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: Choose from hotels set in flamboyant tropical gardens on isolated beaches or contemporary wooden apartments with swimming pools overlooking the ocean, all the way through to budget houses. With Mombasa being so close, you're really spoilt in terms of nightlife. Most restaurants are owner-operated and you'll find everything from Chinese to Indian to Italian to fresh seafood, and from 'eat off the street' to fine dining. There are also many clubs, bars and discos all within a ten minute drive of Nyali for a few late ones and for throwing some shapes at a DJ. Wherever you go at night, watch out for the girls - in Kenya the Western blokes will begin to understand how the ladies in the West must feel when out on the town! A beer will set you back about 60p!
DON'T MISS: Old Town Mombassa Giraffe feeding in Haller Nature Park The Shimba Hills Rainforest
AIRPORTS: Mombasa Moi International airport (MBA/HKMO): 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!
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