Watamu & Kilifi Coast, Kenya

About Watamu & Kilifi Coast

Kilifi and Watamu sit north of Mombasa on a stretch of the Kenyan coast that is greener, quieter and less developed than Diani to the south — creeks, baobabs, a marine park, and a reef lagoon that changes completely with the tide.

Two seasons work here. The Kaskazi, from mid-December to mid-March, is the accessible one: a northerly that starts around ten in the morning, builds through the day on a sea-breeze effect and averages 15 to 20 knots, arriving side-onshore, which is close to ideal for learning. The Kuzi, from May to October, is southerly and driven by tropical storms, averaging 20 to 30 knots with swell that can reach three metres on the reef — advanced conditions.

Tide changes the spot entirely. Low water is flat and shallow, good for kite control and first sessions; high water brings chop and waves better suited to body-dragging and waterstarts, or to riders who want them.

Watamu marine park, the Gede ruins and the creeks around Kilifi give the coast a character quite different from the resort strip further south.

When to go

Best months: January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October, December.

Kite areas

1 distinct riding area documented within this destination.

• Bofa Beach, Kilifi

  Best months: December, January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October.