The best kiting conditions can be found on Zanzibar’s South-East Coast, with Paje and Jambiani being the two main kiting areas. A reef about 1 – 2 km from the coast naturally creates super flat conditions during mid to low tides, making this a great spot for beginners to try their hand at kiting and experienced riders to hone their skills. For the more adventurous wave riders out there, make the reef your personal play ground, with no crowds and an abundance of clean, long-interval waves up to 2 metres in height.
At high tide or mid-tide, the lagoon of Jambiani offers perfect conditions for foil kiting or wing surfing, which are becoming increasingly popular in recent years.
There are two main seasons suitable for kiting:
Season 1: June to October – consistent stronger winds, typical wind speeds – 12 to 20 knots;
Season 2: December to March – typical wind speeds 10 to 20 knots,
The wind direction throughout both seasons provides ideal cross on-shore wind conditions.
With wind speeds ranging from 10 to 20 knots, typical kite sizes of 9m to 15m are appropriate.
Jambiani is the less busy of the two main spots on the south-east coast, with less traffic on the beach and on the water. An excellent spot in general with its beautiful blue lagoons and sandbanks – the conditions at Jambiani can provide you with an unforgettable experience as you cruise the soft waves of the Indian Ocean.
Aside from kiting and tourism, the charming fishermen’s village is also known for its seaweed culture, in which village women cultivate seaweed to make body creams and soaps. Everyone finds their place in the lagoon, respecting each other and sharing their love for the Indian Ocean: the kite surfers, the women who cultivate seaweed and the fishermen.
