Did you know Zanzibar is more than merely a paradise where you can let your cares fade away? That’s partly thanks to its lush vegetation and many sought-after beaches. This alluring destination has many enjoyable activities and attractions that call out to you. Zanzibar is home to vibrant nightlife scenes, exciting diving adventures and enticing snorkelling opportunities, with much more to offer. With all this and more, would you be surprised that some of the sensational experiences you can have in Zanzibar include surfing and kitesurfing too? The mighty Indian Ocean surrounds the archipelago just off the coast of Tanzania, after all. You’ll have a haven of water sports at your fingertips! Let us show you some of the best places to go surfing and kitesurfing in Zanzibar (Unguja Island).
Spots up North
Nungwi
Nungwi is home to one of the best Zanzibar beaches. No wonder it’s been in the top lists of beaches in the world, from a variety of travel magazines and news outlets. The winds at Nungwi can be excellent for kitesurfing in Zanzibar. Get ready for exhilarating rides in the air! You can get equipment and lessons/assistance at the local school in Nungwi, Kiteboarding Zanzibar. The staff at the school can also advise you on the weather patterns and the best time to go kitesurfing. You can get the relevant contact info below:
Kiteboarding Zanzibar
Address: | Nungwi Kite Beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania |
Hours: | Monday – Sunday 08:00 – 19:00 |
Phone: | +255 779 720 259 |
Email: | info@kiteboardingzanzibar.com |
If you prefer the calmer activity of stand-up paddleboarding, the waters at Nungwi are calm enough. Kitesurfing Zanzibar also offers stand-up paddleboarding lessons at one hour sessions and stand-up paddleboarding yoga classes for two hours.
North Reef
Visit this part of Zanzibar during winter (June – August) and get ready for thrilling rides along huge waves! Surfing in Zanzibar gets even better with the fact that surfing isn’t an everyday activity on the island. You won’t have to worry about other surfers.
You can get surfboards at the Kiteboarding Zanzibar branch in Nungwi. For their contact information, refer to the information above under the info for Nungwi.
As for how you can get to these locations, check out this map of surfing and kitesurfing spots in Zanzibar for directions and to help you arrive exactly where you need to be.
Spots Along the East and South Coast
Kiwengwa and Pwani Mchangani
The beach along Kiwengwa and Pwani Mchangani is a popular hotspot for surfing and kitesurfing in Zanzibar. The wind conditions are perfect any time of the year, so get ready for an adventure in the air! The local kitesurfing school, Surfescape Village Zanzibar, is open throughout the year. That means you can take advantage of the low season (March-May and November) and go kitesurfing without the crowds.
Do you think you can tackle the strong waves at Kiwengwa? Then get your surfboard ready and watch out for high tide. High tide alternates at different times during certain days, such as around 6 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM and 7 PM.
Would you rather have a relaxing time with stand-up paddling in Kiwengwa? Watch for the low tide, which alternates at certain times on different days, such as 9 AM, 11 AM and 9 PM.
If you are in need of surfing and kitesurfing equipment, visit Surfescape Village Zanzibar in Pwani Mchangani. Get their contact info below.
Address: | Main Road, Pwani Mchangani, Kiwengwa, Zanzibar North, Tanzania |
Hours: | Monday – Saturday 08:00 – 19:00
Sunday 08:00 – 18:30 |
Phone: | +255 657 420 259 |
Email: | booking@surfescapevillages.com |
Dongwe
The village of Dongwe is an excellent place for surfing and kitesurfing in Zanzibar. There are usually not many crowds on this part of Zanzibar, during both the week and weekend. You’ll get to ride the waves and the air and be free of worrying about large groups of people on the beach
Aquaholics Zanzibar is in Dongwe, where you can get all your equipment and chat with the locals about the weather patterns in the area.
Address: | The Sands Beach Resort, Pingwe Village Road, Pingwe, Tanzania |
Hours: | Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 16:00 |
Phone: | +255 776 219 337 |
Email: | info@aquaholics-zanzibar.com |
The opening hours of the Dongwe Base strongly depend on the tides and can vary.
Paje
The beach along Paje is a great spot for surfing and kitesurfing in Zanzibar.
You’ll get a shallow bay, flat lagoon water, quiet beach and perfect winds for kitesurfing. Many surfing and kitesurfing schools operate in Paje, making it a great place to learn if you’re a newbie!
Paje has great waves, so grab your surfboards and get ready to ride the waves!
If you’d rather slow down, the shallow waters close to shore are just right for stand-up paddleboarding.
Take note of the tides. It will take you a long walk to access the water’s edge during low tide (between 8 AM and 12 PM, and between 9 PM and 12 AM).
One of the most famous surfing and kitesurfing schools and shops in Paje is Zanzibar Kite Paradise. The shop sells kitesurfing gear, surfboards and stand-up paddles.
Address: | Paje beach, Zanzibar (near Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa) |
Hours: | Monday – Sunday 09:00 – 18:00 |
Phone: | +255 772 194 278 |
Email: | contact@zanzibarkiteparadise.com |
Jambiani
Thanks to its shallow waters, the beach of Jambiani is perfect for those looking to learn to kitesurf in Zanzibar. Jambiani enjoys a more peaceful environment, with not many tourists visiting. Prepare for a thrilling ride along the waters to the pull of the strong winds!
For the kitesurfing enthusiasts, visit Mawimbi Kite School in Jambiani.
Address: | Jambiani (next to Kimte Hotel) |
Hours: | Monday – Sunday 09:00 – 18:00 |
Phone: | +255 773 433 500 |
South Reefs
You will find several reef breaks along the southeast coast. Some of these have more sandy sections that are perfect for beginner surfers. The waves along the southern coast vary in levels of difficulty, catering to surfers of different levels. So, what are you? Beginner or expert? Test your skills by riding the big waves along the southeast coast.
As for where you can get your surfboards, the nearest shops are in Paje. Check the contact details for Zanzibar Kite Paradise under the information for Paje.
For directions to these locations on the east and south coasts, take a look at this map of surfing and kitesurfing spots in Zanzibar.
The best time to go kitesurfing in Zanzibar for beginners is from mid-June to mid-October and from late-December until mid-March. For the experts, look at the time between mid-June and mid-September, and from late-December until late-February.
You can catch a flight to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, which is on the island where these spots are situated. Alternatively, ferry rides are available, between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar (at approximately R 440).
Now you know more about what Zanzibar has to offer. Get ready for your next adventure on the east coast of Africa! Book your flight today. Let Travelstart help you have a memorable holiday experience. Do you know anything more about surfing and kitesurfing in Zanzibar? Sound off in the comments and tell us about your experiences!
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Travel party of 12 from Cape town to Zanzibar – 7 days in August/September 2019.
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