Reasons You Should Visit East Coast on Zanzibar
Whenever I visit Zanzibar my first beach destination used to be Nungwi or Kendwa in the north of the island for many years. Those areas are known for the smallest difference in low and high tide during the day. But the downside of this area is, that is massively crowded with tourists and the fine sand beaches loose the appeal despite of all.
So I gave a chance to Paje on East Coast of Zanzibar and after spending 5 nights in Ndame Beach Lodge Zanzibar, I am really happy I gave it a chance. Here is why!
All I can say, what a difference! People on this side of the island are totally different visitors than those in Nungwi. If Nungwi is full of leisure travellers that prefer to spend all day catching suntan, or fighting the heat with a cold beer in beach bars, then Paje is the place for travellers who are active and they know exactly what they want.
Many were here mostly and only for good wind and kite surfing. (January and February is kite surfing season!)
And Ndame Beach Lodg Zanzibar is just a walk away from exciting action on the beach, yet still peaceful property where is enough place for all the guests to find their perfect spot on the beach.
Ndame Beach Lodge Zanzibar Review
If you travelled around Africa, staying in midrange or budget accommodation options, you already know how breakfasts usually look like. No frills servings of a small portion of scrambled eggs, a quarter of banana and a slice of mango if you are lucky. Maybe a spoon of Blue Band margarine and a piece of toast accompanied with most of the time, tasteless watery coffee.
Well, things are different in Ndame Beach Lodge when it comes to food!
Food: Breakfast is included in the price, comes with all you can eat buffet where you can choose between anything your heart desires.
From variations of eggs made in front of you, fresh tropical seasonal fruits (mango, bananas, passion, pineapple, papaya), home made bread, croissants, doughnuts, jam, butter, pancakes, mandazi (Tanzanian version of doughnuts), cereals, even potato and sausages for those who need heavier breakfast. Not to mention fresh juice!
To give your taste buds further spoil, Ndame Beach Lodge Zanzibar offers great selection of food for all tastes, be it vegetarian, seafood or meat lover. Coconut crusted chicken burger is something you should try!
If you crave for pizza, they are making pizzas on wood fire, which is rare find on Zanzibar! After 13 weeks of travelling and eating lots of local African staple food, my tummy was finally happy!
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And there is more! Guests can serve themselves a free coffee, tea, cocoa and hot chocolate 24 hours a day. Stand is always stocked with all drinks.
And then there is a bar! The bar that is directly overlooking the beach and the ocean, offers great views for sunrise watching if you are able to wake up at 6 am, but is also great place to enjoy a drink or two. When the wind is right its fun to have a drink and watch dozens of kitesurfers gliding on the ocean. I specially liked banana milk shake, comes in generous portion.
The only thing Ndame Lodge Zanzibar doesn’t have, is a pool.
Bungalows at Ndame Lodge are hidden and separated by abundant green gardens, almost next to the beach. All rooms are newly renovated, reasonably small but clean and cozy.
I got a bright, airy quiet room with garden views equipped with fan and little verandah. Verandah is big enough to sit down two people in the evening and enjoy a drink or good book. Mentioning books, you can find a small library but books available are mostly written in German language.
Wifi: in comparison to other places I visited on Zanzibar, free WIFI in Ndame Beach Lodge Zanzibar was surprisingly very fast and working at all times. The restaurant area has good reception and to go further, you can work on your computer since there are many plugs to plug in computer cable. As a digital nomad I found it very useful!
Paje Has Stunning White Sand Beach
At the end of the day, we all come to destinations like Zanzibar for two things: ocean and white sandy beaches! Pictures tell thousand words, see it for your self. Of course, needles to say, my favourite part of staying at Ndame Lodge Zanzibar was definitely time I have spent on the beach – taking long walks during the low tide, catching the suntan, watching kite surfers and dipping in emerald greenish indian ocean.
How to Get a Good Deal at Ndame Beach Lodge Zanzibar
Ndame Beach Lodge Zanzibar offers fair prices and is good value for money even in high season. However the prices drop during the months of June, September, October and May. Lodge offers discount to students and volunteers. Groups of more than three people can save significant money when booking a family room that accommodates up to six people.
