Kite Area guide
Paje, Zanzibar East Coast
The centre of gravity for kitesurfing on Zanzibar — a broad lagoon, side-onshore monsoon wind, and more schools and rental than anywhere else on the island.
When to kite
Best months: December, January, February, March, June, July, August, September.
About this Kite Area
Paje is where Zanzibar's kitesurfing is concentrated. A barrier reef holds a wide lagoon that transforms with the tide: at low water it opens into a vast shallow flat, smooth and waist-deep, and at high water the waves come closer to shore.
Kuzi, the south-easterly, runs June to September and blows up to 25 knots parallel to the shoreline, which produces the smoothest water of the year; July and August average around 20 knots. Kaskazi runs December to March at around 20 knots. April is the weak month, averaging closer to 8 knots.
The low-tide flat means a walk out before you ride, which is the trade-off for the space and the smoothness. Launching at high tide is generally regarded as advanced territory. Schools, rental and rescue are all established here, and the village behind the beach is set up for the season.
Destination
Places to stay
- Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
For the non-kiting partner, privacy, food and wellness stand entirely on their own, making this one of the collection’s strongest shared experiences.