THE LURE Safaga itself is a port and a typically Egyptian town that sits on the verge of the majestic but imposing desert. Situated about 50 kilometres south of Hurghada, Safaga is blessed with a number of diving bases as well as arguably one of Egypt's best kitesurfing spots. The contrast between the azure and turquoise hues of the ocean against the barren, blazing desert make this an impressive setting for a wind-filled holiday.
THE SET UP: Suitable for everyone, from beginners to expert, Safaga is an all-round classic kite destination. Kite Bay contains a 350m x 150m waist-deep kitesurfing area, the first part of which is protected by a spit. At high tide, Kite Bay offers perfect bodydragging and water-starting conditions for those first few tentative metres on a kiteboard. Once you're comfortable with this stage, you can head for the stretch of beach upwind of Kite Bay at low tide, the imaginatively titled Kite Bay 2. It's ideal for advanced kiters also, thanks to its outstanding wind potential. A boat excursion is available to Kiriazi Bay (Soma Bay) that culminates in a five kilometre downwinder back to the beach strip.
WIND & WEATHER: May to December are the windiest months, but you can find sun and wind all year in Safaga!
OFF THE WATER: A handful of hotels of various standards form a strip on the beach, roughly a ten-minute drive from Safaga town. The beach hotels are all either halfboard or all-inclusive, so buffet style is what you can expect, although they often have different themes to spice things up. Safaga evenings are about chilling out with a shisha and a couple of beers. A venue for all night bars, this is not, although there is often a weekly trip to Hurghada for a mad night. A couple of the hotels have children's clubs and if your children are happy with a lovely sandy beach and a pool then it's ideal. The centres will often host BBQs and you'll find yourself mixing easily with other watersports enthusiasts.
DON'T MISS: • Excursions to Luxor. • Snorkelling and diving. • Kiteboarding trip to Kirikazi.
AIRPORTS: Hurghada (HRG) – Safaga is about a one hour drive away. Taxis are relatively cheap.
