Paje kitesurf guide: Zanzibar's Kaskazi season, lagoon and tides
From December to February the Kaskazi blows from the north at around 12 to 25 knots at Paje, on Zanzibar's east coast. The knee-deep lagoon suits learners, the reef has waves, and the tide decides where you can ride.
Yes, Paje is a good place to kitesurf in Zanzibar from December to February. This is the Kaskazi season, when the wind blows from the north at around 12 to 25 knots, side-onshore. The flat, knee-deep lagoon is popular with people learning, while the reef further out has waves for experienced riders.
Facts as of November 2026, from the sources listed at the end of this page.
When is the Zanzibar kitesurf season?
Paje has two wind seasons. The Kaskazi blows from December to February, and the Kusi, also written Kuzi, from May to October. A December to February trip falls in the Kaskazi.
What is the wind like in Paje?
During the Kaskazi the wind comes from the north at around 12 to 25 knots. It blows side-onshore. With that spread of strength, bring more than one kite size if you can.
How do the tides change the riding?
The tide decides almost everything at Paje. Depending on the water level there is an inner lagoon and an outer lagoon, both flat and knee-deep when they are working. At high tide there is some mild chop. At low tide the inner lagoon empties, so check the tide table before you plan the day.
Out on the reef there are waves, which is where experienced riders go.
Is Paje good for beginners?
Yes. The shallow lagoon is popular for learning to kitesurf, because you can stand up after a crash and the water is flat. The reef waves are for experienced riders only. Paje is also listed for SUP.
What should you watch out for?
- The tide, because the inner lagoon empties at low tide.
- Sea urchins, so wear booties.
- Seaweed farms. Cross them only at mid or high tide.
How do you get to Paje?
Fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) on Zanzibar. Paje is on the island’s east coast, about one hour away by car.
For more Kaskazi spots on the same coast, see Diani Beach and Watamu in Kenya, which get the same seasonal wind from December.
How windy is Paje from December to February?
Share of days with at least three consecutive daylight hours at 11 knots (4 Beaufort) or more, over the last 10 southern summers (2015/16 to 2024/25).
| December | January | February | Mean daylight wind | Most common direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paje, Zanzibar | 28% | 56% | 34% | 9.5 kn | NNE |
Our calculation from NASA POWER hourly wind at 10 m (MERRA-2 model), 09:00 to 18:00 local solar time. The model grid is about 50 km wide, so it smooths out local sea breezes and gusts: use these figures to compare spots and months, and check a local forecast before you go.
Where do people ride at Paje right now?
Explore+ in the Waterspeed web app shows recent sessions on a map, with sport and top speed, so you can see which spots are working before you go. Open Explore+. To record your own sessions, Waterspeed runs on iPhone, Android, Apple Watch and Wear OS, and syncs Garmin, COROS and Suunto.
FAQ
When is the kitesurf season in Paje?
There are two: the Kaskazi from December to February and the Kusi from May to October.
Is Paje good for learning to kitesurf?
Yes. The lagoon is flat and knee-deep and is popular with learners. Plan around the tide, because low tide empties the inner lagoon.
How far is Paje from Zanzibar airport?
About one hour by car from Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ).
