Travelogue from Tanzania: Paje

At the end of 2024, our travel specialist Ingun travelled to Tanzania with her entire family. Read about her experiences in Paje on south-eastern Zanzibar below. (Also, discover her account of a Sunday in Stone Town and her encounter with the Big Five on day one.)

The sky is dotted with colourful kites as kitesurfers from all over the world play in the water. The sky is a bright blue, the water a stunning turquoise, and the palm trees gently rustle in the breeze from the east. Along the beach, local fishing boats sway, and the traditional wooden boats (known as “Dhow” in Swahili) decorate the scene with their delicate white sails.

We are in Paje, a vibrant beach gem on south-western Zanzibar, buzzing with life. Visitors are on morning strolls, proud Maasai in traditional red garments showcase their wares, and village children cool off in the sea after school. We also notice young people gathering on the beach for a game of football and a fisherman balancing a large tuna on the back of his scooter.

We are staying at Zula, a charming boutique hotel with a warm, homely atmosphere and a relaxed vibe right on the beach. We instantly fall in love with both Paje and Zula.

The hotel features an excellent restaurant with a varied menu, all served “à la carte,” including breakfast. We try a new dish every evening, and each one is a hit.

Pleasant music, personal service, and a laid-back ambiance make us feel right at home.

You can go barefoot in the restaurant, and after a few days, it feels like we know the staff personally.

Paje Beach offers a fantastic vibe, plenty of exciting activities, and a great selection of cafés and restaurants, each with its own unique charm.

I highly recommend visiting Paje and Zula if you prefer a smaller hotel and are also curious to explore beyond the hotel.

Ingun,
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller