Backpacking in Zanzibar – an insider guide to Paje

Zanzibar is an island paradise in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania. While it rather looks like a high-end destination, you can find affordable offers that suit backpackers in Zanzibar. You just need to know where you can find them. But no worries. I will tell you in this blog post how to survive as a mindful budget traveler in Zanzibar.

How to get to Paje – the place to go as a backpacker

Talking taxis in Zanzibar is comfortable but in my opinion totally unnecessary. Taking a Dalladalla is not only good for your wallet but also adds up to your cultural experience. From Stonetown, near the Darajani Market, you can find a Dalladalla station (-6.160660, 39.194281), from where minibusses leave to Bwejuu or Jambiani. Take one of these. Paje is the village before the last stops.

Important to know is that you should only pay once the Dalladalla is driving, either when the conductor tells you so or when you get out of the bus. In order not to get ripped off, observe how much the locals pay or ask someone. It should not be more than 2500 TSH (around 1 Euro). In some cases, the conductor will tell you that your luggage costs extra. However, this is not the case. Locals also travel with huge luggage and sometimes don’t have to pay extra. The ride takes around 1-1:30 hours. At the town entrance of Paje, there is a roundabout, but if you are unsure where to get off, ask people next to you. The Dalladallas are usually packed with people, so keep your valuables close to you.

Where to stay in Paje – my favorite accommodation

In and around Paje there are many places to stay. However, I stayed at both of my visits at Jambo Beach Bungalow. Back in 2016, it was located directly on the beach. And I remember that I had a fabulous time during my stay there. I met many people, including the man who runs the place. He is a well-known guy in the region. That’s why highly recommend staying there. It is safe. The staff is super friendly and can tell you all about the hotspots around the area and of course, also the beach parties.

When I revisited the Beach Bungalows in 2020, I was disappointed when I found out they relocated a bit further from their original beach location, although it’s only a 5 min walk. Anyway, they expanded. They have a volleyball area, a pool with comfortable sun chairs, and a big restaurant and bar area. It is the perfect place to meet fellow travelers or backpackers. It has around four dorm Bungalows and a few singles, double and triple Bungalows. 

The bungalows have a porch with a hammock. The dorm bungalows are divided into female and male dorms and have a couch on their patio. The bathrooms are spacious, and the beds are comfortable with mosquito nets. The restaurant works on island time 😉 (no offense) and offers a good selection of food from seafood to vegetarian. You can always find the staff at the bar, talkative young locals who always know where to party at night. Overall, it’s a great location to stay, especially if you’re traveling alone and want to meet new people. The price per night starts at 20 Euros.

Other affordable places in Paje are Drifters Zanzibar, Sunny House Paje II for both the prices start at 10 Euros (depending on the season of course) and the latter also offers a shared kitchen.

Are you ready for what Paje has to offer?

Paje is famous for Kitesurfing

If you have money and time, you should try it. It looks easier than it actually is. I took a beginner’s lesson; it was difficult but an excellent experience with great teachers. First, you will just have the kite and try to get used to the wind. There are endless options to do a Kitesurfing lesson, walk along the beach ask in shops and then go for what you feel right with. In the Low Season, there is probably no need to book in advance.   

Party until sunrise?

Reggae, Techno, Hip-hop, House … there is always something going on in Paje. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Sunday or Wednesday. Most times, the parties are at resorts along the beach. The dance hall in the village also offers a lot for dance enthusiasts. Nevertheless, be aware and don’t go there alone as “Muzungu “(tourist). The Jambo Beach party is every Friday but not directly at the Resort. It is closer to the beach and the entrance fee is 10.000 TZS. Drinks, DJ’s, snacks, good company and dancing barefoot in the sand. What do you need more for a great night out.

Sunset vibes

While Nungwi offers stunning sunsets, they are not found on the east coast. However, there is a sunset beach bar nearby where you can have a sundowner. The Mangroves Sunset Beach Bar in Michamvi, it is approx. A 20-minute drive from Paje. Reachable by car or scooter. The cost for a taxi is around 10 000 TZS (5 €) including the return. The bar area is really relaxed with rocking beds, a DJ, a bar with all kinds of delicious drinks and a food menu (a small selection of vegetarian food). Every evening around 6 pm there is a performance by local artists. I would recommend going there earlier, around 3 or 4 pm, to enjoy the relaxing vibes of this place. After sunset, around 6/7 pm people will leave very fast. Besides, there is Jet-Skis on the water if you want to try a different water activity than the following. 

