We have nearly completed the new kite school at Kenyaways on Diani Beach Kenya. The new store has a lovely sundeck for chilling out and sunbathing and for watching the kite surfing out on Galu’s beautiful Beach.

The roof is made from recycled old kites and the walls are decorated with bamboo drifted up from the beach. All the wood and materials are locally sourced from around Diani Coast area as well as the labor who are all digo tradesmen.

It also has a enquiry desk, SUP boards, changing room and shower.

The kite school is leased out to H2o Extreme Watersports company.

Alex Caizergues and Marie Desandre Navarre have sadly left us after a 3 weeks stay in Diani at Kenyaways. It was a pleasure to know them, both so inspiring and admirable in their what they do. The day they arrived back to France Alex got straight onto another plane to Mauritius for 3 days! Not a bad change.

While they were here they made the most of their stay in Kenya and took a unique trip to the masai mara where lucky for them the migration had started and they saw pretty much everything. Check out their blog post of their safari.

They also went to see the sunset over Mwalunganje elephant sanctuary at the H2O Extreme Diani to Kwale getaway where you feel as though you are looking over the edge of the earth.

Marie and Alex also love to enjoy the cuisine of the places they travel and marie has such an entertaining blog about the food she has and the places where she enjoys them. You should see what she had to say about Madafoos restaurant at Kenyaways Here. She also visited Sails at Almanara another favorite of hers.

We wish them all the best in the next adventure and hope they will not forget us! Check out an awesome video of Alex Caizergues kiting in Diani with a JVC camera strapped to his kite while he launches a HUGE jump over a boat full of tourists getting some serious applaud! See the video Here!

The French kite surfer and his lovely speedy kitesurfer lady Marie arrived at Kenyaways kite village for their summer kite surf vacation this week. They intend to stay for 3 weeks kiting and visiting the area. The speedy duo not only have won speed events in kite surfing but on the snow as well!

For those of you not in the know, Alex Caizergues has clinched a new kite crossing record this year. The French kitesurfer sailed from St Barthélemy to St Martin in 44 minutes. Watch the highlights of the achievements in this excellent video, here. Caizergues ran the Caribbean challenge with his 14-metre Bandit 5 and F-One gear. The weather conditions were good: 15-to-17 knots of wind and a two-metre swell.

He also won the Redbull Lighthouse to Leighton kite surfing race in Fremantle, Perth, AU.

Previously in 2010, The French kitesurfer represents the first sailing craft to achieve 100 km/hr. Caizergues secured the place in history on the 12th October 2010, in Namibia. Caizergues took the record at – 54.10 knots –  he holds the world record. Alexandre Caizergues is now the fastest kiteboarder in the planet with an average speed of 50.98 knots in 501 meters. This is announced by The World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC). Check it out on youtube here.

Marie is also a speed champion, this year she is the 2nd fastest female kite surfer in the world! Between these two, imagine how fast their kids are gonna be!

Together they travel the world looking for perfect kite spots and the next adventure or challenge. We are very honored they have found us!

You can see their blog posts of their stay here…

 

 

Lalesso is a famous Kenyan brand which originated right here at Kenyaways with Olivia Kennaway (my sister) and her partner Alice beginning their production and company in 2006.

Until 2008 Lalesso’s collections were all produced here by 6 local seamstresses. Now the production is outsourced to an organisation called Soko Kenya Ltd, a community company promoting fair employment.

The Lalesso Flagship store was built in 2011 and has lots of Lalesso clothes on sale and stunning jewellery and crafts designed by Alice and Olivia.

Directions: Diani Beach Road south, next to Blue Marlin restaurant, 7.2km south of Nakumatt junction. Southcoast Mombasa Kenya.

You can have a coffee and delicious brownie cake after your shop at Madafoos.

VISAS
Visitors to Kenya are required by law to have passports with validity of not less than six months and prerequisite visas. You can obtain your visa at your local Kenya Embassy or on arrival at the airport. We however advise you to have your visa prior to travel since most airlines and airport authorities expect you to have one prior to travel to Kenya. Check visa requirements to Kenya from your tour operator, airline, Kenyan tourist office or embassy in your country before embarking on your visit.

CURRENCY
Kenya’s currency is liberated therefore money is freely changed at banks, forex bureaux, and at the hotels. We advise that you check exchange rates regularly, and that you exchange your currency at banks or licensed foreign exchange bureaus – avoid street dealers altogether. Major Credit Cards are widely accepted and Banks at international airports operate 24-hour service.

