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The Hotel

Kinazi Upepo Hotel, Bar & Restaurant 

• Situated on the stunningly beautiful Paje Beach, East Coast, Zanzibar.

• Paje Beach remains a quiet, peaceful, un-commercialized piece of paradise.

• Accommodation includes en-suite bungalows and natural makuti bandas.

• A 5 star service at a very affordable price.

The first coastal hotel in Zanzibar first opened up on Paje’s neighboring beach Jambiani over 20 years ago. Over the years this was followed by a few more basic guesthouses that dotted along the long length of the east coast beach to include Paje and Bweju. Then within the last ten years the Zanzibar tourism industry underwent a massive expansion with huge foreign investment in large commercial hotels. Fortunately for the east coast this development all turned its attentions to the North of the island where land prices where cheaper. 

We are happy to say that Paje beach retains its authentic charm. Visitor’s numbers to Paje are still limited as there nearest large hotel is several kilometers to the north. Strolling along Paje beach at sunset feels a million miles from the more touristy and developed parts of the island. You don’t have to share this beach with hundreds of others. Nor, as you stroll along will you be pestered by anybody to part with your money. You will be left alone. The way paradise is meant to be. The only sound will be the sea and the wind blowing through the palm trees at the edge of the beach. 

Paje beach is still worked by the local people whom fish in the lagoon that is created by the coral reef two kilometers offshore. The highly industrious women will be seen at low tide walking out to bury coconut husks under the sand. This is done to soften the husks fibers which will ultimately be made into a twine that you will see is extensively used in local building and crafts. 

You can walk out along the sea bed at low tide for up to a kilometre before the lagoon deepens again. Here you will find spear fishermen hunting for squid and octopus. Also here the locals farm seaweed for one of Zanzibar’s lesser known exports. One of Paje’s other advantages stems from this extensive low tide topography. We have no sea urchins and no strong currents at high tide. Perfect for swimming which in case you were worrying can still be enjoyed for at least twelve hours a day.

Fronting the shoreline of the most amazing beach you will likely have ever seen. The hotel grounds extend back under a canopy of coconut palm trees. From the beach these extensive palm trees hide the hotels buildings, so as not to impact upon the natural beauty of the beach. All our buildings have been constructed with makuti roofing. Makuti is the coconut palm leaf woven into a beautiful roof thatching material. At the beaches edge we have an open and airy beach bar serving cocktails, beers, wines, spirits, sodas, shakes, fresh coffees, freshly squeezed juices, smoothies and ice creams all day long. Seating can be arranged under the roof within the bar or outdoor under the open sky, which is particularly popular at night. On and near to the beach we also have numerous hammocks, sun beds and loungers for you to relax in.