The island · Zanzibar
6°16′S · 39°32′E
— The island

Paje, the wild side of Zanzibar.

A turquoise lagoon made for the wind, tides that sculpt vast sandbanks, and Swahili culture one hour away. The spice island, at its most untamed.

Indian Oceanturquoise waters ~1 hrfrom ZNZ airport Kaskazi & Kusiwind all year round UNESCOStone Town ~28 °Cwarm water all year round Indian Oceanturquoise waters ~1 hrfrom ZNZ airport Kaskazi & Kusiwind all year round UNESCOStone Town ~28 °Cwarm water all year round
— Paje

Where the wind rules.

Paje sits on the east coast of Zanzibar, facing the open Indian Ocean. A reef encloses a flat, turquoise lagoon — the most sought-after shallow water in the world for learning kite, and the reason this strip of coast has drawn free spirits from everywhere.

Here, the tide is the main event. Twice a day the sea pulls back hundreds of metres, revealing endless sandbanks and the seaweed gardens tended by the village women. When it returns, it comes back turquoise. White sand, palm trees, and the island's youngest, most bohemian stretch of shore.

Things to do on the island
Turquoise lagoon and sandbank at Paje at low tide
— What to see in Zanzibar

The island, whole.

Day trips from El Nido. The island fits into a week, but always asks for more.

Stone Town, the old city of Zanzibar
01

Stone Town

UNESCO World Heritage Site, one hour away. A labyrinth of coral stone and carved doors where Africa, Arabia and India converged through the spice trade. Birthplace of Freddie Mercury.

Zanzibar spices: cloves, vanilla, nutmeg
02

The spice island

Cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and cardamom all grow here. A spice tour through the farms to smell, touch and understand why half the world once sailed to reach this island.

Red colobus monkey in Jozani forest
03

Jozani Forest

The island's only national park and home to the red colobus monkey, endemic to Zanzibar. Wooden walkways winding through jungle and mangrove.

Snorkelling at the Mnemba Atoll reef
04

Mnemba Atoll

The best snorkelling and diving in the north: a protected reef, crystal-clear water, turtles and dolphins. Boat excursion from the coast.

Prison Island and its giant tortoises
05

Prison Island

Changuu, 30 minutes by boat from Stone Town, where Aldabra giant tortoises over a hundred years old roam freely. Snorkelling and a history best told in person.

Paje low tide with seaweed gardens
06

The tides of Paje

The daily spectacle on the hotel's doorstep: the sea retreats to reveal a sand desert with its seaweed gardens, then returns hours later just in time for the sunset kite session.

Book experiences
— Getting here

Zanzibar, closer than you think.

✈

Fly to Zanzibar (ZNZ)

Connections from Europe via Doha, Istanbul, Addis Ababa, Nairobi or Dar es Salaam. The airport sits on the west of the island, next to Stone Town.

~1 h

Transfer to Paje

Around 50 km to the east coast. We arrange your private transfer from the airport straight to the Nest's door. You cross the island through villages and coconut groves.

eVisa

Before you go

Tanzania visa online (eVisa) or on arrival, passport valid for at least 6 months, and a yellow fever certificate if you're travelling from an endemic country. We'll walk you through everything at the time of booking.

— When to come

The island runs on the wind.

Zanzibar is warm all year round; what changes is the wind and the rain. If you're coming for the kite, read this.

Kaskazi~31 °C

DEC · JAN · FEB

North-east wind, heat and sun. The main kite season and the liveliest time of year. Warm sea, long days.

Masika~29 °C

MAR · APR · MAY

The long rains. Low season — green island, almost empty. It rains in bursts, but the sun always comes back. For those seeking peace and better rates.

Kusi~27 °C

JUN · JUL · AUG · SEP

South-east wind, dry and slightly cooler. The second major kite season and, for many, the best time to come.

Vuli~30 °C

OCT · NOV

Short rains and calm between winds. A great time for whale shark diving and having almost everything to yourself.

Paje Beach · Zanzibar

The island resets your clock.

Book your villa or tree house and let Paje set the pace.

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MONEA El Nido · Paje, Zanzibar · the Indian Ocean's most active island
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