Kite Rafting
Beyond all doubt one of the best places in the world to go kitesurfing is the East African coast where it meets the Indian ocean specifically south of Mombasa at Diani beach and the island of Zanzibar. The white sand beaches in these areas are known for their crystal-clear water, warm temperatures, and consistent trade winds. This coastline is a world class kiting location for all riders, with some of most popular beaches, gorgeous turquoise lagoons, super flat conditions and consistent on-shore winds. A holiday in Zanzibar and at Diani beach is an unforgettable experience, with so much to see and do. On calm days, explore the island’s rich and ancient culture and nature, and on windy days, nature walks and boat cruises on the traditional Swahili dhow boats, fishermen and friendly locals. Think of the East African coast and the image that immediately comes to your mind is of beautiful breathtaking beaches, crystal clear waters with unique oceanic creatures, majestic ancient Indian temples and Arabic architect buildings and mosques, a vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine along with oceanic food delicacies and rich traditions and rituals serving as a reminder of its glorious past. The East African coast has quite an endless list of what to offer beyond beach sports and hospitality of some of the best resorts, restaurants, hotels and lounges on the continent. The list includes white water rafting, horse riding, quad biking, Snorkeling, Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Sky diving, wildlife conservation parks, boat cruises, stand up paddle boarding, water skiing, stand up paddle boarding, water skiing among others.
For beginners, the best months are from mid-June until mid-October and the end of December until mid-March.
Wind at Paje Beach Zanzibar is always side- onshore. From June until October the Kusi blows from the south-east, in December the Kaskasi blows from the north-east.
For experts, the best months are from mid-June until mid-September and the end of December until the end of February. While the above listed time-frames are the norm, variations do occur. Therefore, we do recommend you to check the wind history on the island.
The average wind speed is around 16 knots, usually increasing towards the end of the day in the late afternoon and early evening. The most commonly used kite sizes are 12, 10 and 9 meters, with some occasional 7-meter kiting, depending on your body weight and the wind speed. Beginners can revel in the opportunity to ride on flat waters, while intermediate and advanced riders can take pleasure in playing with the waves near the reef.
The adventure does not discriminate individuals that have not gone kite rafting before, there’s room to embark on the sport and learn and enjoy it for an unforgettable experience. There are windsurfing courses as well as equipment rentals in place for anyone interested in the sport with guidance from a professional kite rafting team. Kitesurfing lessons typically cost between $100 and $200 per hour, with a minimum of six to ten hours required for most beginners, however, you may require more lessons. Some schools offer multi-day packages that can be more cost-effective. These packages can range from $500 to $1,000 for several days of instruction.