Côte Est (Paje & Bwejuu)

Where to stay on East Coast (Paje & Bwejuu) : complete guide

Zanzibar's East Coast, between Paje and Bwejuu, unfolds like a living tableau where immaculate white sand caresses the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Palms sway to the rhythm of trade winds while lagoons emerge at low tide, revealing infinite sandbanks. This area blends authenticity and refinement with its Swahili villages, lively beach bars and discreet resorts. Flamboyant sunsets paint the sky in gold and pink, inviting contemplation. The atmosphere is serene, punctuated by the lapping of waves and scents of local spices.

Safety score: 7/10budgetHoneymoon couplesPassionate kitesurfersFamilies with childrenRelaxation enthusiasts

Pros

  • Infinite white sand beaches
  • Excellent kitesurfing spots
  • Authentic and lively villages
  • Spectacular sunsets
  • Peaceful and refined atmosphere

Cons

  • Very low tides limiting
  • Sometimes dusty roads
  • Limited night options

The 5 best hotels in Côte Est (Paje & Bwejuu)

Kimulimuli Wellness Spa Hotel - Vue d'ensemble
1

Kimulimuli Wellness Spa Hotel

3-star hotel
9.424 reviews
Top pick

Situated on the East Coast in Paje and Bwejuu, Kimulimuli Wellness Spa Hotel stands out for its complete wellness centre. The outdoor pool offers a calm space for relaxation. Its restaurant provides refined cuisine in an intimate setting. The airport shuttle and accessible facilities complete the offering. The property displays a rating of 9.4/10.

1 piscineNavette aéroportSpa et centre de bien-êtreService d'étageRestaurantÉquipements pour les personnes handicapées
From ~109EUR / night
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Tikipalmbeachhotel - Vue d'ensemble
2

Tikipalmbeachhotel

3-star hotel
9.1293 reviews
Excellent

Set on the East Coast in Paje and Bwejuu, Tikipalmbeachhotel benefits from direct beach access. The pool and restaurant allow moments of relaxation and gastronomy. Free Wi-Fi and the airport shuttle ensure a practical stay. Its 293 reviews confirm a quality experience. The property displays a rating of 9.1/10.

1 piscineEn bord de plageNavette aéroportConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteService d'étageRestaurant
From ~178EUR / night
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Sahari Zanzibar - Vue d'ensemble
3

Sahari Zanzibar

4-star hotel
9.4381 reviews
Recommended

On the East Coast in Paje and Bwejuu, Sahari Zanzibar offers a refined seaside setting. Its spa and pool invite relaxation. The restaurant and room service complete the amenities. The airport shuttle facilitates travel. The property displays a rating of 9.4/10.

1 piscineEn bord de plageNavette aéroportSpa et centre de bien-êtreService d'étageRestaurant
From ~372EUR / night
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LUJO Zanzibar Resort - Vue d'ensemble
4

LUJO Zanzibar Resort

4-star hotel
9.3201 reviews

Located on the East Coast in Paje and Bwejuu, LUJO Zanzibar Resort offers a modern, functional environment. The pool and restaurant form the central points of the stay. Free Wi-Fi and the airport shuttle enhance comfort. Its 201 reviews highlight the quality of the amenities. The property displays a rating of 9.3/10.

1 piscineNavette aéroportConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteRestaurant
From ~319EUR / night
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Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat Zanzibar - Vue d'ensemble
5

Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat Zanzibar

5-star hotel
9.932 reviews

On the East Coast in Paje and Bwejuu, Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat Zanzibar is characterised by its high standing and private villas. Direct beach access and the spa reinforce the exclusive aspect. The pool, restaurant and room service complete the offering. The airport shuttle is provided. The property displays a rating of 9.9/10.

1 piscineEn bord de plageNavette aéroportSpa et centre de bien-êtreService d'étageRestaurant
From ~1891EUR / night
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Complete guide

Ambiance & landscapes

Zanzibar's East Coast between Paje and Bwejuu offers an idyllic landscape of infinite beaches bordered by coconut palms. Fine white sand contrasts with turquoise waters that vary from deep blue to emerald green depending on the tides. At low tide, vast lagoons appear, creating natural mirrors where the sky reflects perfectly. The atmosphere remains peaceful and authentic, punctuated by the passage of traditional dhows and local fishermen's songs. Swahili villages add a cultural touch with their colourful houses and lively markets. Spectacular sunsets end each day in an explosion of warm colours, inviting travellers and residents to enjoy this preserved natural setting.