HEALTH
Visitors from USA do not require yellow fever and or cholera vaccinations. However, visitors from countries where the diseases are prevalent require yellow fever and cholera vaccination certificates. Carry along some anti mosquito repellants and sleep under mosquito netting.

SECURITY
Kenya, like any other country, has its share of crime and there are a few basic rules you can observe to avoid unpleasant situation(s). Avoid carrying large sums of cash and do not display jewellery or valuables. Do not walk through unlit areas at night. Ask your hotel doorman to call for a taxi and agree on the price before boarding.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
If you need to contact the police, fire brigade or ambulance service in an emergency dial 999, to contact the nearest police station dial 122, or visit Kenya police website at www.kenyapolice.go.ke

HOSPITALS
There are a number of reputable hospitals in the cities and large towns as well as Flying Doctor services which cover remote areas.”

KENYA GOVERNMENT
Government offices operate from 08.00 to 17.00 hours from Monday to Friday, but are closed on weekends and public holidays. To access all government ministries visit the website www.kenya.go.ke

PHOTOGRAPHY
Restrain from taking photos of people without permission and government installations filming is prohibited. You may bring any reasonable amount of personal effects together with cameras and any amount of film duty free. Film is usually available at most game lodges but stocks are usually few and of the common sizes and brands. Ensure you have a good supply of batteries for your camera, as these are seldom available when on safari.

TIPPING
A service charge is usually included in all tariffs, however tipping for exceptional service is always appreciated and is largely at your discretion. Customary tips for bar service and room porters are 10% whereas restaurant tariffs that exclude service charge will anticipate a 5-10% tip.

TELECOMMUNICATION & ELECTRICITY
East Africa has a standard electricity voltage of 230/240 with 3 pin square sockets, (British standard). Telephone and faxes services are available at the hotel rooms. Charges can be exorbitant. To contact telephone customer service helpline please dial 980, local operator assistance at 900 and international operator assistance at 0195

CLOTHING
Dress decently to keep up with African culture and traditions, dress warmly for cold weather and light at the coast.

CODE OF CONDUCT
Driving
Please ask your driver to stay on the designated tracks, even if it means you may not get the best photograph. Off-road driving causes irreparable damage to the vegetation and may kill or injure baby animals hiding in the grass.

Wildlife viewing
Wildlife surrounded by vehicles is unpleasant and causes great distress. Cheetahs hunt only during the day and can easily be deprived of their meal if surrounded by vehicles. Please be quiet when viewing: ask the driver to switch off the engine and keep a minimum distance of 20 metres. Do not, under any circumstances, get out of your vehicle. Many animals will become aggressive when harassed or provoked. In addition, adhere to instructions from your nature guide while on a nature walk.

Feeding and smoking
Never feed animals at your hotel or in the wild since it upsets their diet and leads to unnecessary dependence on people. Smoking while on a game drive is highly discouraged and always dispose off cigarettes carefully while at camp. Careless disposal of a burning cigarette can start a wildfire that will cause damage to vegetation and suffering to wildlife and people.

Litter
Litter and garbage in nature-viewing areas is unsightly, affects your enjoyment and threatens the survival of wildlife. It can also cause accidents to people and marine life.

Corals
These are fragile living organism, they being destroyed by careless recreational activities, to avoid damage-use the established mooring points. Coral reefs provide essential feeding grounds for many species of marine life. When diving or swimming, avoid kicking up sand or stepping on coral, at it suffocates and kills coral polyps.

Water sports
Enjoy water sports at designated points. If not sure, please consult the nearest authority.

Fishing
Fishing is prohibited in marine parks. It is only permitted in the ocean and some Marine Reserves. Spear guns are banned in both Parks and Reserves.

Souvenirs
It’s illegal to collect or buy souvenirs such as coral, shells and starfish, as it contributes to the degradation of the reef and marine life. All environmentally conscious visitors can participate in, or help to organize environmental awareness campaigns e.g. beach cleaning, tree planting, conservation publications and also contribute financially to local

 

 

Here is an interview I found on my computer which I did with Luke Whiteside, who recently appeared on the front cover of Kitesurf Magazine. He was teaching kitesurfing lessons at H2O Extreme and training his kite moves on the Diani beach lagoon at the time.

Interview with a North Young Blood

Luke ‘wonderboy’ whiteside

D.O.B: 14/07/989 (18 yrs)

Liverpool, UK

Spotted: Tropical Coast of Kenya, East Africa

Rides: North Vegas, Jamie pro.

Other sponsors: Kite It Right, Lost Cause.

