East Zanzibar Coast — Kite Surfing & Tidal Flats

The east coast of Unguja island stretches from Matemwe in the north — where the coastline rounds the corner from the north coast — down through Paje, Jambiani and Bwejuu to Makunduchi in the far south. The defining characteristic of this coastline is the fringing coral reef, which runs parallel to shore at a distance of one to three kilometres and creates a shallow turquoise lagoon of extraordinary beauty. At low tide the lagoon drains significantly and parts of the reef flat are exposed, which is why the east coast has become famous as much for its scenery as for its kite-surfing conditions.

The drive from Zanzibar International Airport or Stone Town to Paje takes approximately 40–50 minutes on a good road, making the east coast one of the most accessible regions on the island. Jambiani is a further 20 minutes south of Paje, and Bwejuu sits another 10 minutes south of Jambiani along a track that deteriorates in the rainy season. A 4WD vehicle is advisable for reaching the southernmost beaches.

Paje’s reputation as one of the world’s great kite surfing destinations is fully deserved. The large, flat, shallow lagoon provides ideal learning conditions for beginners — the water is warm, the bottom is sandy and the depth rarely exceeds knee-to-waist height across much of the learning area. The consistent south-east kusi winds blow strongly and predictably from June through October, and there is also a north-east kaskazi season from December through February that, while lighter, also draws experienced kiters.

Several IKO-certified kite schools operate on Paje beach, offering group and private lessons for all levels. A standard beginner’s course of 9–12 hours of instruction costs approximately $350–450 all inclusive. Equipment rental for experienced riders costs around $50–70 per day. Wing foiling and windsurfing tuition is also available from some schools. The best months for kite surfing are July and August when the kusi winds are at their most reliable and strongest.

The east coast’s tidal pattern — sometimes seen as a disadvantage compared to the north — is in reality one of its greatest visual assets. At low tide the enormous expanse of turquoise and jade shallows, dotted with seaweed poles and the occasional fishing pirogue, creates a landscape of remarkable and photogenic beauty. Sunrise on the east coast is consistently spectacular: the shallow water catches the early light and turns the entire lagoon into a mirror of pastel colour. Many guests at Paje and Jambiani rate sunrise watching as one of the highlights of their entire trip.

The seaweed farming in Jambiani adds a genuinely unusual cultural dimension to the coastline. Women farmers wade out at low tide to tend their plots, harvesting cottonii and spinosum species that are exported to Asia for use in cosmetics, food stabilisers and pharmaceuticals. A seaweed farm tour, easily arranged through any Jambiani lodge, gives fascinating insight into this sustainable ocean-based livelihood and provides excellent photography opportunities with the consent of the local farming cooperatives.

The east coast offers a broader range of budget accommodation than the north. Paje in particular has a well-developed backpacker and mid-range scene, with dormitory beds from around $15 per night and good-value guesthouses from $40–80. Kite-school-affiliated lodges offer package deals combining accommodation with tuition. The mid-range resort segment is represented by properties like Breezes Beach Club, one of Zanzibar’s most established all-inclusive resorts, situated between Paje and Bwejuu.

Jambiani is home to several excellent locally-owned lodges and guest houses where standards are high and prices fair. Bwejuu has a handful of small boutique properties that attract repeat visitors seeking seclusion. The east coast is generally 15–30% cheaper than equivalent accommodation in Nungwi or Kendwa, making it an attractive option for longer stays or budget-conscious travellers. Browse our full Zanzibar beach holidays guide for a complete comparison.

The most common question we receive from first-time Zanzibar visitors is whether to base themselves on the north or east coast. Our honest advice: if you want guaranteed all-day swimming and a lively social scene, choose the north (Nungwi or Kendwa). If you want kite surfing, dramatic scenery, a more authentic experience and better value for money, choose the east (Paje or Jambiani). Many visitors split their time — four to five nights in the north and three to four nights in the east is a very popular combination and one we can easily build into a single package. Read our detailed Nungwi vs Paje comparison for a side-by-side analysis of both coastlines.