Zanzibar · Beach
Paje & the East Coast
Kitesurfing and wide turquoise lagoons
Size
South-east coast of Unguja
Location
About 1 hour from the airport
Best time
Jun–Sep and Dec–Feb (wind)
Known for
Kitesurfing · Lagoon · Tides
About the area
Big tides and steady winds
Paje sits on Zanzibar's south-east coast, along a reef-protected lagoon of dazzling white sand and pale turquoise water. The tide here goes out a long way, revealing sandbanks, seagrass and pools, then floods back in to create a warm, shallow lagoon.
Two reliable trade winds, the kusi from June to September and the kaskazi from December to February, make Paje one of the best kitesurfing spots in Africa. Nearby Jambiani and Bwejuu are quieter, with seaweed farmers working the lagoon at low tide.
Highlights
Why visit Paje
Kitesurfing
Flat, shallow water and steady winds, ideal for learning.
Laid-back beaches
Long stretches of sand with small hotels and beach bars.
Seaweed farming
Meet women farmers and learn about their cooperative.
Blue Lagoon snorkelling
Calm, clear water just up the coast.
When to visit
For kitesurfing, June to September and December to February. For calm beach days, October, November and March are often less windy. April and May are the main rainy season. Check tide times, as swimming is best around high tide.
What you'll see
Kitesurfers on the lagoon, seaweed farms at low tide, starfish and sea cucumbers in the pools, and red colobus in nearby Jozani Forest.
Getting there
About 1 hour by road from the airport or Stone Town. Jozani Forest is about 20 minutes away, so it is easy to combine.
Visit with Asili
Trips to pair with Paje
Plan your Paje stay
Want to learn to kitesurf after your safari? We'll book your lessons and a beach hotel close to the best spots.
Enquire now