Zanzibar Padel : playing padel 400 meters from the beaches of the Indian Ocean

A new exotic padel destination: head to East Africa and the island of Zanzibar. In Kiwengwa, on the northeast coast, a club established in 2022 offers two courts just 400 meters from the beaches, with a third in the works. But Zanzibar Padel has primarily developed a comprehensive concept combining padel, accommodation, catering and relaxation.

A club with 250 members open to tourists

Located approximately one hour from Zanzibar airport The club relies on a community of approximately 250 members per year , mainly composed of residents and expatriates living on the island.

Tourists can, however, easily find a section. One whatsapp group It centralizes bookings and connects players based on their skill level. To join this organization: +255 650 336 398 .

A particularly interesting system for players who are discovering Zanzibar alone or with their family and therefore do not necessarily have three partners with them.

The premises are mainly available in end of the day , but the weather conditions allow for playing for a good part of the day. Compared to some tropical or very hot destinations like Thailand, Dubai or Singapore Conditions may be more favorable for the activity, although heat and humidity obviously vary according to the seasons.

A "condo" concept centered around padel

Zanzibar Padel is not limited to its two tracks. The complex also includes a pickleball court, jacuzzis, a very well-equipped gym, a small pro shop and a restaurant .

The Italian owner and founder developed the site around a condo concept : to gather in the same place sports, relaxation, dining and accommodation .

Restaurant Flames specializes in grilled food, while apartments are directly available on site.

The offer is complemented by the residences. Lapili and Breeze located closer to the beaches but a short distance from the club. The aim is to be able to accommodate both players and their companions, with solutions adapted to families, from the youngest to the oldest .

Zanzibar Padel : playing padel 400 meters from the beaches of the Indian Ocean

Two coaches, excursions and yoga on the beach

The stay can be built around padel thanks to the two coaches from the club , which offer lessons on site, but it is not necessary for the whole family to be passionate about pala.

The excursions on the island can also be organized and yoga classes on the beach are offered at approximately 150 meters from the residences .

The principle is therefore to be able to organize a stay from A to Z, combining training or matches for the players and tourist or relaxation activities for the accompanying persons.

Tournaments to increase the number of matches

Another interesting point for visiting players: the club regularly organizes men's and women's tournaments .

These meetings allow participation in a full afternoon of matches but also to quickly meet local and expatriate players. A formula particularly suited to padel tourism, where finding enough opponents is sometimes the main difficulty.

Tracks with fiberglass grids

The two tracks share a common feature: their The grilles are made of fiberglass, not aluminum. .

In use, the bounce on the grid may seem more predictable than on some European grids However, this difference remains secondary compared to the technical advantages of the material.

In Zanzibar, the immediate proximity of the sea and especially high humidity during the rainy season impose specific constraints on outdoor installations. Fiberglass then presents a real advantage in terms of maintenance and resistance to this environment.

Both tracks also feature the technology Push-It allowing players to keep a video of their best points.

And the club's development is not finished: a third track is in preparation .

A truly different padel destination

Zanzibar Padel has ultimately built an offering quite different from a simple club where you come to rent a track for 90 minutes.

Padelcoaching, tournaments, gym, pickleball, catering, recovery, apartments, yoga, excursions and beach can be grouped together in the same stay.

With a team capable of organizing the experience from A to Z and the beaches of Zanzibar just a few hundred meters away, the club offers above all something that is still rarely found in padel: a true sporting destination in a picture-postcard setting, in the heart of East Africa.

Fabien Conjat

Padel fan and itinerant traveler, I offer you my point of view on padel sites around the world. Have a good trip!