Kitesurf in Kenya : all you need to know
Kitesurfing in Kenya means tackling a vast coastline that offers very pleasant conditions.
There are two seasons for kiting in Kenya: from December to February, and from July to September.
While there are many spots along the entire coastline, the two most famous ones are Diani beach and Nyali beach.
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Why kitesurfing in Kenya is a good choice ?
While Kenya may quickly bring to mind safaris or Kilimanjaro, it is a country that has a very large coastline on the Indian Ocean with stunning white sand beaches. There are numerous spots, in turquoise blue lagoons protected by reefs on which beautiful waves roll.
Therefore, there is not just one type of safari to do in this country.
Moreover, the white sandy beaches and the rich biodiversity of the hinterland make it a pleasant destination for the whole family.
Best period and spots to kite in Kenya
The spots are spread all along the coast, from the region of Mombasa (the capital) in the south to Lamu in the north, passing through Nyali Beach and Diani Beach.
While the conditions are very similar throughout the country, they are nonetheless favorable for sailing. On the contrary, the coastline is almost continuously protected by a reef about 1 km from the shore, thus offering both flat water over turquoise lagoons, and decent reef waves further out.
Best season (for kiting): July to September + December to February with different types of wind patterns:
- The Kaskazi, which brings you a warm and constant north-east wind, blowing at about 20 knots from 10am to 6pm from December to March.
- After a short break due to unpredictable tropical showers from March to June, the Kusi from the south takes over until mid-September, with gusts that can reach 30 knots.
The Kusi wind is special. It’s the one that brings the best waves, created by large cyclones off the African coast during the southeast monsoon.
The tide here is no joke: it varies from 2 to 4 meters, and during high tides, you can see the beaches transform and the lagoons empty. But don’t worry, thanks to the equatorial climate, the water and air remain super warm all year round. Kenya is the ideal spot for those who love to live in a swimsuit all year round. So, ready for the adventure?
Discover the kite spots in Kenya
Nyali Beach
Diani Beach
What we love most
Drawbacks
- Not too much mass tourism
- Pleasant weather
- Landscapes and excursions
- No water at low tide
- Not much variety of spots
Our best advices to travelers
How to get there ?
Travel time: It takes between 11 and 15 hours, including a layover.
Direct flight: no
Time difference: UTC+3
Airlines: Kenya Airways – Ethiopian Airlines – KLM – Air France – Lufthansa
Main airports: Nairobi NBO – Mombasa MBA
Flight price: 600€ / 1100€
Formalities
- Mandatory vaccines: Yellow fever vaccine is required for all travelers entering Kenya.
- Visa requirements: American and British nationals need a visa to enter Kenya. The cost varies depending on the type of visa, ranging from $51 to $101.
- Electrical adapter: A Type G electrical adapter is needed in Kenya for both American and British nationals.
- Official language: English is the official language in Kenya.
- Currency: The currency used in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES).
Additional tips
There are direct flights to Nairobi (NBO) from France. But to reach the coast, you’d better land in Mombasa (MBA). You will have a layover in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Istanbul (Turkey)… etc according to the airline.
If you want to rent a car on the spot, it will cost you around 50€ per day. Be careful on the road, there is little signage and not all cars have high beams. It can be dangerous at night… Plan about 2 hours to travel 100 km.
Don’t be intimidated by the “beach boys” hanging out on the beaches bothering tourists, and watch your belongings…
What are the best non kitesurfing activities ?
Kenya is mostly known for its safaris, for hikes around Mount Kilimanjaro, but also for Mount Kenya.
There are many excursions to do in this country which has many tourist attractions.