November 2003 and as from 16th March 2004. Prices are quoted in United States Dollars.

ACCOMMODATION
We have limited accommodation available to fishermen with four double rooms. There are two double rooms in our guest cottage on the beach with a further two doubles in Pat & Maia's house on the same plot.

The buildings are set in very attractive gardens with bouganvillias, sweet smelling frangipangis, mango trees and the incredible baobabs. There is also a resident troop of colobus monkeys in the garden !

All rooms have their own toilet and shower facilities and all meals are provided. The cuisine is good home cooking with an emphasis on fish and traditional Swahili style foods. There is a well-stocked fridge with beers, soft drinks and fresh juices on a self-serve basis within each house. For overseas visitors drinks are included within the price. Wines and spirits are not supplied and we recommend that you should bring these with you from duty free. Alternatively send us a list of your requirements, which will be purchased on your behalf and charged at cost only.

We do request that if you have special dietary needs that you inform us pre-arrival.

Alternative accommodation is available in or near Shimoni to suit all budgets including the very exclusive Funzi Keys Resort situated in Funzi Bay just to the north of Shimoni. We are able to pick you up directly from the resort with the boat and drop you back there after fishing.