Kite Spot Check
Hotspot
Makani Beach Club
Best time
Mar-Jun & Sep – mid. Nov.
Riding Level
Starting at beginner level
Water temperatures
21 – 29 °C
Kite sizes to use
7m – 15m
Best WInd Direction
Predominantly NNW, side on-shore wind
The Kite Spot
YOUR GATEWAY TO BLISS IN EL GOUNA
Step into a welcoming paradise where locals remember your name from day one, and everyone greets you with a smile. As a solo female traveler, I can confidently say that El Gouna is the safest place I’ve ever been. Nestled perfectly between kite clubs, just 15 minutes away by tuk-tuk, it’s a haven for kitesurfers and digital nomads alike.
Your gear awaits you at the kite station, and in no time, you’ll find yourself gliding on pristine, flat waters with stable winds, ideal for mastering new tricks. But what about those rare no-wind days? Fear not. With excellent internet connectivity, you can seamlessly transition to work mode or indulge in numerous other activities.
And for those days when the wind beckons, but so does work, simply grab your laptop and head to the kite club. There, you can effortlessly balance your day between working and kiting during your breaks. El Gouna isn’t just a destination; it’s a lifestyle, a paradise for kitesurfers and digital nomads alike.
Work & Kite in El Gouna
In El Gouna, you can find many kite centers, including KBC, Kite Power, Osmosis, and Duotone Pro Center. However, my favorite is Makani Beach Club because it offers the perfect balance between work and kitesurfing. As a solo traveler, you’ll quickly meet like-minded people to enjoy a session with. For a digital nomad and kitesurfer, Makani Beach Club is ideal for focusing intensely for a few hours, followed by a kite session between work. The club provides ample storage for your gear, setup areas, and cleaning and drying facilities after your session.
WORK FROM THE KITE SPOT
Makani Beach Club features a covered space with sofas and a large communal table where you can co-work with other digital nomads. There’s also a more private space for remote meetings, though you might need to share it with two other people. If you want to enjoy some fresh air, there is plenty of space outside in the cafeteria area.
WORK FROM CAFÈS
El Gouna offers excellent work-friendly environments along with kitesurfing. Two of my favorite spots are Nicole’s Greenhouse at the Rihanna Hotel and Pachamama in Downtown. Nicole’s Greenhouse, a vegetarian restaurant, offers a variety of homemade, locally sourced, and seasonal food. The morning open buffet is exceptional, and the quiet, inviting atmosphere makes for a productive work environment. Pachamama, also in Downtown, provides fresh, healthy options, and is ideal for afternoon work sessions. Their coffee and juices are sublime, an their meat based dishes are insanely good, perfect for a late lunch or early dinner.
Nicole’s Greenhouse and Pachamama
Power Outlets:
Both places offer comfortable indoor and outdoor seating with power outlets, european sockets.
Internet Quality:
Strong and reliable.
Retreat Options:
consumption obligation:
Affordable options ranging from 85-95 EGP for a cappuccino and up to 420/620EGP for a meal.
Kite Breaks:
Both cafes are located in downtown, around 20 minutes by tuk-tuk.
WORK FROM CO-WORKING SPACES
There is a designated co-working space in El Gouna called G-Space. It’s an excellent place for a productive workday, offering a quiet environment ideal for long periods of focused work.
G-Space
Internet Quality:
Super-fast internet.
Retreat Options:
Price:
Price for daily use starting at 200EGP to montlhy membership at 2500EGP.
Kite Breaks:
G-Space is located around 20 minutes from the kite stations. This place is ideal if you want to focus on work on a non-windy day.
To note: unfortunately, G-Space doesn’t provide lounge or coffee options, but it’s 5/10 mins of walking distance to nice coffee places/ restaurants downtown, like Pachamama or Nicole’s Greenhouse.
NO WIND DAYS
On no-wind days, El Gouna offers a variety of activities to keep you entertained. The town may be small, but the list of activities is long.
- Exploration Options: My favorite activity is taking a boat to snorkel and swim with dolphins, but you can also go wakeboarding at the cable park or explore the desert and meet the Bedouins during a hike or dinner under the stars. Other options include horse riding, diving, playing golf, tennis, paddle, yoga, Pilates, or hitting the gym.
- Secret Tip for Good Food: For a delicious meal, try Pachamama, Chicha, Luma, Barten, Zia Amelia, and Boho. The new Marina also offers a growing list of dining options.
- Nightlife: The nightlife in El Gouna is vibrant, especially during Egyptian holidays. Look out for gigs and DJ events, with international performers.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
El Gouna is easily accessible, with the nearest airport being Hurghada, just 30 minutes away by car. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure a smooth journey and stay:
Getting There
- Airport: Hurghada International Airport (HRG) is the closest airport. Upon arrival, you’ll need to be patient waiting for your kiteboarding gear as it’s usually the last to be offloaded, so don’t panic, they will drop it at a door located in front of the baggage carousel.
- Transfers: Most accommodations in El Gouna will arrange transfers. If not included, transfer costs range from 15 to 25 euros. For a more budget-friendly option, book a return taxi yourself for 400/500EGP (8-10 euros).
- Entry Requirements: El Gouna is a gated community, so ensure you have a QR code from your host to present at security upon entry.
Visa Requirements
- Process: For European passport holders, the visa process is straightforward. On your flight, you’ll receive a small A3 form to fill out with basic information. Upon arrival, pay for a visa stamp (25-30 euros/dollars) before passport control.
- Payment Tips: At passport control, look for two bank offices on your right to pay the official price of 25 euros/dollars. Avoid the stands in front, as they charge 30 euros/dollars due to commissions. Remeber to bring cash.
- Overstay Fines: If you overstay your visa (valid for one month plus a 15-day grace period), be mindful to arrive at the airport at least an hour early to settle fines at the bank office inside the airport, it requires a lot of walking. You will also need cash here.
Local Tips
- SIM Cards: As a digital nomad, having a SIM card is very important. For reliable service, wait until you reach El Gouna and purchase a SIM card from an Orange office, avoid the stands at the airport, I always had bad experience. Bring your passport, and they will set everything up. The cost is very reasonable and essential for staying connected.
- VPNs: WhatsApp calls are blocked in Egypt, but a VPN can bypass this restriction. Skype also requires a VPN for international calls. For work meetings, Microsoft Teams functions well without issues.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can be hard to find outside El Gouna, and imported options are limited in El Gouna. Most of the alcohol that you can find is local and it can easy affect your tummy and create terrible headache the following day. It’s wise to bring a bottle or two of spirit or wine from Europe, as you’re allowed to bring up to two bottles per person.
Accommodations
- Options: El Gouna offers a range of accommodations from hotels to apartments and villas. Use platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, or local real estate agencies.
- Tips for Longer Stays: For stays longer than a month and a half, I personally contact real estate agencies for better rates. Always inquire about internet speed to ensure it meets your needs.
By following these tips and recommendations, your trip to El Gouna will be as seamless and enjoyable as possible, allowing you to focus on kitesurfing and your digital nomad lifestyle.
El Gouna, Egypt, is a premier destination for kitesurfers and digital nomads. With its welcoming community, ideal kitesurfing conditions, and excellent work-from-anywhere amenities, it’s the perfect spot to combine work and play. Discover top kite spots, work-friendly cafes, and a variety of activities to enjoy on no-wind days.
If you want to find further kitesurfing spots to work and kite from, we recommend checking out our article about Tarifa from Rider Juan.
