Kitesurfing in Zanzibar: Best Spots and Why Kiwengwa Is the Top Choice

Kitesurfing in Zanzibar offers warm water, steady trade winds and a mix of flat lagoons and reef waves, making the island one of the best kitesurfing destinations in the Indian Ocean. Among all the kitesurfing spots in Zanzibar, Kiwengwa stands out as a top choice thanks to its long white‑sand beach, turquoise lagoon and easy access to the reef.

Wind seasons: when to kitesurf Zanzibar

Zanzibar enjoys two main kitesurfing seasons driven by the Kaskazi and Kusi winds. These trade winds deliver mostly side‑onshore conditions and 15–25 knots on the best days, perfect for beginners, freeriders and foilers.

• Kaskazi (northeast): roughly December to March, warm and sunny with reliable afternoon winds.
• Kusi/Kuzi (southeast): roughly June to September, slightly cooler with punchier wind, great for freestyle and foiling.
• Water temperatures stay around 27–29°C, so a shorty or just a lycra is enough.

Main kitesurfing spots in Zanzibar

Several beaches on the east and south‑east coasts have become kitesurfing hotspots, each with its own character.

Paje is a wide, shallow lagoon with very flat water that works incredibly well for kitesurfing, especially when the tide is right. It is perfect for beginners and freestyle riders thanks to its easy standing depth and the high concentration of kite schools on the beach. The atmosphere is lively and social, with plenty of bars, restaurants and beach life all around.

Jambiani offers a long sandy lagoon that feels more spacious and slightly quieter than Paje. Conditions suit beginners and intermediates who want relaxed freeride sessions, as well as SUP and kayaking on calm days. The overall vibe is peaceful and low‑key, with traditional villages and small guesthouses lining the shore.

Nungwi and Kendwa in the north have deeper water and are less affected by tides, which makes them strong hubs for boat‑based activities. These beaches are great for diving, snorkeling, jet‑skiing, parasailing and sunset cruises, and some advanced riders also kite here when conditions align. The area is busy and resort‑oriented, with a well‑developed nightlife scene and a lot of hotels.

Kiwengwa on the east coast combines a long white‑sand beach with a natural lagoon, deeper channels and outer‑reef waves. This makes it one of the best all‑round kitesurfing spots in Zanzibar, suitable for beginners, twin‑tip riders, foilers, wingfoilers and wave‑kiters. The atmosphere is more spacious and tranquil than Paje, with an upscale, resort‑style feel and the advantage of having Duotone Pro Center Zanzibar directly on the beach at Mvuvi Boutique Resort.

Why Kiwengwa is the best all‑round kitesurfing spot

Kiwengwa’s long white‑sand shoreline and natural lagoon make it one of the best all‑round kite spots in Zanzibar, with enough depth and space for beginners, freestylers and foilers. Even at low tide, deeper channels and a small natural lagoon in front of the reef keep riding possible when other lagoons empty out.

• Flat water inside the lagoon is ideal for learning, practicing transitions and trying tricks.
• The outer reef offers waves for experienced riders who want to mix kite and surf sessions during their stay.