Disclaimer: We were invited to stay at Ndame Beach Lodge Zanzibar free of charge, but of course all opinions expressed are my own. You can book stay in Ndame Beach Lodge on Booking.com
All pictures by Nina Zara
What a beautiful spot! We’re visiting Zanzibar for the first time for approx 3 nights – with that in mind, would you suggest we position ourselves closer to town to in a quieter spot? We’d like to be able to get around to see things but would also like to unwind a little 🙂
Hi Sarah, well Stone Town and beaches are not close, sandy coast is on average an hour out of Stone Town by car, so, three nights, see the Stone town, and go to the beach 😀 Ndame is good if low tide isnt a problem for you, otherwise in Stone town hotels in center i always recommend Zenji, midrange clean and close to everything, though there are many other choices to choose from, depending on the budget.I just spent a month and a half on Zanzibar this time around, if you need any other advice, let me know:) Nina Zara
Gorgeous! I visited Zanzibar as part of a tour so I didn’t have any choice or flexibility in where I stayed. I would love to go back and visit here!
If you go back, Ndame Lodge will not disappoint you.
Wow, it looks really beautiful there. I love your pictures. I think this side of the island would be more interesting for me, as I like to do active stuff when I’m on hols and not just enjoy the beach. The kite surfing looks really cool. Were you tempted to give it a go?
I was so tempted but the kitesurfing lessons exceeded my budget, wasn’t ready to pay a little less than 400 EUR for 5 hours. Next time for sure:D
This looks like a fantastic getaway option. Everything from the food and the rooms to the sand looks inviting. I might even try some kitesurfing (if I would suddenly find some bravery), though watching it all from the shore looks like a great way to spend the afternoon, too!
Even just watching the kite surfers is relaxation. They only come out in late afternoon when the wind is strong enough.
I’ve never been to Zanzibar and it looks amazing. The all-day drinks and white sandy beaches would definitely make me happy. And the bungalow is super cute. Interesting that many of the books are in German.
Good eye! yes, many books are german as the owener is german and german travellers accordingly come to Ndame Lodge.
Phwoooar that breakfast looks delicious! How was the sea? Was there any coral nearby for snorkelling? Or too rough for swimming?
The coral reef for snorkelling was about 30 minutes away by car. Water was perfect
I’ve heard lots of great things about Zanzibar. I would want to try kite surfing for sure. I wonder if I need any training?
Zanzibar is great! For kitesurfing noobs are expected to be trained, so lessons are necessary.
I am a total beach bum so chilling on a white sand beach is definitely my kinda thing. I would love to check out Paje one day and would need all the inputs I can get. Did you find Nungwi or Kendwa really off because they are so commercial now?
Nungwi and Kendwa are still nice, but now days i prefer less noise on the beach through out the day and in the night:D if you are party goer Kendwa is perfect but i found it too crowded for my taste.
Good to know that there’s an area that isn’t as crowded! Ndame Beach Lodge looks great for someone like me. And all that fruit in the morning seems absolutely wonderful!! Yum!
Ndame is perfectly located, its the last lodge on the beach, while in opposite direction you have anything from coffee shop, to beach bars, just a walk away. Loved it!
Gorgeous place! We like to hang out in places where the adventurers travel, relaxing on the beach is great in small doses, but we get bored really quick. Great tip on an awesome spot to check out in Zanzibar!
Ndame Lodge has it all:D
I’ve never heard of Zanzibar before! Looks like a nice place to relax though. Kite surfing looks exciting! I would totally do that.
Wow cant believe you havent heard of Zanzibar!
great article and pictures – really want to go to Zanzibar before we leave Dubai! Seems so amazing and gotta sneak in some time to go climb the Big Kili!
Dubai has good connections with all major cities in Tanzania, specifically Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro Airport and Zanzibar. I am sure you will find a good flight deal. Regarding the Kilimanjaro, dont underestimate the mountain.
Hi Nina, I am going to Zanzibar in September – my first time. I am currently booked into a Hotel in Kiwengwa. But now I get really interested in Ndame too 🙂 Looks amazing! Just wondering, do you know Kiwengwa? Which of the two might be better for a female solo-traveller who is just looking for a few relaxing days, maybe do some snorkelling? Any suggestions are welcome, thanks in advance!
Just to clarify, I haven’t booked a hotel but a small simple bungalow 🙂
I also just found Kiwengwa on you posts about Zanzibar beaches!
I think you will enjoy Kiwengwa, the stretch along the beach away from resorts is nice to enjoy it fully:) Are you staying in Bush baby?
Hi Cath, all beaches are beautiful, I fell in love with Paje although never had problems with meeting other like minded travellers. On the other hand Paje is close to snorkeling spot on East side wich is much cheaper than the other options on the island. Each location has its ups and downs. Ndame is on great location, its the last one on the beach, there are then some private empty villas owned by Arabs, besides just a few minute walk and you are in the village:) My heart here goes to Paje:)