So you have decided that Zanzibar is your next holiday destination, you are looking at where to stay and what activities are available and you are finding endless lists of hotels and travel agents. What you don't get told about is the feeling you get from the magical sunrises, the hot lazy days where you just want the beach or pool, and the energy that awakens at sunset which breaks down any walls you have built and sets free your inner party animal, and this is why we feel the need to share what we know about the Paje beach parties.
1) Every night is a Paje beach parties night
I don't know about you, but where I live, last rounds are at 2am, and you can only count on places being busy Thursday through Saturday, and that's only if its not cold and raining. My first Sunday night on the island, I met a couple of fellow travelers with the same “sleep when you're dead” energy as me, we decided to brave the cloud burst and follow the sound of the music through the rain, we arrived at a nearby bar that consisted of a roof, sand floor, and a covered DJ booth, it also consisted of maybe 200 other travelers and locals with the same energy, dancing their hearts out to all of our favorite beats.
Where are the best Paje beach parties?
Monday - Crazy Mondays are only one village away, a great place to dance the night away and welcome in the sunrise
Tuesday - The best pool party on the island - also really good shawarmas on sale at 4am!
Wednesday - When was the last time you were at a foam party?! Yes, you read that right.. FOAM party! Next level fun!
Thursday - The best in R&B, old school, Afrobeats vibe - there's a funny story around how I discovered this one accidentally, and then couldn’t go a Thursday without going.
Friday - Karaoke followed by the beach party that stole my heart and basically got me to make Zanzibar my home… its that good!
Saturday - Dress up or down, this beach club offers international DJ’s bringing their best electronic house vibe.
Sunday - Take it easy with a beach side jam session, musicians from everywhere get together and bring you to your feet, singing, dancing and falling more in love with the island.
2) Zanzibar is perfect for singles and couples
My first visit to Zanzibar was with my boyfriend at the time, we had all the romantic moments you see in the movies, from breakfast in bed overlooking the most majestic beaches with the clear turquoise water and white sand, to long walks on the beach holding hands and soaking up the sun. There were sexy make out sessions in the pools and we spoke about our future plans while sipping cocktails on a rooftop bar, it was all there, everything you want in a romantic getaway, whether to get engaged, get married (I did both there) or to honeymoon, babymoon, or just take a break… I would highly recommend Zanzibar. BUT here's the plot twist, that guy became my husband and is now my ex husband, and in my venture to rediscover myself, I went back to Zanzibar and it changed my life. As a solo traveler I experienced Eat Pray Love, I partied on my terms, from the time I wanted to go out, until whatever time I felt I was done for the night. I made so many incredible friends, one of them is currently visiting my country for the first time and is on my couch as I write this. Going to the Paje beach parties alone was empowering, I danced, I laughed, I sang, I found the me that had been so well hidden for so many years, and for that reason, I wish every single person would visit Zanzibar too.
3) Zanzibar is safe
I am South African, I am used to watching my back, but when I am in Zanzibar, there is this wonderful sense of safety that I cannot explain. Obviously you can't leave your valuables lying around, there is the occasional petty theft incident, but I watched many sunrises alone on the beach, my drinks would sit on the bar while I danced, and if I had after-party food cravings, I felt safe enough to end my night at the local BBQ spot with the rest of the late night party-goers.
4) Zanzibar is family friendly
My daughters are 7 and 16 years old, they stayed at the hotels with me, went for dinners with me, and enjoyed the occasional Paje beach parties with me too. The way I see it, everything in moderation right? I wouldn’t recommend taking your kids to all the parties, there are a bunch of drunk people running around after all, but when we stayed at the hotel which hosted the foam party, my youngest daughter insisted on dancing with the “early party goers” until she got her foam fix, and then it was bed time after that. Babysitters can be arranged pretty easily, so parents can put the kiddos to bed and party the rest of the night away.
5) Paje is the best place on the island for nightlife
There are amazing hotels all across the island, many people suggest the north of the island, so Nungwi or Kendwa, but I found that side rather commercialized and a little over-crowded. Stone Town has some great restaurants and bars with some really cool parties, but I found that the Townees don't party as much, so you will find busy places maybe 2-3 nights a week. The South East Coast has a few villages with many incredible spots, but I like to be central, I like to be able to walk to different restaurants, be close to the Paje beach parties to avoid long expensive taxi rides, and I want to be near places I may need.. Like shops, banks, laundromat etc, and I found Paje offers you all of that and more.
To sum things up...
In case you haven't noticed, I love Zanzibar, and I particularly love the Paje beach parties! If you would like to know more about the island nightlife and need some help to book your next holiday, contact the Wild & Free Zanzibar team on info@wildandfreezanzibar.com we cannot wait to share the magic with you
