MAALUM, Paje – All You Need to Know For Your Visit
Are you planning to visit the southeast coast of Zanzibar? If the answer is YES, there’s a very special place you shouldn’t miss visiting.
A place, located right outside the beautiful village of Paje, where you can explore the underground life, reconnect with nature, treat yourself to a relaxing massage, and enjoy delicious food.
Yes, you heard right, such a place really exists! You can have it all in MAALUM.
In the following, you will find everything you need to know about this unique place.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)
What is MAALUM?
MAALUM means “special” in the Swahili language, and this couldn’t be more suitable.
Nestled in the rugged landscape of Paje, only a 5-minute walk from the main street, you will find a beautiful cave with a breathtaking natural swimming pool filled with crystal clear blue water, all formed by mother nature and surrounded by lush green tropical vegetation.
You descend into the cave via wooden steps and believe me when I tell you that you immediately feel the magic of this enchanting place. However, before you enjoy the pleasantly cool water, there are a few things you should know.
In the complex, there are changing rooms and lockers, where you can store all your things. Don’t worry, you can still take your camera, phone, or other belongings with you, as there are benches in the cave, where you can also drop your bags.
Make sure you take a shower before entering the cave to remove any sunscreen residue as sunscreen can harm underwater life. Towels, diving masks, and bathing shoes are also provided and included in the entry fee.
Now you are ready to hop into the wonderfully clear water, which is perfect for swimming, diving, and exploring the underwater world as you can see some small fish and even crabs.
You will also be amazed to see how deep the cave actually is. For the brave, there is a small platform to jump into the water and a rope is hanging from the cave ceiling where you can climb and have cool pictures taken of you.
Opening Hours & Entry Fee
MAALUM is open every day and before visiting, you have to book your slot online in advance. This ensures that there are not too many people in the cave at once.
Just go to their website and select your preferred date and time. Slots are available from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm and with your booked slot you are allowed to stay 90 minutes inside the cave area.
On the rest of the complex you can of course move freely and for as long as you like. The entrance fee for adults is $20, children from 5 to 13 years are only $10, and as a resident, you pay $15.
Just to be mentioned, this is only the entrance fee for the cave. Your consumption in the restaurant or if you treat yourself to a massage is extra.
Forest Spa
For a perfect feeling of well-being, you can treat yourself to an African massage in the Forest Spa, which is also part of the MAALUM complex.
You are not only offered classic massages like foot, back, or full body, but there is also a sports massage or the popular “MAALUM ritual”, where you will be pampered with a 15-minute foot massage, 45-minute full body massage in contact with nature, 30-minute facial and head massage, and a post relaxation tea.
Doesn’t that sound like heaven?
You can get this all-round pampering program for $80 but don’t worry, if you don’t want to go overboard, there are also other options like a classic 20-minute foot massage for only $10. What could be better than relaxing in the middle of tropical vegetation and listening to the sounds of nature?
MAALUM Restaurant
If you’re hungry after your swim or your spa visit, you don’t need to starve, as there is also a restaurant serving you mouthwatering local dishes, fresh fruit juices, coconuts, and sweet delicacies.
What about trying a typical Swahili curry with Ugali on the side, which is a porridge made from corn flour and the national dish of Tanzania?
Above the restaurant, there is a large yoga room where you can enjoy a wonderful view of banana trees, palm trees, and papaya trees. If you are in the mood for an after-lunch nap, you can just chill in one of the comfortable chairs in and around the restaurant.
Final Words
MAALUM is truly something for everyone!
Whether adult, child, nature lover, swimming enthusiast, explorer, or relaxation seeker, everyone will get their money’s worth here, making it one of the best places to visit in Zanzibar.
I absolutely enjoyed my time at this hidden gem and if I ever come back to Paje, MAALUM will see me again for sure! 🙂
Check out:
14 Unmissable Places to See in Zanzibar, Tanzania
7 of The Best Restaurants in Paje, Zanzibar
14 Best Things to do in Stone Town, Zanzibar
Bucket List Experience: Scuba Diving in Zanzibar
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