Blue Safari in Zanzibar

While on the mainland, you can do land safaris, in Zanzibar you can do water safaris. A so called Blue Safari. It is a full-day boat tour to some sandbanks, including snorkeling equipment, fresh fruits, lunch and a long boat ride. The cost is 50 USD. I enjoyed the boat tour and the view of the tropical blue water. But to be honest, it is very touristy. This little sandbank was surrounded by tour boats. However, if you have the time and money and are truly interested in snorkeling and the underwater environment, then go for it. It is gorgeous. At your place of accommodations, you can book the tour. The wooden motorboat takes around 8-10 people out in the Zanzibar Channel.

Check out this video of my Blue Safari in Zanzibar: 

Dhow boat tour

The dhow boat is a traditional wooden sailing boat used for fishing. It is another way to explore the blueness of the ocean. I didn’t do that on the island, but on the mainland. It was amazing! If you are up for adventures, then you should go on a sailing tour of these tiny boats. The costs start at 36 Euros.

The culture code in Zanzibar for mindful backpackers 

Around 99% of Zanzibar’s population is Muslim. In 2016, a local hostel owner told me stories about village inhabitants beating tourists in Nungwi because they weren’t appropriately dressed. Nowadays, it seems a bit more relaxed. The locals got used to the tourists. Nevertheless, I believe it is not the locals who need to adapt to the tourist behavior. Be respectful towards locals, aware of cultural differences, and cover your knees and shoulders when you walk around the village.

If you are interested in learning more about Tanzanian culture, check out this article about lifestyle and culture.

Eating out for backpackers in Paje

Along Paje beach, there are a lot of different resorts and restaurants. Most of them have a good menu selection: seafood, Zanzibar Pizza or fries with meat or vegetables. Those are a bit more “expensive” for around 6-9 € you can have a decent lunch.

For authentic local food, you can find local restaurants in the village, chips mayai (fries with eggs), rice with beans and/or meat, or also seafood. The prices make backpackers’ hearts beat faster: they are only 2-3 €. The BBQ Restaurant near the Village Market is open 24 hours in case you need an after-party snack. Zanzibar is famous for its spices. Try some Pillau if you aren’t already sick of rice. They have the best Pillau in Zanzibar (Pillau is rice with special herbs, served with meat or vegetables).

Is Zanzibar safe?

There are some things travelers should keep in mind. I haven’t had any bad experiences traveling solo in Zanzibar and even Tanzania. However, I have heard stories. So be open, but also very observant and don’t trust anyone. The Tanzanian people tend to talk you into things – especially tours and will try to sell you anything. Unfortunately, they like to exaggerate what is included in the tour or the price in order to sell it to you.

Walking around during the day is no problem at all. However, when it gets dark, better not to walk alone. If you want to go to a party, go together in a group, it is safer. Also, walking along the beach is safer than walking through the village.

Zanzibar’s tides can be dangerous. There is a huge difference between low and high tide. If it’s low tide, you can walk out the sea a long distance, but it can get dangerous if you aren’t aware of the time. The high tide can come in very fast. Don’t underestimate it.

The best season to backpack to Paje

Zanzibar’s high season is from June to October and from December to February. I visited Zanzibar in September and February. Both are great months for a visit. The primary rain season with frequent storms is from March to May and then one minor rain season in November. December to February are also good months to visit the island, and it is a little less busy travel season and better for your backpacking budget.

Card or Cash – how to pay in Zanzibar, Paje

Most establishments, hostels, resorts, and tourist eateries accept credit cards. Only cash is accepted in the communities’ businesses. In Paje is an ATM and a small exchange office. Nevertheless, I recommend exchanging enough money in Stonetown, for a better rate. In the north, between Nungwi and Kendwa, there is an ATM on the main road. It is advisable to have Tanzanian Schilling and US Dollars with you. Or even Euros. I paid a hostel in Nungwi in Euros. So, also caring US Dollars and Euros with you never hurts.

No cooperation or advertisement. These tips are personal recommendations.