Full Of Surprise: Zanzibar Kiteboarding
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you’ve probably realized that Zanzibar is much much more than a take-out restaurant in a Tenacious D song. Only a short flight off the coast of Tanzania, this under-the-radar beach destination has quietly become a kiteboarding mecca. And for good reason. With 2 distinct windy seasons: December to February & June to August the shallow warm water lagoon stretches for miles down the small island’s east coast, Zanzibar is a kiter’s dream.
At low tide, the sand bottom lagoon ranges from 6 inches to waist deep and stretches nearly a mile offshore to the outer reef. As the fishing boats are left beached on the sand waiting for the incoming tide, the place becomes a flat water riding playground. If there’s a more beautiful flat water spot on earth, you’ll be hard-pressed to find it. In today’s social media culture, it can be difficult to distinguish which locations actually take your breath away and which ones only look good with a properly applied Clarendon Filter. Rest assured, Zanzibar needs no filters. The colors here are so vibrant that you’ll put your phone away in favor of the real thing.
The beach region known as Paje is the premier kite beach on the island but there are other great spots to be found both to the north and south of the main riding area. Paje has a mix of accommodations ranging from beachfront shacks to high end villas. White Sand Villas, home to Zanzibar Kite Paradise, is an ideal spot to post up for a week.
Staying at the White Sand Villas
If you’re staying at White Sand, starting the day off with a trip to the Hammam steam room is the only way to go. Once your muscles and mind are clear, grab some fresh-squeezed juice and stroll down to meet Marcel at the kite cabin. The Indian Ocean trade winds are consistent in season so you’ll time your kite sessions based on the tides. Zanzibar Kite Paradise is the premier school in Paje. They have a number of top instructors and update their gear every season. They’re situated at the south end of Paje beach out of the way of the crowds during busier vacation times.
Staying at Villa Serenity
If you’re traveling with a large group Villa Serenity offers 4 bedroom stand alone villas each with a private pool. There are 5 villas on the property, 2 of them are oceanfront. It’s a short walk down the beach from the main beginner area and experienced kiters can launch directly in front of the property. In terms of private villa options in Zanzibar for kitesurfing groups Villa Serenity is a great choice, it doesn’t have the luxury resort amenities like White Sand, but it makes up for what it lacks with a more affordable price point.
Staying in Jambiani
If you’re traveling solo or on a tighter budget your best bet is to look towards Jambiani, a small fishing village 10 miles south of Paje. Jambiani has a host of smaller boutique, no frills resorts and several smaller kite schools on the beach.
Zanzibar is hardly a secret now, but it still seems relatively quiet for the world class conditions it offers. If you’re considering making the trip, reach out before you go (team@heli.life) and we’ll help you make the most of it. It truly is an incredible place that should be on the bucket list of every kiteboarder.
