Paje

Paje sits on the south-east coast and has become the centre of kitesurfing in East Africa. The combination is hard to beat: a long shallow lagoon protected by a reef, steady cross-shore wind through the two kite seasons, and a flat sandy bottom safe enough to learn on.

The atmosphere is laid-back and slightly bohemian, popular with backpackers, kite schools and longer-stay visitors. The beach is lined with kite centres, small hotels and beach cafes rather than large resorts.

The tide shapes the day here. At high tide you swim and paddle in the lagoon. At low tide the water pulls right back and vast sandbanks appear, with seaweed farmers working the shallows and long stretches of firm sand for walking. Neither state is a problem once you know to expect it.

Paje is also the closest beach base for Maalum Cave, the deep natural swimming cave a few minutes inland, and for Jozani Forest on the road back toward Stone Town.

Paje has consistent wind, a shallow reef-protected lagoon and a flat sandy bottom, which together make it the best place in Zanzibar to learn or practise kitesurfing. The low-tide sandbanks are also among the most photographed on the island.

December to February and June to September are the two kite seasons, with the most reliable wind.
June to October is dry and comfortable.
March to May brings the long rains and the quietest beach.
Check the tide table for your dates. The difference between high and low water here is considerable.

Paje is mostly small and mid-size hotels, kite lodges and beach guesthouses rather than large resorts. Many properties have kite schools attached. We book across every category and will match the property to your plans.

About an hour by road from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, across the middle of the island. We meet every flight with a name board and a fixed price agreed in advance.