During a stay in Zanzibar, plan a trip to the small village of Paje, on the southeast coast of Unguja Island. Turquoise waters, white sand as far as the eye can see, splendid coastal panoramas and a delightful gastronomic buffet await you in this fishing village. Don't delay and set off to discover one of Tanzania's most beautiful villages. Destination Paje!

History

Many tourists remain unaware of Paje's existence, a small traditional fishing village. Paje is located approximately one hour from Zanzibar's historic center at Zanzibar City. Very quickly, it became a destination of choice for kitesurfing enthusiasts. Spanning some 5 km, Paje Beach is ranked among the finest beaches in the Zanzibar archipelago.

Aboard their dhows, men set out every day to fish for fresh catch. Seaweed farming began on the island in 1989. It was one of the factors that sparked women's empowerment in the village of Paje. When the tide is low, women rush to harvest the seaweed.

This practice spread rapidly throughout the village, becoming a significant economic activity in its own right. The seaweed is subsequently resold either to pharmaceutical manufacturers or to the food industry. Know that seaweed harvesting is the second most important economic activity after tourism in Paje.

What to do in Paje?

If you enjoy tranquility, you're sure to love your stay in Paje. In this small paradise village, surprises abound. Whether traveling solo or with company, you'll always find something amusing to do.

Enjoy the beach

At Paje, the beach invites both relaxation and exploration. Settle comfortably on the sand or in the shade of a palm tree to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Swimming depends on the rhythm of the tides: at high tide, the warm and shallow water is perfect for swimming with ease, while at low tide, the sea recedes far away and reveals immense sandbars as well as the seaweed fields cultivated by locals.

Try snorkeling

The clear waters of Paje reveal a fascinating natural spectacle. During a boat excursion, you can glide over coral reefs and admire thriving marine life. Brightly colored fish, delicate starfish and corals unfold in a peaceful and enchanting atmosphere.

Explore Paje village and surroundings

To admire the landscape and make new acquaintances, nothing beats a little stroll through the village. You might consider renting a bike or scooter to cruise the beach and wander around Paje (Nungwi beach, Kendwa beach, etc.). Rest assured, you won't risk sinking into Paje's immaculate white sand. Locals use these kinds of transport to get around the island.

Visit the Seaweed Center in Paje

Visiting the Seaweed Center in Paje is an activity you can enjoy as a family. It's the perfect place to spend quality time with your children and spark their curiosity. It will be an enriching and pleasant experience. To carry out activities at this seaweed farm, the women have formed a cooperative.

Seaweed is used in the manufacture of cosmetic products (soap, oil, scrubs, creams, etc.). You can accompany the women during harvest and give them a hand if you wish. This way, you'll get a glimpse of how the farm operates and each woman's role.

After the visit, take the opportunity to buy beauty products and small souvenirs. Beyond that, you'll have the chance to try seaweed juice. Slightly sweet, this drink is said to have anti-aging properties.

Learn kitesurfing

Increasing in popularity, kitesurfing, or traction kiting or kiteboarding, is an activity you must try during your vacation in Paje. It's the best place to learn kitesurfing. With an extra-flat beach and shallow waters, beginners shouldn't face any problems. Moreover, the wind is consistent almost year-round, with a side-on-shore direction.

Taste local gastronomy

During a trip, it's always a pleasure to sample local cuisine and savor restaurant specialties. The multicultural aspect of the island is reflected in the taste of local cooking.

Generally, dishes prepared in the village are based on seafood and local vegetables. Octopus and crabs are to be savored without restraint. You'll also find great pleasure eating sweet potatoes and cassava. The freshness of the ingredients used gives more flavor to all the dishes.

Practical Information

To reach Paje from Zanzibar City, several options are available to you. Taxi or private car are the fastest and most comfortable means, with a direct trip of approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Shuttles are a practical and affordable alternative, while local minibuses, called dala-dala, represent the cheapest but also slowest and least comfortable option. The distance between Zanzibar City and Paje is approximately 50 km.

The village of Paje is not particularly large; you can explore it on foot if you wish. It's also possible to rent a bike or scooter to explore the surroundings. If you feel like it, you can take the dala-dala.

Climate and weather

Paje experiences a warm tropical humid climate with stable temperatures year-round. However, the best time to visit Paje corresponds to the months of January, February, June, July, August, September and October. Avoid going in April, May and November, as these are the wettest months. If you have budget constraints, also avoid planning your trip to Paje in July, when hotel rates increase significantly.

FAQ

Where to eat in Paje?

In Paje, you'll find beachfront restaurants offering grilled fish, fresh seafood and Swahili specialties, as well as a few international options.

Where to go out in Paje?

In the evening, beachfront bars come alive with music and cocktails. The atmosphere remains convivial and more relaxed than in Nungwi.

What are the tide times in Paje?

Tides set the rhythm of life in Paje: they vary each day. Times are posted locally and can be checked online or at hotels.

What is the distance between Zanzibar Airport and Paje?

The distance between Paje and Zanzibar Airport is approximately 50 km. Allow about 1 hour and 5 minutes to reach the village.