Adventures in Paje blog - Paje Beach Apartments & Hotel

Paje's famous beach cows

2020-09-27T00:00:00+02:00

If you scroll through social media in this day and age (PS. follow us on @pajebeachapartments) I am sure you are all aware of the copious cool animal videos you will see, from dancing parakeets and talking dogs to the cats who get stuck in slippers- they are all there. However slightly over looked on the East coast of Zanzibar we have another specialised animal- the beach cows of Paje!

When you think of a cow in their natural habitat, your mind probably automatically thinks of lush green meadows and plump cattle chewing the cud.
Not so much here on the South East Coast of Zanzibar! Supposedly owned by a farmer in near by Jozani Forest, the beach cows of Paje have been strutting down the the stretch of beach between Jambiani and Bwejuu gang-herded and powerful long before the kite surfers and scuba divers ever got here! Perhaps it’s the sand between their hooves or their sun bleached blonde fur, but the Paje beach cows are truly an animal with a purpose.

World class kiting in Paje, Zanzibar

2020-08-12T00:00:00+02:00

Hi Brad, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Well, I am a bit of a wanderer. I am originally from South Africa but I grew up in Mauritius just a few minutes from the beach. I travelled through Australia for a while but found my home in Zanzibar over ten years ago where I met my wife and business partner Steffi. We have a beautiful baby daughter and spend as much time as we can with her whilst enjoying kiting and surfing on one of the best beaches on earth.

That sounds idyllic. What a life! Tell us a little bit about kiting in Paje

Paje is one of the best-known places on earth to kite surf. Warm water, combined with a huge sandy lagoon, consistent winds and even a reef to surf on for the more adventurous kiters means that our little piece of paradise has something for every level of kiter.

That’s interesting! So, do you offer lessons?

Yes, absolutely! We have a crew of excellent and highly qualified instructors who are passionate about teaching kiting. We normally offer a 9 hour course which should be enough to have a student up and riding and also understanding the basic safety concepts. Of course after that the student should spend plenty of in water time to hone their skills.

Does that mean there is potential for kiting adventures after the course.

It does. As I mentioned earlier, Paje has something for everyone. You can practise riding, jumps and tricks in the lagoon and if you are confident and competent there is a barrier reef that you can wave ride on. We also run regular downwinder trips where you have the opportunity to ride for kilometres and see the coastline of Zanzibar from the water as well as enjoying riding with the wind and ocean.

What about if I come with my gear and stay at Paje Beach Apartments and Hotel?

That’s a great option! You are welcome to come down to the centre and discuss storage options. Our guys on the beach will be on hand to help with set up & launching and I am sure we can persuade you to take some lessons to fine tune your riding or maybe join us on the downwinders

Thanks so much for this information. When is the best time to come?

We are open for most of the year, however we do close from mid – March to the end of May as well as November as this is when the trade winds change and there is very little wind. My very favourite times of the year for kiting are either June to August or mid December to end of January as there is usually a consistent wind and the ocean is super warm and inviting.

Guests staying at Paje Beach Apartments & Hotel are offered a 10% discount at Aquaholics. To make a booking email Steffi at info@aquaholics-zanzibar.com

AQUAHOLICS ZANZIBAR

Packing for adventure. What to bring when you come to Paje

2020-07-14T00:00:00+02:00

Packing list for a Paje adventure

Two pairs of swimwear (at least): You will live in these; we recommend at least two as one will be drying whilst you wear the other. Paje is a watersports enthusiast’s dream location!

Your PADI card: East Africa’s premier PADI 5 Star diving facility is on site. Buccaneer Diving provides snorkelling and diving trips to the local area as well as Mnemba Island and Kizimkazi. Buccaneer Diving also offers the whole range of PADI diving courses from absolute beginner to seasoned pro.

A rash vest or swimming top: You will need this if you want to kite surf with the fabulous crew at Aquaholics, who are also on site. Its long wide beach with a barrier reef for protection means that Paje is recognised as a world class kiting destination and is perfect for either beginners who want to learn one of the world’s fastest growing sports or for experienced kiters who want to take advantage of the constant trade winds and warm clear Indian Ocean waters.

Reef Shoes: The gang at Aquaholics also run surf lessons and surf trips for experienced surfers. Reef shoes can be rented at the shop but its always nice to have your own.

Go-pro Camera or equivalent: You will want to capture your crazy scuba diving, dolphin snorkelling, kite-surfing and wave riding adventures to take home to drive your stay at home friends wild with jealousy!

Backpack: To pack your water bottles and towels in for day adventures. There are dozens you can choose from, but our favourites are:

The dolphins in Kizimkazi

Nearby Jozani Forest where you can see the rare Red Colobus monkey.

Stone Town to drink in centuries of history

Flipflops: For long, long walks on the kilometres of white sandy beaches that the South East Coast of Zanzibar is famous for.

Sweat shirt, 1 pair of trousers: We find spending all day in the water does make us a little chilly so a warm sweatshirt is great for the late afternoons and evenings. It is also culturally sensitive to wear trousers to cover your knees in Stone town!

Something casual for the evenings! There is something on every night during the season and the usual dress code is 'BEACH'. Try the Wet Wednesdays (beach games and local food) at fabulous on-site Ocean beach bar and restaurant and Friday nights at local hang out Jambo is famous throughout the island.

Diary/ journal: so you remember every moment!