For a full recap of Zanzibar, read my other blog Things to Know Before Traveling to Zanzibar.
If you prefer video content, check out my Instagram story highlights for a video recap.
Paje is best known for kitesurfing, incredible beaches with insane ocean tides, and beach parties! I opted to head down to Paje beaches instead of Nungwi because it was similar vibes but less expensive. The only downfall of my choice was that I went to Paje during the winter/windy season (which is great if you’re into kitesurfing), which made the days/evenings a little cool once the sun began to set. Besides that, I had the time of my life in Paje, especially because I was able to bring in my birthday partying and on the beach.
Where to Stay in Paje
When visiting Paje, the best, and only accommodations, are on the beach. Paje is a long beach strip full of hotels. Hence why the parties are so lively, they all occur on the beach of a hotel. I stayed at Mr. Kahawa, a boutique beach bungalow style hotel, and loved it. The food was amazing, drinks great, and it was easy to walk into town when we searched for Zanzibar pizza.
Other honorable hotel mentions: Mahali Zanzibar, Dhow Inn, and Baraza Resort & Spa.
Things to Do in Paje
- Beaches. Best thing to do in Paje is to enjoy the beaches. When it’s low tide, the sand stretches as far as the eye can see, it’s a surreal experience. That said, you’ll want to pack some swimming shoes since the low tides expose sea urchins. Paje can get tiring with the locals constantly selling you items. If you a day of peace, head to Jambiani. Your hotel can arrange a day trip to that beach.
- Kitesurfing. If you’re into that, Paje is your place. There are plenty rental shops along the strip and you can take lessons.
- Play futbol with the Maasai. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. Games between the Maasai and tourists happen often, join in on the fun.
- Sail on a Dhow. I opted to sail a dhow in Paje rather than Stone Town. You can book the sail directly with your hotel, as I did, or you’ll likely be solicited by locals.
- Enjoy Nightlife. Nightlight is very lit in Paje, with every night of the week offering a different party and music genre. The locals and tourist alike all gather for a good time. You can head to Demani Lodge on Thursday nights, Jambo Beach on Fridays, B4 Beach Club on Saturdays if you like house music, and Vuvuzela on Sundays. I went to Jambo and Vuvuzela and had a great time, they both had a small cover charge.
- Enjoy live music. Each hotel also offers a local live music band each night. You can ask around the beach strip which hotel is offering it that night. I enjoyed the Mahali hotel live music show.
- Watch a sunset. Since Paje is on the southeast coast, you won’t catch a sunset on the beach, but if that’s a must for you, then head to Michamvi, 15 minutes away, to catch the sunset. You can get a cocktail at The Rock or Sunset Bay.
Transportation
The only time you need transportation in Paje is if you’re headed to the airport or want to visit Michamvi or another town close by. Otherwise, expect to walk everywhere.
Restaurants
Truthfully, I didn’t explore too many restaurants while in Paje. Since I stayed at Mr. Kahawa, I mainly ate there for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No regrets; the food was THAT good! You can basically eat at any hotel’s restaurant on the beach strip. All food pictured below is from Mr. Kahawa.
You also can’t visit Paje or Michamvi without visiting The Rock – the infamous (Italian owned) restaurant literally on the rock. To be honest, it was overhyped and overpriced, so I enjoyed cocktails, an appetizer and a sweet birthday cake they made for me.
