Paje

A laid-back beach resort destination on Zanzibar's southeast coast with a long stretch of white sand and shallow waters perfect for families and water sports. The village has evolved into a trendy hub with excellent restaurants, beach bars, and kite-surfing opportunities.

Things to do

• Kite Surfing — Paje's consistent trade winds and shallow lagoon make it one of East Africa's premier kite-surfing destinations with schools and rental shops along the beach.
• Snorkeling at Paje Reef — Explore the coral gardens and tropical fish just offshore in the shallow, protected waters ideal for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.
• Zanzibar Stone Town Day Trip — Take a guided tour or drive 45 minutes to the UNESCO World Heritage Site to experience narrow alleys, spice markets, and historic architecture.
• Sunset Beach Walk — Stroll along Paje's wide sandy beach during golden hour, with opportunities to spot traditional dhow boats and visit beachfront bars.
• Jambiani Village Visit — Walk to the neighboring fishing village just north to see traditional seaweed farming, local boat building, and authentic coastal Swahili culture.
• Scuba Diving — Dive operators in Paje offer access to nearby reefs and deeper sites with encounters with rays, sharks, and abundant marine life year-round.

Food to try

• Urojo (Zanzibar Mix) — A tangy street food mixing cassava fries, potatoes, chickpeas, and tamarind sauce served in a paper cone, popular at beachfront vendors.
• Grilled Octopus — Fresh octopus caught daily by local fishermen, charred over coconut coals and served with lime, chili, and garlic at beachfront restaurants.
• Pweza wa Coconut (Octopus in Coconut Curry) — Tender octopus stewed in rich coconut milk with spices, a Swahili specialty reflecting Zanzibar's spice trade heritage.
• Fresh Fish Whole Grilled — Local snapper, grouper, or kingfish grilled whole with minimal seasoning to highlight the day's catch, served at village beach shacks.
• Pilau Rice — Fragrant rice cooked with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and meat stock, a staple side dish throughout Zanzibar's coastal villages.
• Coconut Juice and Fresh Fruit — Drink fresh-cracked young coconut water straight from the nut or enjoy papaya, mango, and passion fruit sold by roadside vendors.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Modestly — While Paje is more relaxed than inland areas, cover shoulders and knees outside the beach and restaurants, especially when visiting Jambiani village.
• Greet with Respect — Use 'Jambo' or 'Habari' when meeting locals and allow time for friendly conversation; rushing through greetings is considered rude.
• Support Local Fishermen — Buy directly from beach fishermen selling fresh catch in the early morning or hire local guides for authentic experiences rather than resort-based tours.
• Ramadan Awareness — During Ramadan, eat and drink discreetly away from locals observing the fast, and expect some restaurants to have reduced hours.

Nearby

• Jambiani — 10 km
• Matemwe — 26 km
• Mnemba Atoll — 28 km
• Kunduchi Ruins (Dar es Salaam) — 34 km