Luke learnt to kite 2 years ago in Jan 06 in Ainsdale, NW UK and only 1 yr 10 months later got signed on with the North crew UK. He makes the sport look easy the way he lands nearly every move with such fluidity and grace that it could be ballet. He’s a very modest guy with a shock of blond hair that never gets wet. Look out for this young gun.

 

Hi Luke, (as I hand him a copy of the latest GUST) have you heard of GUST magazine?

Luke: I have but we can’t get it in UK, it looks really good (flicking through a copy I gave him).will you send me a copy?

Ok Luke, tell us what tricks are you up to now, (I lost track watching him)?

Luke: Well, I am landing (and not landing) the kiteloop slimchance, S-mobes, All powered passes and double passes.

Impressive. What would be your highest achievement in competitions so far?

Luke: I won both amateur competitions in UK this year, namely the BKSA Ams in Littlehampton and then since I’ve been in Kenya from 10 Dec, I have won the Safaricom Kenya cup 07 and the Meak Charity cup 08. When I go back end of Feb, I will be competing in the BKSA pro competitions.

Wow, so you are very close to going pro?

Luke: Yeah, I am on the BKSA tour and will be competing in some PKRA events but it all depends on funding. David Ibby will be showing me the ropes.

How long have you been in Kenya?

Luke: 2 months now, I have kited nearly every day here, it’s been amazing, the best place I have been to so far, warm water, good wind, consistent wind, flat water good for training, nice community of riders… it’s been amazing.

Have you kited any other African countries? No. was in Egypt once but wasn’t a kiter then. But I plan to spend 2 months in Cape Town in Dec 08.

Well done for winning both Kenyan comps, you really cleaned up? Yea Im pretty chuffed and glad for my sponsors cos it helps to get their name out there as well as my name.

So is kiting gonna be your life now or do have plans to study? No I’m done with my studies, kiting all the way now.

Thanks Luke, you’re brilliant and Good luck, will be watching out for you.

 

Kenyaways has now enabled free wi-fi internet for all their guests and the guests at Madafoos Beach Bistro. Kenyaways has offered internet since Dec 2010 but was not free due to limited bandwidth and speed. Now you can conveniently browse and work at your own laptop in your room or anywhere in the hotel. This is one of the only internet cafes in Diani Beach and one of the only restaurants which offer the free service.

It is a good enough connection provided by safaricom Kenya Ltd. the largest most successful mobile phone company in Africa. The connection speed opens a page in less than 3 seconds and is fast enough to upload media. You can get a voucher code at the bar, you need to keep the code to reenter it once you have logged off.

Madafoos Beach Bistro is located at the previously Kenyaways Bar and restaurant Olive Branch. madafoos beach bistro at Kenyaways is under new restaurant management and is thriving with a new bar extension, music, new regular specials board and much more. The beach restaurant and bar is in a superb location right on the shores of the Indian Ocean where you can wait on the beach sunbathing or kiting for your lunch, coffee or snack with a magnificent, vibrant sea view. It rivals the other beach restaurants in Diani with its fresh cuisine, plenty of seafood, and amazing atmosphere.

Madafoos is also open for dinner which is a very romantic, yet inexpensive occasion, with subtle lighting, colorful cocktails and a full moon, or starry night under the coconut palms. Some sample menu items include, coconut prawns, calamari, butternut thai soup, chicken baguette…You will just have to come and try it out for yourself…

Kenyaways has recently opened after some renovations in May. It shutters were closed to diani beach to renovate while waiting out the rainy season. Diani Beach has a very tropical climate being just 4 below the equator and right on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Maintenance is an ongoing job here with the sun, salty sea air, high humidity and saline water supply. But it is a good chance for everyone to have a break and to get done all those things which are put on the back burner when it is too busy.

Joey Kennaway, the talented designer and organiser takes care of all the renovating and repairing and replacing bits and parts of the hotel. As soon as they budget permits, we try and add and improve and upgrade whereever possible. The latest work was done on two gardenview rooms which have an added patio, more privacy and comfort. Previously a swimming pool in the forest glade up top was completed in Dec 2011. And before that 2 new rooms Bolt and Park were added near the pool area which were completed in November 2011.

Emmanuel, the son of a longtime employee has been sponsored a computer training course which started in April 2012 and will be practicing his computer skills on the new staff computer laptop which was donated by a previous guest.

Linzi is back from being in Europe on a marketing trip and training in learning new internet marketing skills and picking up new contacts around Europe.

Madafoos Beach Bistro is the new name to the bar and restaurant make over completed in June 2012 which is now under seperate ownership of Bruce Catermole.

With this the Kusi season begins and the kiters are back!