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!

 

ndame beach lodge zanzibar is close to kite surfing centres

 

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!)

 

 

kitesurfing-zanzibar ndame beach lodge paje

 

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.

 

 

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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!

 

 

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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!

 

Book Ndame Beach Lodge 

 

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.

 

 

ndame beach lodge zanzibar bar

 

 

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.

 

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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.

 

 

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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

 

 

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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.

 

 

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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.

 

 

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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

Ndame Beach Lodge Zanzibar review