Zanzibar, Paje, had beautiful, white beaches, and the instant I set foot on them knew this would be a unique journey. As I watched kite surfers colour the sky with their vibrant sails, the salty air brushed over my face. Although I had seen images of Zanzibar previously, nothing would have ready me for the pure splendour of this area. Although the sun was scorching, it was not intolerable; the sound of the waves seemed to be the natural meditation track.
Zula Zanzibar—Where Breakfast Becomes an Experience
I stayed at Zula Zanzibar, a beachside paradise reminiscent of something out of a vacation magazine, for the first four nights. Here, the mornings were my most favourite. It defined island luxury: waking up to the sound of soft waves, walking out onto my private patio, and plunging directly into the private pool before breakfast.
About breakfast, let me say it was fantastic. Imagine freshly squeezed passion fruit juice, a dish of vivid tropical fruits so Photoshopped, crispy chapati, and the fluffiest mandazi (Swahili-style doughnuts) matched with spicy chai tea. And eggs, whatever you like, accompanied fresh-baked toast on a side dish. Every mouthful served as a reminder that the finest type of cuisine is simple, lovingly prepared.
The Zula personnel? polite. Those that welcome you like old friends; they are always eager to make sure you are having the finest time and always ready with a nice grin. Hussein, one of them, even showed me a few Swahili words: “Pole pole,” (slowly, slowly) and “Hakuna matata,” (yep, it’s not only from The Lion King—they genuinely speak it here!).
Kite Surfing in Paje: A Lesson in Courtesy
Being someone that enjoys a challenge, Paje is well-known for kite surfing, hence I chose to try it. Simply said, it was more difficult than it appeared. While I spent most of my time either face-first in the sea or twisted in the kite, the teachers made it appear easy, flying above the waves like they had wings. Still, it was exciting even with the few wipe-offs. The wind on my face and the turquoise waves reaching endlessly—pure adrenaline meets paradise. If you’re a novice, my advice is to schedule at least two days of classes; you’ll need them!
The Not-So- Fantastic Stay in Nungwi
Four lovely evenings in Paje, then we travelled north to Canary Hotel & SPA in Nungwi. Regretfully, this location simply fell short. It was not waterfront, which in Zanzibar would be a major turnoff. The hotel itself was good; the staff was polite and tried their best; nevertheless, we definitely found ourselves wishing we had chosen a hotel directly on the beach and done more research. If you have travel plans, kindly stay at a Nungwi seaside hotel. The difference is rather significant.
Local Flavours and Vibe of Nungwi
Nungwi itself has a vibe even with the hotel letdown. With more eateries, bars, and boats floating in the sea ready to whisk you on a snorkelling tour, the beach was busier than Paje. One evening we barbecued octopus with coconut rice, a local speciality, while listening to distant Taarab band music. The tastes were strong—smoky, hot, with a trace of coconut sweetness. The ideal finish to a day.
Travel Advice from Zanzibar: Things I Would Want Known Beforehand
Stay near the shore. Don’t make the Nungwi error we did. Experience is better the closer you are to the water.
Cash rules supreme. Although many establishments prefer cash, ATM usage is not very high. Bring US dollar or Tanzanian shillings.
Try the cuisine from around here. There is lots to discover from ugali with fish curry to the well-known Zanzibar pizza, more akin to a filled pancake.
Get ready for “pole pole” timing. Things move more slowly here; relax and welcome it.
Make prior bookings for lessons in kite surfing. Paje gets busy, and the top teachers are booked right away.
Zanzibar is an experience rather than simply a nice beach location. Every moment seemed like a scene from a dream, from the energetic culture to the great cuisine and friendly people. Though our Nungwi hotel had a small glitch, it was all part of the journey. This island is the ideal spot if you want a blend of excitement, leisure, and real Swahili culture. I would go back. In a moment.