Kiteworld Magazine | The original international kitesurfing magazine

THE LURE

Constant trade winds, a choice of sandbars and seven kilometres of powder white sand beaches in a World Heritage location.

Kenya Watamu Kiteworld travel PHOTOS / Tribe Watersports

THIS IS WATAMU - CRAIG CUNNINGHAM / COLLEEN CARROLL

"We had no expectations for Kenya, all we knew is we wanted to go on a Safari but the adventure that unfolded was one we'll never forget! Our 10 day trip to Watamu was packed with a unique experience each day... world class kiteboarding locations, wildlife like we'd never seen before and so many other activities, we were blown away by everything this little town had to offer!"

Many thanks to Tribe Watersports

THE SET-UP

The main seven kilometre long beach of Watamu, Turtle Bay, is one of Kenya’s oldest fishing settlements. A natural reef protects the beach, ranging from 500 metres to two kilometres off the beach. There are waist to over-head waves on the reef during the summer and an abundance of sand bars on the inside, creating lovely, knee-to-waist deep flat water spots, while the wide beaches allow for safe launching and landing.

A large inland creek known as, Mida, lies just off the main bay, so there’s lots on offer on a daily basis. You’ll find a lively kiting community who regularly do downwinders, visit islands and play on the awesome waves on the reef a kilometre out to sea.

Tribe Watersports run excursions to the idyllic riding spots at Mida and joining the Watamu Kite club will get you discounts and free entry in to clubs, bars and restaurants in the local area. Tribe also now run instructor courses – see the schools section.

Watamu kitesurfing

PHOTO / Tribe Watersports

Acres of safe space, warm turqoise waters and soft sand make learning a pleasure / PHOTO: Tribe Watersports

PHOTO / Tribe Watersports

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER

Two trade wind seasons: the Kaskazi blows December to April from the north-east, averaging around 20 - 25 knots, generally picking up from about 11am. You’ll use your nine metre a lot during the day and your 12 metre into the evening. The Kuzi blows June to September from the south-east and is the windiest time of year, averaging 25 knots, occasionally increasing to over 30. Being equatorial winds, both systems are extremely constant and blow cross and cross-onshore, providing safe riding conditions.

The best swells come during the Kuzi season and Watamu has its fair share of breaks to enjoy as the large Indian Ocean swells meet with the reef and the sand bars. The air temperature can reach 36°C / 97°F during the Kaskazi season. The Kuzi air temperature is sometimes a little cooler, but not by much. Water temperatures range from 25 - 30°C / 77 - 86°F throughout the year, so it’s boardies / bikinis all year round!

Kenya Watamu Kiteworld travel
PHOTO / Tribe Watersports

SCHOOLS

Tribe Watersports

TRIBE WATERSPORTS is an IKO and BKSA approved school running courses for all levels. Video coaching, photo-shoots and instructor courses available and Slingshot gear can be hired. The Watamu Kitesurfing Club provide rescue cover and storage. Tribe is also a wakeboarding and waterskiing school. SUP and foiling as well as dolphin SUP excursions also offered.

Tribe can also assist with accommodation bookings, making your holiday details a breeze. Languages: English, Spanish, French, German and Dutch.

www.tribe-watersports.com

info@tribe-watersports.com

Tribe kite school, Watamu

Kenya Watamu Kiteworld travel
PHOTOS / Tribe Watersports

ACCOMMODATION

BARAKA BEACH HOUSE is a private house with five sea-view rooms and features an infinity pool on Watamu’s beachfront. Inhouse chef cooks local and Italian cuisine, all bedrooms have sea views and the roof terrace lookout is stunning.

www.airbnb.com/h/barakabeachhouse
tararawood@gmail.com

Views from the Baraka House

A popular AirBnB spot…

Unwind after a day on the water

Medina Palms resort is highly recommended with a wide range of accommodation from apartments to houses for groups. Offering the best of everything at affordable rates, it's right on the beach. Self-catering is possible in all apartments and houses, but there are also restaurants on site. Tribe Watersports is located on site at Medina Palms.

Medina Palms / PHOTO: Tribe Watersports

NO WIND

World famous day or weekend safari trips leave Watamu daily. The Tsavo National Park (Kenya’s largest game reserve) is only a two-hour drive away while the Araboke Sakoke forest has a watering hole within 15-minutes of the centre of town where elephants regularly drink. You’ll find incredible diving and deep sea fishing, or you can visit local historical ruins, a turtle rehabilitation centre, snake park or join sundowner dhow cruises on Mida creek. As well as all the extra activities that both Tribe and Baraka offer, there is always something to keep you busy on a windless day... check out Tribe’s dolphin SUP excursions!

PHOTOS / Tribe Watersports

GET AROUND

There are loads of tuk-tuks to take you to different kitesurfing spots along the bay, for around 300KSH from anywhere in town. Bodabodas are motor bike taxis and they charge just around 50KSH, though these have been known to be a bit reckless!

Kiteworld Travel Guide Watamu

Currency

Kenyan Shilling (KSH): £1 = 140KSH / €1 = 118KSH / $1 = 87KSH Dollars are widely accepted and there are cash points that accept foreign cards.

FOOD AND DRINK

There are two main supermarkets and, as a fishing village, it’s especially easy to get hold of fresh fish, lobster and crab at very little cost. Lots of options for eating out and, with a large Italian influence in the area, the pizza restaurants are excellent!

AIRPORT

Malindi airport (MYD) is 20 mins away. Mombassa (MBA) is 2.5 hrs away. Transfers can be organised by Tribe Watersports. There are daily flights into Kenya. Tribe Watersports recommend Ethiopian Airways - there’s a stop-off in Addis Ababa for a few hours, but you can take 60kg of baggage starting at £450 return. Kenya Airways also fly into Nairobi with connecting flights to Malindi and Mombasa.

Watamu | Kenya

Choice Rating

WHEN TO GO

USEFUL CONTACTS

THE LURE

THIS IS WATAMU - CRAIG CUNNINGHAM / COLLEEN CARROLL

Many thanks to Tribe Watersports

THE SET-UP

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER

SCHOOLS

ACCOMMODATION

NO WIND

GET AROUND

Currency

FOOD AND DRINK

AIRPORT

Choice Rating

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