Kite Area guide

Dakhla Lagoon, Dakhla

The Dakhla lagoon is a single enormous flat-water spot, side-shore and dependable, with camps strung along its length.

When to kite

Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September.

About this Kite Area

The lagoon at Dakhla runs forty-five kilometres between the desert and the Atlantic, and it is one of the most dependable pieces of flat water in the sport — around 340 kiteable days a year.

Wind arrives side-shore from the north-east. Mornings are lighter and it fills in around two in the afternoon, blowing strongest from April to September at up to 35 knots; December and January are lighter but still rideable. The main lagoon is flat and ideal for freestyle, particularly at low tide, and suits beginners and intermediates. The dedicated Speed Spot goes butter-flat at the lowest tides and is where the trick and speed work happens.

For waves, Oum El Bouir is a right-hand point break that peels and barrels on winter swells, and belongs to advanced riders.

Up to seven camps line the lagoon, from rustic tents to comfortable bungalows, most running all-inclusive packages — which is how nearly everyone stays. Days are 22 to 29°C, nights drop sharply, and a shorty or 3/2 covers the water.

Destination

Places to stay

  • La Tour d’Eole

    For the non-kiting partner, healthy dining, treatments and the rare stillness of desert meeting lagoon create a compelling retreat.