Kiting in East Africa

hi there, Anybody been kiting in Kenya or Zanzibar yet? There's some really awesome spots around here! Flat water, wave, secret spots, its all here! So who's keen to come give it a go?

yeah why not - fly me over, put me up with a place to stay, all expenses and I'll write an unbiased review of the place. I ride both flats and waves

Zanzibar is awesome, spent a month there. You are no pioneer though, its well known to euros. 5 kite schools: 1 italian, 1 dutch, 1 french, aaah i forget what the others but a somewhat clicky scene where they all stick to their own. Not that it bothers an aussie on another continent.
Waves on outer reef at high tide are ok to good.
Sunburn/eyeglare factor extreme 11am to 3pm (think snow blind from whiteness of sand).
Low tide loooong walk, mini lagoon heaven on rising tides, then chop huge area at high tide. Wind every day.
Weed farms on the mid way of the lagoon can be 'interesting'.
Strongly recommend.

you fly to Dar es Salaam and then catch a ferry. Or you fly into nairobi and domestic to Dar. Just had 2 months in africa, and was an insane experience. Would definitely go back, not just to kite. As for the kite schools, they are all over the island mainly on the east. I was up in Nungwi in the north, there was one kite school, and was heaps more laid back. Was a lot of europeans- but there's a lot of space. I wouldnt mind travelling Africa with some like minded people who would want to kitesurf some new spots.

Worked in Tanzania for a year, spent a bit of time kiting at Paje beach in Zanzibar - brilliant spot. Nice flat water, good facilities, great food, vibrant town center, "exciting" taxi rides and good people. Good flat water (depending on the tide) and nice waves outside the reef. Spent my time at the Zanzibar kite center, good setup on the beach. Not too many people either which was great.

Seems kid friendly to me, but I dont have kids so im not 100% on the criteria.
Not dangerous.
Kite launch zones seem fairly clearly set out in front of each school i.e. limited sand castle building with decapitation.
Relaxed casual vibe, not crowded or busy.
Hmmn yeh kid friendly from my view.

I'm in the same boat as craggers, don't have kids but it seems fine to me.

Tanzania is one of the most stable countries in Africa, wouldn't be concerned on that front. Its also quite well developed. There is plenty of shopping in town and plenty to see, lots of history and tours to do in stone town. The seafood markets at night are brilliant and there is some fairly nice accomadation (even by western standards) if you want to do it comfortably.

You can fly direct from Perth, just checked it out. Its a 46 hours and that is just flying time!

Perth Bangkok, Bangkok to Ethiopia then onto Zanzibar.

Peak times 2500 grand give or take.

Book non peak and a year ahead...1500 to 2500 depending on airline.

Looks like Bali sanur again next year.

But might try a boys trip only...


Found a flight through SA airlines that only has 24 hours of flying time. Only!

Yep june/july is peak season. I was there in Feb, but still had heaps of wind- not sure if I was lucky though... As for getting there, when I say 'Dar' I mean Dar es Salaam. It's the closest mainland part of Tanzania, and has an international airport with flights from europe and definitely Johannesburg. I toured from South Africa up to Kenya, so it was just a stop over for me- but your best bet is to fly Perth to Johannesburg, and then get a cheap flight from there to Dar es Salaam. The 'fast' ferry is then only 2 hours from Dar to Stonetown, the major city on Zanzibar island. If you're seriously thinking about going I have heaps of advice to offer, cause I was over there quite recently. As for stability.....well, it's not ideal. Zanzibar/'Dar'/most places in Tanzania are heavily Muslim, and sometimes there is conflict between other religious groups etc. But if you know what you're doing, and you don't skive on money and have some travel sense you'll be fine. If you're super concerned fly direct to Zanzibar, cause 'Dar' is a cross between Africa and the Middle East- so can be pretty crazy!
as for extra activities, your missus wouldn't be disappointed, my girlfriend would rather punch a hole on my canopy than even help me launch and she loved it. But yes, the Sun is HOT! and as gay as you'll look specs will come in handy. The blokes I kited with were so chill, just there to make sure you have a good time, and they'll ride with you as well. If I had the money I would be back there now.

I've just had a week there. We flew Perth, Mauritius, Dar es Salam, Zanzibar. Long way!

It's got two seasons, we were at the start of the winter season and had lightish winds, but they get stronger I'm lead to believe.

Definitely best to base at Paje, it looks just like those photos. Wow! Feels like it is set up for young Euro travellers. We had very low tides, and it wasn't really kitable at low tide. Good flat water at mid tides and reasonable waves and a lot of chop at the high tides. Lots of beginners, but enough experienced kiters to share the waves with.

Kite-able to the East of Nungwi, but the wind is offshore ish, there is no beach at high tides, tricky wind shadows, sktechy launching spots, and not much support, so you need a local guide or time to suss it out.

Zanzibar would be fine for kids, but I'd stick with resorts if that was the case. It felt safe enough, but it is exotic, poor and chaotic. I'd definitely go back, but wouldn't make a specific trip from Aus.

K