LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Zanzibar island is big enough to warrant having an international airport (ZNZ). The kite spot is roughly 45 minutes from the airport. Transfers and taxis can easily be arranged for a reasonable rate. There is a good public transport system for getting about and lots of activities are within a 30 minute drive from the airport. The choice in accommodation is good between a five and 15 minute walking distance from the spot as is the choice in food, consisting of various local delicacies and seafood. There's also a selection of fun beach bars and local night clubs (for all tastes – including the 'friendly and sweaty') as well as hotel entertainment and shows, plus the kite centre run plenty of events, including full moon kiting and BBQ parties!
NON-KITING KICKS Scuba diving and snorkelling, amazing, tropical beaches and the vibrant Zanzibar culture, history and towns.
POCKET MONEY CURRENCY: Tanzania Shilling (TZS) £1 = TZS1,900 / €1 = TZS1,800 / $1 = TZS1,300. BEER = TZS,2000. AVERAGE RESTAURANT MEAL (no alcohol) = TZS10,000. AVERAGE HOTEL = TZS53,000 - 80,000.
SNAPSHOT Zanzibar is an archipelago off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. Part of the Republic of Tanzania, it comprises two main islands – Unguja and Pemba. This is an exotic tropical paradise, and there is no better way of escaping your everyday life than feeling the warmth of the sun, kiting in the ocean and enjoying the spice of the island's culture.
THE KITING In Tanzania, you'll visit two virtually untouched and ideal kitesurfing locations. Both are located on the stunning island of Unguja, Zanzibar’s main island atoll. The first is based in Paje, on the southeast coast, and the second in Kiwengwa, on the northeast coast. Perfect crystal clear warm tropical waters protected by a lagoon provide safe kiting for all with optional wave riding on the reef for more advanced riders. Trained kite handlers will assist you launch, land, set-up and pack up on the wide, tropical, uncrowded beaches. There is also rescue boat support available.
WATER, WIND AND WEATHER The northerly monsoon wind known as the Kaskazi comes in cross-onshore from December to April. Zanzibar gets the same wind system and conditions as Nyali and Diani beaches in Kenya. The southerly monsoon, the Kusi, blows from May to October and is more storm driven and gustier, ranging from 10 – 35 knots. The Kaskazi is steadier, averaging 15 – 25 knots. The lagoon has blissful flat water, with a depth ranging between one and five metres. A reef protects the lagoon and you'll find waves the reef. The water is lovely at 26°C / 78°F and the air temp averages 30°C / 86°F.
SCHOOLS East Africa extreme kiteboarding centres hold a good range of Best gear and teach beginner to instructor level IKO courses, with a maximum ratio of 4:1 (2:1 for level two courses and beyond). The facilities include a set-up and pack down zone, chill-out zones, compressor, rescue support, equipment storage, swimming pool, equipment storage, snacks, beverages, great music and good vibes! They also run downwinder excursions, including an 'Extreme downwinder', including 16 days kiting the Kenya coast and one week of Zanzibar downwinders.
Languages spoken by instructors: Various. Accredited by: IKO.
www.airbornekitecentre.com
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Tel: +254 (0) 734 272 361
