Kitesurfing in Zanzibar: we have found paradise! Pearly white sandy beaches, 27 degree turquoise waters, palm trees, friendly people… But especially lovely kite conditions for every level. For beginners to freestylers there is flat shallow water all the way to the reef. And on the reef there are beautiful waves for the advanced wave kitesurfers among us. The coast of Zanzibar is building its reputation as a world class kiting paradise, but still keeps this atmosphere of being undiscovered and new. For Oceanbirdz it is a truly unique place to combine kitesurfing with relaxing and discovering the raw beauty of this relatively untouched island.
The perfect kiteboarding holiday
Our kiteboarding camp to Zanzibar is a special one, after many requests we create custom packages the way you want it; We take care of the accommodation in a luxurious beachfront hotel, single or double room, with the kitesurf school and lunch bar on the same plot. You ‘roll’ from your room in to the pool or ocean and your gear will be ready on the beach. Different here? We cooperate with a (dutch) kiteschool and coach Lieve will be around a few hours per day instead of 24hrs a day. Of course we do take care of all your holiday wishes and introduce you to the group! We make sure you don’t have to think about anything else than walking in your boardshort or bikini to the spot. If it ever happens there is no wind, activities will be arranged via the reception or our host. We dropped the prices, but included accommodation, breakfast and gear lockers. Airport transfers and coaching can be booked on request. Do we need to say more? Join us at paradise!
Level : Beginner till advanced
Date : 17/18th of January till 7/8th of Februari 2020
(depending on flights you prefer we accept arrivals on friday and saturday)
Kite beach in the Indian Ocean
Zanzibar is a small but mostly idyllic holiday paradise just off the Tanzanian coast in the Indian Ocean. Here you can find beaches with palm trees and sand as white as on the pictures. The island has the most turquoise and crystal clear waters you have seen. Right in front of the kite centre in Paje there are two massive lagoons. The conditions vary by the tides, with flat water on both lagoons when it is low to middle tide, and beach kickers at high tide. Neap tide leaves us flat water all day. There is a reef 1.8 km away from the beach with clean 2-5 meter waves. This is the perfect place to get strapless or play on your twin tip. For enthusiasts we can organize epic downwinders along the reef, down the coast or out to exotic locations such as the island of Mnemba.
Wind season
Kusi and Kaskazi are the prevailing winds on the island. From June to October the Kusi blows from the southeast. In December it is Kaskazi blowing from the northeast. The wind in Zanzibar is always side onshore. The best months for beginners are mid June to mid October and end of December to mid March. The best months for advanced riders are mid June to mid September and end of December/beginning of January to the end of February.
Kite sizes
The average wind speed is around 16 till 18 knots, usually increasing late afternoon and early evening. The most commonly used kite sizes are 9-12 meters, with some occasional 7 meter kiting conditions. Of course it depends on your length, technique and bodyweight which kites you should bring.
Water temperature
The water temperature is always over 24 degrees Celsius. So leave your wetsuit at home :-)
Beautiful hotel at Paje
Paje, the village where we are staying, is an African village where the pace of life has not changed for over fifty years. The people are curious, friendly and welcoming. But most of all they teach us what we have lost long time ago in the rushed western world: ‘hakuna matata’ (meaning ‘no worries’ in the Swahili language) and ‘pole pole’ (‘take it slow’). Our small luxurious hotel is on the beach and has her own European kite centre. The accommodation is cozy and has friendly staff. It offers everything you need during your stay at Paje. There are 2 single rooms and 3 double (standard rooms – kingsize bed) and 3 twin rooms (deluxe, 2 seperate beds) available for our guests.
Restaurant
The restaurant serves breakfast between 8am and 10am. Breakfast is included in the kite camp package. The restaurant is open all day, so if you wish you can also order lunch, diner or some extra treats for yourself. The choice of dishes vary from traditional Swahili food to western style meals. They are specialized in Coffee and Cake ;)
Lounge & bar
The hotel has an undisturbed lounge area next to the swimming pool. Here you can relax in the nice and comfy couches after a long day on the beach. Enjoy a cold drink, read a book, play a game with other guests or just listen to the sound of the waves.
WiFi
Wireless internet is available in the restaurant area. Though we ask you for patience as power/electricity on Zanzibar can be unstable (don’t forget you are in Africa!). There is a computer that you may use to check your e-mail or if you really HAVE to read the latest news from home.
Laundry
It is possible to have your laundry done at the hotel. Ask for prices at the reception. Depending on the weather you will have your clothes back the following day, all dry and clean.
Paje
Oceanbirdz is very much involved in the local village. We are concerning the development of the village as well as its well-being. To meet and experience the local community you can walk into the town without any problems. Please dress yourself to respect the local culture while entering town. Ellen & Arjan can tell you all about the town and place to visit.
Flights
Flights are not included, but as always we are more than happy to help and advice you as we have done this trip already many times. There are different ways to get to Zanzibar, although we would recommend flying directly to the island and to avoid taking multiple airplanes or the ferry from Dar Es Salaam. The most popular airlines are TuiFly, Condor, Emirates, KLM and Kenya Airways (this also depends on your country of departure). Tuifly.be offers affordable flights departing from Brussels from €399,- on and also other airlines sometimes have affordable flights from Brussels.
Transfer
Once arrived on Zanzibar, when booked, there will be a transfer ready arranged by us. You will arrive in Paje after approximately one hour of driving. Don’t forget to make a stop at the airport ATM, as there are only a few on the island. They are located in Paje (empty most of the time), Stonetown and at the airport. You do need cash on this island. Once at the hotel, Lieve will be there to meet and greet.
Visa
A visa is available upon arrival at the airport in Zanzibar for $ 50,-. Bring this in cash or with Credit Card!
INCLUDED IN THE TRIP
+ Accommodation in luxurious hotel in Paje
+ Standard (kingsize bed – 2p max) room included daily breakfast
+ Kite gear storage at the hotel
+ Oceanbirdz crew around and Waterfront crew live available 24 hours
EXTRA OPTIONS TO BOOK
+ Shared deluxe (2 single beds) instead of standard room €70,- per person per week extra
+ Private room (when still available): Standard € 266,- per week // Deluxe €367,50
+ Kitesurf beginner course including equipment rental and IKO certificate: 9 hours € 290,-
+ Kitesurf beginner course 9 hours (as above) + 3 half days shared equipment rental: € 390,-
+ Kitesurf intermediate course: 6 hours € 290,-
+ Kitesurf coaching hours (wave or trick): 2 hours € 110,- / 6 hours € 290,-
+ Kitesurf private lessons: € 75,- per hour
+ Kitesurf equipment rental: 7 days € 290,- / 14 days € 450,-
+ Airports transfer both ways €70,- single or from €45,- on when shared (we will try to combine)
NOT INCLUDED
+ Plane Tickets
+ Bring your own equipment (up to 32 kg, depending on airline)
+ Visa (available upon arrival at the airport for $ 50,-)
+ Vaccinations
Price
1 week € 332,50,- accommodation incl breakfast and storage only
2 weeks €665,- accommodation incl breakfast and storage only
