Paje, Zanzibar: kitesurfing capital of the east coast
Paje is the kite beach. A huge shallow lagoon empties at low tide and fills with wind-driven turquoise water at high tide, ringed with kite schools, beach cafes and barefoot lodges.
Best for
- Kitesurfing
- Young travellers and digital nomads
- Beach cafes
The beach and the tide
Enormous tidal flat: walk out for hundreds of metres at low tide, swim and kite at high tide.
Where to stay in Paje
Paje questions
When is kite season in Paje?
The reliable wind seasons are roughly June to September and December to March. Outside those months the wind is lighter and Paje becomes a quiet swimming beach.
Can you swim in Paje?
At high tide, yes. At low tide the lagoon drains and most guests walk the flats or use the hotel pool instead.
Planning reading
The best time to visit Zanzibar, month by month
June to October is the most reliable window: dry, warm days around 28C, calm sea and low humidity. December to February is hotter and just as dry but costs the most. April and May bring the long rains and the lowest rates of the year.
Where to stay in Zanzibar: every beach compared
Nungwi and Kendwa for swimming at any tide and nightlife, Paje and Jambiani for kitesurfing and a young budget crowd, Matemwe and Pongwe for quiet high end beach, Michamvi for sunsets, Stone Town for history and your first or last night.
Zanzibar airport transfers: what it costs and how long it takes
A private transfer from Zanzibar airport costs from about 15 USD to Stone Town and 60 to 80 USD to the far north or east coast, for the whole car rather than per person. Drive times run from 20 minutes to 1 hour 40.