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Paje is synonymous with kitesurfing. Set on the beautiful southeast coast of Zanzibar, this well-developed beachfront village provides ideal conditions and facilities for experienced kitesurfers as well as beginners. And even if kitesurfing isn’t your thing,
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Paje’s long sandy beach is a great place to chill out, with a vibrant café and bar scene that attracts free-spirited and sociable wanderers from all corners of the globe.-
Size
- ± 3km / 1.9mi long
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Best Time To Go
- January, February and June to October
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Crowds
- Busy but not crowded
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Sleeping
- Plenty of accommodations for all budgets
Pros & Cons
- Exceptional kitesurfing
- Good swimming at high tide
- Cosmopolitan mix of beachfront restaurants and bars
- Long beach walks in both directions
- Very calm water due to a protective reef
- Swimmers need to be careful when kitesurfers are out in large numbers
- Can be too shallow to swim at low tide
- Touts selling goods on the beach can become irritating
The Beach
Paje is arguably the most perfect recreational beach on Zanzibar. A gorgeous and very walkable stretch of silky white sand, it runs for 3km/1.9mi between the popular beaches of Jambiani to the south and Bwejuu to
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the north. At high tide, it is a dazzling sight, with dozens of kites – in a rainbow of colors – swooping and soaring above the mesmerizing turquoise water.A very different side of Paje is exposed when the tide goes out, revealing a patchwork of green rocky pools where local women gather sustainably farmed seaweed, which is used to produce a variety of organic products. Part of Paje’s charm is that it is closely integrated with the namesake fishing village, rather than functioning in isolation as a pristine beach resort. Wander a short distance inland, and you’ll find yourself navigating a network of narrow sandy alleys, stalls and traditional family homesteads that places you firmly – and unforgettably – in Zanzibar.Sleeping
Paje offers a great choice of accommodations. Many of its more popular hotels are right on the beach or less than five minutes’ walk away. The majority of budget and mid-range options are clustered within the
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village, which means that you will have plenty of opportunity to interact with locals. A few relatively upmarket beach resorts flank the village, either to the north or south. These tend to offer a more secluded experience, and most have swimming pools for those who want to swim at low tide or prefer not to mingle.Eating & Drinking
When it comes to eating out, Paje is one of the best spots on Zanzibar. The beach is lined with seafood restaurants, as well as pizzerias, cafés, burger bars and local places offering curries and
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other Zanzibari cuisine. The cosmopolitan nature of Paje’s kitesurfing scene means that most menus have options for vegetarians and, to a lesser extent, vegans.Immediately inland from the beach, you will find some budget-oriented local restaurants and a shady food court with several fast-food outlets (though service isn’t always that speedy). Farther afield, The Rock, set on an island-like coral outcrop some 13km/8mi north of Paje, is probably Zanzibar’s most iconic seafood restaurant. Bookings are essential, and prices reflect the experience.Several beach bars are dotted around Paje, and restaurants tend to be relaxed about people just dropping in for a drink. Local beers, South African wines and an array of cocktails are usually on offer, and many places have ‘happy hour’ specials. Alternatively, if your room has an inviting terrace, there are a couple of supermarkets where you can buy imported wine at about half the bar/restaurant price.Things To Do at Paje
Paje is the most popular kitesurfing destination on Zanzibar and one of the best places to enjoy this exhilarating activity anywhere on East Africa’s Indian Ocean coastline. Numerous kitesurfing schools offer lessons to beginners and/or equipment
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rental to more experienced visitors. The friendly staff will also advise on the best time of day to head out on the water (generally, high tide) and on wind and weather conditions.Kitesurfing aside, Paje is a tranquil and easygoing place to hang out in beachside cafés, sipping a coffee or beer, and befriending locals and other visitors. Swimming in the calm, warm water is most enjoyable at high tide, but it may become quite stressful, even dangerous, when large numbers of kitesurfers are on the water. Low tide is best for long beach walks south to Jambiani or north to Bwejuu.Nearby Things To Do
A popular excursion from Paje is Kuza Cave, which lies 5km/3mi south of the main traffic circle off the Jambiani Road. This impressive coral cavern has an interesting history, and you can swim in the incredibly
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clear pool at its base. For those who want to enjoy a beautiful sunset, a popular spot is one of the resorts on the west-facing beach at Michamvi Kae, about 18km/11mi north of Paje. Heading inland, wildlife enthusiasts should not miss the chance to track the in Jozani Forest, about 15km/9mi west of Paje.These and other guided activities, such as walking tours in Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town, or snorkeling and diving on the stunning reefs of Mnemba Atoll, can be arranged through most hotels or any of the private operators on Paje Beach.How To Get to Paje
Most people travel to Paje from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, which lies on the southern outskirts of Zanzibar’s Stone Town, 50km/30mi west of Paje. The drive typically takes up to 90 minutes, depending on traffic