Thinking of going there next spring, april or may and may not be able to fly to Marsa Alam, probably have to fly to Hurghada (just because the airport closest to me just don't fly there )and make our way down, so I'm thinking why not rent a car and explore some spots on the way down.

So has anybody done something similar?

I'm also very thankful on any info about Hamata!

I've been to egypt kitesurfing about 15 times, mostly Kitejunkies in Sharm, Nabq Bay and I really like the conditions down there (having about 90% wind on my visits!!), but now I want to try something slightly different.

I only went to Marsa Alam to dive but I can tell you it was always very windy down there when I was there. I learned to kite in Dahab and it's awesome there. I got skunked on wind in El Tor.

Sounds promising then....

I don't think you will miss anything by going directly to Hamata. some spots on the way, look at www.splocs.com.

Hamata is nice, gets hot in summer though. stronger wind then north...rather go in april.
very nice and laid back kite center...friendly people.
very nice spot, lots of space

Have a great trip!

Thx!!

Never rent a car in Egypt. Ask for a private transport or for a taxi, they are cheap.

I hitch hiked from Marsa Alam -> Hurgada and then from Suez -> El Tor -> Ras Mohammed back in 2004 and it was fine. Mostly friendly Egyptian or Bedouin people picking you up.

Only issue I had was a jerk trying to get lots of money from me for the ride to El Tor because there's nothing there but a resort. I just told him no and walked away then he complained to the resort and I told them basically the same thing.

Dear Delmar,

Since I'm Egyptian, then my advice for you is to have a trip in your country to the far Airport where you fly to Marsa Alam Directly, other than that you gotta get a deal with any driver for not more than 50 - 75 $ , that's 100% better than renting a car.

And for info about Hamata try those links:

http://www.aziab.com/HAMATA.htm

http://www.kite-village.com/typo/index.php?id=30&L=1

Don't hesitate asking me for any info or help.

Windy regards from Egypt =)

Hamata was good last May, I arrived the day Toby left. Great spot, nice people. The resorts are a bit sad (the 20% that's completed) and other than that there's nothing to do or to be seen unless you're into "Applauso!" Italian entertainment. Interesting how they stink the resorts up watering the grass and green landscaping stuff that shouldn't even be there because it's on Mars with diluted diarrhea .
North winds, high twenties each morning decreasing in to the afternoon. Bring a full quiver.
The Kite Village crew will insist on launching and landing your kite, which is cool but always check how they put the sand anchor bag on your kite. If it's on the canopy the sharp grainy coral sand will pierce the fabric. Better use two bags and put them over the LE. Best to deflate and pack the kite as soon as you're off the water.

re. car rental, I wouldn't be comfortable driving there, you'll easily be regarded as a sack of gold and there are just so many scams...