Congratulations! You’ve booked your spot on a Dragonfly Kite Safari. Yes! Grab your bags and start packing! But what should you bring? And what shouldn’t you bring? Hmmm… both are good questions. Remember: you’ll be living on the yacht the entire time, far from any stores, shops, or civilization. So that makes packing all the more crucial.

Here’s a quick list of some of the kite-safari essentials that we strongly suggest you bring (as well as a few items you might normally bring on a kitesurfing holiday that you can leave at home).

Essentials:

High-SPF sunscreen and/or Zinc: No matter how tan you are, your skin is no match for the intensity of Egypt’s summer sun. You will get sunburned if you don’t apply high-SPF sunscreen (50+) and/or Zinc multiple times throughout the day, so bring at least two bottles.

Clothing, in the water: If you want to kite during midday when the sun is at its most intense, you’d be wise to cover up. A long-sleeve rashguard is near mandatory for midday sessions. After that, other top suggestions are polarized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat (both with their own keeper-straps). Lycra leggings are also a top choice for female riders.

Clothing, on the beach and yacht: A lightweight hoody goes a long way on a kite safari, providing both wind protection and sun protection. A hoody will be the most versatile piece of clothing you can bring—pack two! In the evening, the temps will drop but the wind won’t—if you get cold easily, it’s always nice to have a lightweight pair of pants for hanging out on the yacht in the evening.

Neoprene booties/shoes: If you are a beginner or intermediate rider, protective water shoes/booties are mandatory to prevent your feet from getting cut/damaged from small shells and corals.

Waterproof cases or bags: In order to keep your electronics safe and dry during the short trips in the support zodiacs from our yacht’s anchorage to the kite spots, we recommend bringing a waterproof case or bag. The waterproof bags and cases will also provide double protection from the blowing sand while you’re on the beach.

Camera: You’ve heard the saying: “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Well, we agree… and add to it: “A kite safari is worth a thousand pictures!” The natural beauty of your kite safari will exceed your expectations, so make sure you bring your camera, GoPro, and any other image and video electronics to ensure you capture everything in all its glory.

Spare pair of sunglasses: It sucks when you lose your only pair of sunglasses. It sucks even more losing your only pair of sunglasses when you’re on a kite safari, living and kiting all-day every-day in the sun for a week. Best to bring an extra pair of sunglasses and play it safe!

Patch kit: A small repair kit is worth its weight in gold, allowing you to fix your kite’s torn canopy, busted bladder, or leaky valve and quickly get back out on the water. A definite must-have.

Beach towel: We provide you daily with clean towels for use on the yacht, but you’ll want to bring an extra-large towel for drying off and lounging on while out at the kite spot.

Non-Essentials: 

Kite pump: Every day, our beach crew will have your kites pumped and rigged for you before you arrive—so you can leave the pump at home! We do have kite pumps on board but only as a backup—most of the time we use tanks of compressed air, so we can get your kites pumped and ready in mere minutes.

Drone: Unfortunately drones are not allowed in Egypt and they will be confiscated by airport security when you arrive.

First-aid kit: We have all the medical supplies needed on the yacht to fix up any scrapes and cuts. We can get you patched up and back on the water in no time. Important note: if you take prescription medication, however, please bring more than enough for the week—there’s no ability to visit a pharmacy during the kite safari.

Food and drink: Dragonfly Kite Safaris are all-inclusive, so no need to shop for food and drink! We serve you breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks every day. Coffee, tea, juice, water, beer, wine—we have it all covered for you! Of course, if you have a specific dietary need, let us know during the booking process and we will make sure to have meal and drink options to meet your needs.

 Work stress: Anything work-related can stay at home—on a Dragonfly Kite Safari we want you to be completely relaxed and carefree on your ultimate kitesurfing vacation! Every day is eat-sleep-kite-repeat… that’s it!