KENYA

KENYA 14

4/5 4/5 3/5

KITE OPTIONS?

9 & 12.

WHICH WETSUIT?

Don’t be a fool.

BEER

€2.25 | $2.45 | £1.70

TYPICAL DINNER

Mostly European cuisine in the coast beach resorts, and in all the hotels, but you can easily get a local meal of beans, chapatti, BBQ goat or beef (nyama choma) for under $2.

LATE NIGHT…

All the beach towns have a local beach bar where you can expect to find some like-minded travelers or residents. Night clubs are also open every night of the week.

GETTING THERE

In terms of international airport options, you have Mombasa on the coast or Nairobi inland (and then an internal flight).

WHY KENYA?

While the more southern African metropolis of Cape Town tends to grab the headlines, Kenya has plenty to offer in the kiting department but without the crowds. And – if you check a map – you will see that it is also closer to the equator, so that temperature dial is turned up a notch or two as well. As ‘longer haul’ kite destinations go it’s becoming ever more popular and it’s easy to see why. Aside from the plus of it being a ‘boardies/bikini’ destination, there is also an insane amount of coastline to explore, and a heap of unique experience to be had inland.

RANDOM FACTOIDS:

– Kenya has 310 miles of prime white sanded kiteboarding perfection – There is a reef around a kilometer offshore which runs pretty much the whole length of the coast making for one of the biggest, longest and most alluring lagoons on the planet. – You need to be aware of the tides – they can have a pretty big range here and some of the lagoons will drain out at low tide leaving you with a bust fin or a potentially long walk home…

THE SET UP

Constant trade winds, a choice of sandbars, many kilometers of powder white sand beaches and large summer swells all help to make Kenya a wonderful playground for kitesurfers of all levels. Award-winning beaches, world class game reserves and a ton of other activities and sights close by also ensure that it is an incredible all-round holiday destination.

You can kite from pretty much any beach in Kenya, there is always lots of space and easy access to beaches all along the coast. All areas are uncongested, safe, and have more or less the same wind and wave conditions. The wind is always side-shore or side-onshore as the coastline runs the same direction as the wind. However, Kenya does not always provide good public facilities such as toilets, lifeguards or rescue and security, so it may be best to pick somewhere that is set up for kiting in case you need repairs, rescue, or just generally a good atmosphere and some company on the water. For this, the obvious places are Diani Beach, Watamu, Che Shale and Funzi which all provide facilities for kiters.

THE SEASON

From December to March the prevailing wind is a N/NE consistent trade wind. Every day there is wind from 10am – 6pm (with 100% windy days from mid-December through to mid-February). The wind and waves are moderate and the water is less choppy and it is clear and warm. You can also dive and do SUP at this time of year, and there is very little chance of rain.

From June to September the prevailing wind is S/SE and is less consistent but stronger and more powerful. It usually kicks in around 8am and the waves and swell are bigger with a cooler water temp. The sea is also murkier as it’s agitated from all the wind and rough seas. It can rain, but usually only at night or early morning.

From March to May there is a chance of wind, but it’s usually quite light and can be onshore. It is fun for landboarding or skimboard kiting on one of the bigger flatter beaches like Galu or Che Shale.

From September to December the wind is at its lightest and generally onshore. The water is crystal clear, the weather is very pleasant and vistas are stunning. It is good for diving and SUP, and there can be some windy days so there is still a chance to kite.

NO WIND?

Deep sea fishing: Best on the North coast near Che Shale. September to April.

Lake Naivasha: A lovely wildlife area on a huge lake – lots of flamingo, hippo, birdlife, leopard, buffalo, waterbuck and zebra.

Mombasa old town: Great shopping on the streets of the old town with a unique Arab/African blend of cultures.

Nairobi: Feed giraffes at the giraffe rehab center in Karen, and adopt an orphan elephant at Daphne Sheldrick elephant orphanage. Both are reputable and responsible organizations.