THE LURE The beauty of a kitesurfing holiday to Kenya is the wealth of alternative activities to hand. In addition to kitesurfing, the Kenya coast offers white sands, turquoise waters, great scuba-diving (especially in November to March when whale sharks migrate up the East African coast) and deep sea fishing. Many of the more energetic kitesurfers also combine their trip with a hike up Kilimanjaro, or Mount Kenya. And of course, you can't come all the way to Africa and not go on safari. An hour's drive from Diani are the Shimba Hills, one of the largest areas of coastal rainforest in East Africa, where you can spot buffalo, sable antelope, elephant, giraffe and the odd lion and leopard. However, jump in a plane for an hour and you'll reach the Masai Mara, the most famous game reserve in the world.
THE CONDITIONS: Nyali beach is just an hour north of Diani and both receive the same conditions. The winds in this area are always cross or cross-onshore from the left, so you're never going to get blown out to sea. A reef that runs a kilometre off the whole coast keeps the waves out and also creates a fantastic lagoon on the inside that's perfect for learning or practising freestyle. There is very little chop on the inside, even when it's really windy. The only downside is that for an hour either side of low tide it gets very shallow. However, there is a deeper lagoon in Galu beach which neighbours Diani, if you don't fancy your chances. The reef itself creates brilliant down-the-line riding for those that are up for tackling an eight to 25 foot reef break which can be left exposed during a big swell.
WIND & WEATHER: The best time to kitesurf here is December to the end of February when the Kaskazi (northerly) trade wind blows, or between June and September during the southerly Kuzi trade wind season. However, there is usually enough wind to kite in the off season too. In full swing the trades blow at 14 to 22 knots and are ideal for learning and improving your skills. The air temperatures hover around the 29°C mark.
WATER: Being the Indian Ocean, the water is always beautifully warm, welcoming you in most of the time at around 27°C
THE ACCOMMODATION: There is a varied selection of accommodation, from private cottages and houses, romantic thatched getaways, stilt houses and two to five-star hotels. Any board basis is available from self-catering through to all-inclusive. Seafood is high on the agenda and fresh off the local boats each day, or if you fancy catching your own dinner, game fishing is a popular pursuit in this area. A good selection of other cuisine is also available at the hotels and in the several local restaurants. The hotels offer a selection of entertainment, including a casino and the Forty Thieves beach bar which is one of those dream watering holes right on the beach. Stick your feet in the sand, grab a cold glass of Tusker, tip your head back and relax like you never have before. The all-inclusive hotels are the best bet if you have children. As this is a much quieter spot than Nyali, you may find a lack of single kiters to socialise with if you travel alone.
DON'T MISS: • Old Town Mombassa • Giraffe feeding in Haller Nature Park • The Shimba Hills Rainforest
AIRPORTS: Mombasa Moi International airport (MBA): 45 minute transfer, depending on traffic, to Diani. Alternatively fly into Nairobi (NBO) for a safari and then transfer one hour to Mombasa.
GETTING ABOUT: You need a visa which you can buy on arrival for 35 GBP or 50 USD payable in cash. Your hotel will usually provide a transfer for you from the airport, but there are always taxis, and they have fixed maximum rates that are non-negotiable in Mombasa. Car hire is expensive and the rules on the road are very different to what you might be used to!
