Kitesurf at Jambiani

Explore Tanzanian Coastline

  • Overview
  • Good to know
  • Getting there

Overview

The tropical island of Zanzibar (Unguja) is just 90 miles long and located at the East African coast of Tanzania region in the Indian Ocean. It's known initially as a ‘spice island’, a producer of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper, is full of history and heritage. When the wind is lighter make sure you have time to visit the Spice plantation; Jozani forest and make some time to venture around Stone Town and Prison Island. Jambiani is a small fishing village located 8km south of the larger Paje village and kite beach, this kite spot provides epic flat water conditions and small waves at the reef edge for kiters wanting to improve on their tricks with the addition to no crowds across the vast sandy lagoon for beginners. Nightlife is quite active on the south side of this island, Monday evenings are dedicated to a jam session in the Red Monkey Lodge in Jambiani, but for the rest of the week, parties are organised in Paje village. You will also need to head there if you want to go to a supermarket or get something from the local fruit and veg vendors. It is a frequent occasion that you will be approached by a local vendor or a Masai offering all sorts of handmade souvenirs, trips to attractions or fresh fruit or coconut at the beach. Remember that this is a Muslim country; therefore discretion is advised and covering your shoulders and knees while in town is recommended. The best way to get money in the island is to use ATM at the airport or in Stone Town to take out Tanzanian shillings; additionally, payments by USD or EU are accepted in most hotels and bars.

Good to know

VISAS: Almost everyone needs a visa, which costs US$50 for most nationalities (US$100 for US citizens) for a single-entry visa valid for a maximum of three months. CURRENCY: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) or USD and EUR. PRICES: Beer: 4,000 TZS (€1.30-2) Food: Lunch 8,000 - 35,000 TZS (€3-10) Accommodation: €20-100 pp Kite Lessons: 6H €300 Kite Gear rental: €70 per day LANGUAGE: Swahili INTERNET: Recommended to get Local SIM card. TRAVEL ADVICE: During Ramadan, you will be expected to dress appropriately especially when in town and respect their culture. Caution is advised when walking at the beach at night in Paje. TEMPERATURE: The average water temperature range from 25-30°C / 77-86°F throughout the year. Tropical African climate is hot and humid at the coast; the air temperature can reach 36°C / 97°F and more in the summer months. There is plenty of sunshine all year round, only summer clothes are necessary; neoprene wetsuits are not needed, but good protection from the sun is highly recommended.

Getting there

NEAREST TOWN: Jambiani/Paje NEAREST CITY: Stone Town NEAREST AIRPORT: Stone Town [ZNZ] or Dar es Salaam [DAR] 20-30 min ferry to Stone Town. In the airport or Stone Town, you will need to take a taxi to Jambiani (over 1h away), ask your accommodation provider to organise a reputable transfer. Most accommodations are at the beachfront or walking distance to the beach. GETTING AROUND: Local taxis are very cheap and readily available for trips between the towns. For further exploring it would be easier to rent a scooter or a car (ask your hotel or accommodation provider for a recommendation).

  • Beach
  • Wind
  • Rules/Hazards

Beach

Protected by the offshore reef, the lagoon in Jambiani provides perfect flat water conditions at the low tide, and as the water rises, small kickers close to the beach and fun waves out at the reef, ideal for the wave riders. This location offers perfect onshore - cross-onshore winds all year round with only a few rainy months between the two windy seasons. AMENITIES: Kite School, Gear Rental, Beach Assistance, Gear Storage, Kite Shop, Kite/Gear Repair, Toilets, Shower, Cafe/Bar, Accommodation.

Wind

The windy season is split into two: mid-December to March (January & February being the windiest) wind blows from the North, commonly known as Kaskazi, at around 10-20 knots, most days between 12-18 knots. Mostly used kites 17m-10m. While Kuzi blows from the South to E-SE from May to October but can start in April, is the stronger of the two and blows most days between 12-25 knots but averages between 15-20 knots. Calmer in the morning and gets typically stronger after lunch, mostly used kites 14m-8m. WIND DIRECTIONS: N, NE, E, SE, S WINDIEST MONTHS: High Season: January, February, July, August. Mid Season: December, March, June, September.

Rules/Hazards

There are no such rules, just a common sense - the beach area is relatively large, but very dependant of Tides. In the high tide, there is no beach to launch the kite as you get too close to the buildings; in the low tide the lagoon (very shallow water) may be quite busy with the lessons, so make sure you keep away from the students and watch out for any hazards. Also, there is no safety boat operating in this spot so make sure you don't go too far from the beach if you are not comfortable with swimming for a long distance. Hazards - fishing boats anchored close to the beach; shallow water at the low tide; small kite launch area at the high tide; seaweed farms with a base of sea urchin colonies. If you are still a beginner, wetsuit booties are recommended as the sea urchin colonies, and sharp shells are present at this location. * If you need kite related service like kite repairs, lessons or beach assistance please contact with the local kite centre or camp. ** We always recommend seeking additional knowledge about the spot from local kite school and qualified instructors.

Info

Rider Level:
beginner, intermediate, advanced
Discipline:
freeride, waveriding, foiling
Spot Type:
Flat to Choppy water; Lagoon; Small wave (up to 1m)
Launch area:
Sand
Tidal:
yes
Windiest Months:
Jan, Feb, Mar, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec

Around Jambiani

Things to do

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