Things to see and do

Visitors can explore Paje village to discover its local market and wooden crafts. Paje's kitesurfing spot attracts enthusiasts thanks to its constant winds and renowned schools. At Bwejuu, the beach offers walks to Menai Bay reserve to observe dolphins. Visiting seaweed farms helps understand a traditional local economic activity. Dhow excursions include diving around colourful coral reefs and discovering the mangrove. Finally, a night walk on the sandbanks reveals bright stars and absolute serenity away from the crowds.

Where to eat and drink

Beach restaurants offer specialities such as fresh grilled fish accompanied by plantains and coconut rice. Seafood curries with local spices delight the palate in feet-in-the-sand settings. At Paje, bars serve cocktails made with mango and coconut while offering ocean views. Small stalls sell hot sambusas and traditional chapatis. Upscale resorts integrate Swahili fusion menus with locally sourced produce. Evenings often include taarab concerts, the island's traditional music.

Transport & access

Access to the East Coast is mainly from Zanzibar airport via private shuttles or taxis taking about an hour to Paje. Tarmacked roads are good but sometimes dusty near villages. Scooter or bicycle hire allows freedom of movement between Paje and Bwejuu. Local dala-dalas offer an economical option to connect the two areas. Private car transfers remain recommended for comfort, especially with luggage. A local driver is advised for excursions to more remote sites.

Who is it for?

This area particularly appeals to honeymoon couples thanks to its romantic settings and intimate resorts. Kitesurfers find ideal conditions with reliable winds all year round. Families appreciate the safe beaches and child-friendly activities. Travellers seeking authenticity enjoy the Swahili villages and enriching local encounters. Relaxation and photography enthusiasts spend idyllic days facing landscapes that change with the tides.

Other neighborhoods in Zanzibar

Stone Town

Honeymoon couplesHistory enthusiastsTravelling photographers

Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Stone Town, a historic pearl nestled at the heart of Zanzibar. Its narrow alleys wind between ochre houses with carved doors of precious wood, witnesses to a past blending Arab merchants, Indian navigators and European colonists. The Indian Ocean borders this living labyrinth scented with spices, cloves and tropical fruit. Minarets pierce the sky while the setting sun bathes the facades in golden and orange hues. Every step reveals a unique sensory tableau, inviting rich and intimate cultural immersion.

Côte Nord (Nungwi & Kendwa)

Honeymoon couplesSnorkelling enthusiastsFamilies with children

Zanzibar's North Coast reveals its treasures between Nungwi and Kendwa. Immaculate white sand stretches caress a sparkling turquoise sea, while palm trees sway gently in the warm breeze. Sunsets set the horizon ablaze with vibrant colours, creating living tableaux. Lively villages blend authenticity with refinement, with dhows gliding across the waves and coral reefs inviting exploration. This area embodies tropical luxury, between absolute tranquillity and marine discoveries.

Côte Nord-Est (Matemwe & Kiwengwa)

Honeymoon couplesSnorkelling enthusiastsAuthenticity-seeking travellers

Zanzibar's North East Coast reveals its treasures between Matemwe and Kiwengwa, where white sand meets a sea of turquoise and emerald hues. Fishing villages retain their authenticity while refined lodges nestle discreetly beneath the palms. Trade winds caress the foliage and coral reefs reveal a fascinating underwater world. At dawn, golden light bathes the colourful pirogues and coconut groves stretch as far as the eye can see. This preserved coast offers a rare balance between wild nature and contemporary elegance, ideal for escaping the beaten track.

Côte Sud-Est (Jambiani)

Honeymoon couplesKitesurfersFamilies with children

Nestled on Zanzibar's south-east coast, Jambiani reveals infinite white sand beaches bordered by coconut palms swaying in the sea breeze. Turquoise waters caress coral reefs where colourful marine life thrives, while coral stone Swahili villages preserve rare authenticity. Far from crowds, this peaceful spot offers flamboyant sunsets painting the horizon in oranges and pinks. The atmosphere invites slowness and contemplation, between spice scents and tropical bird songs. Jambiani charms with its unique blend of preserved nature and vibrant local culture.

Côte Sud (Kizimkazi & Menai Bay)

Honeymoon couplesSnorkelling enthusiastsCultural travellers

Zanzibar's South Coast, between Kizimkazi and Menai Bay, reveals a haven of wild beauty where turquoise waters caress immaculate white sand beaches. Bordered by lush mangroves and authentic fishing villages, this region invites peaceful immersion away from the crowds. Vibrant coral reefs shelter abundant marine life, while the setting sun paints flamboyant skies. Kizimkazi, with its historic atmosphere, and Menai Bay, a paradise for nature lovers, offer an enchanting blend of Swahili culture and oceanic serenity. Perfect for travellers seeking authenticity and idyllic landscapes.