Zanzibar — Paje & Jambiani

Paje and Jambiani, on Zanzibar’s south-east coast, are the island’s laid-back, barefoot beaches — wide ribbons of white sand backed by palms and fishing villages, where the rhythm of life still follows the tide. At low tide the sea retreats far across the shallow lagoon, revealing the seaweed farms tended by local women and a vast playground for walking, while the steady cross-shore wind has made Paje one of the world’s premier kitesurfing destinations, with schools and a buzzing young scene. Jambiani next door is quieter and more traditional, ideal for those seeking calm. Beyond the beach lie the Jozani Forest and its endemic red colobus monkeys, the Blue Lagoon and the Kuza cave. Relaxed, affordable and full of character, the south-east coast suits travellers who want an authentic, active beach to round off a journey.