Year after our El Gouna trip, my friend Magda said 'I am going with my mum to Egypt - would you like to join us'? You do not need to ask me twice about Egypt - I am already packed ha ha...
We have told a few more friends and in the end had a big kitesurfing gang travelling to Soma Bay in May.
We stayed in Amwaj hotel, which has its own access to private beach with kitesurfing centre at one end of the hotel and a pier, excellent for snorkelling around, at the other end. Kitesurfing season in Egypt runs from March to November so not a surprise that we have kited every day. Unusually, one day there was a few drops of rain, which Egyptians loved.
The Abu Soma riders kite centre with kite school was great and to my surprise Azab, who run the place, spoke Polish. I really didn't expect any Egyptians to be able to speak my mother tongue and Azab was very proficient as he has spent a few years living in Poland with his Polish wife and daughter.
I have purchased a packaged of lessons with kite hire, which was good value even comparing to other places in Egypt. During my time in Soma Bay, I have managed to regain my confidence and kite in ankle deep water and also learn to transition.
The tide was low in the morning meaning that the reef was close so boots were a must. I was wearing thin wetsuit for protection and had a seat harness, but all boys had their swimming trunks cut on their bottoms by the coral.
The wind was best in the morning so there wasn't any lying in, if you wanted to get a good session. Quick, light breakfast and straight to the centre for a kiting session. Some days the wind lasted all day, some there was no wind in the afternoon, but the mornings were good without fail.
Make sure you visit to beautiful Utopia Island which is about 10 minutes away, either by kite or by boat if you are not confident to kite all the way there. I went there by boat and then kited back with a support of motorboat near by, just in case.
Getting there & accommodation
We flew to Hurgharda, the main airport hub in the area receiving many flights from all over the world every day. I have prearranged transport with Azab, in advance as we wanted our own minibus for our kite gang. We ended up hiring two minibuses for us and the equipment and this still worked out cheaper than the official hotel transfer.
The hotel was really good, rooms nice, big and clean but the food was 4 out of 5 stars for me. I had high expectations after being to Hotel Paradisio in El Gouna year before and Amwaj couldn't quite match it. Having said that, Amwaj was cheaper and the food was still very good, just not excellent.
There is a great spa in the hotel and the massages were only €20 per 60 minutes (comparing to €40 in El Gouna) so ended up having quite a few of those in the afternoons after the kiting. Great for all aching muscles & to relax.
Places to Eat & Other attractions
We were on All Inclusive deal so we did not visit Safaga to try any restaurants. Other attractions at the hotel include snorkelling, which is amazing and can be done just off the pier and believe me there is plenty to see there. Azab from kite centre can also arrange for boats with snorkelling kit if you fancy something further afield. There are horse & camel riding trips, which is a beautiful experience at sunset. There are also quad trips to the desert.
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