zanzibar budget travel blog

The Cost of Travel in Zanzibar: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

Zanzibar is one of my favourite destinations in Africa.

This beautiful island is the definition of paradise and home to some of the best beaches in the world.

My name’s Lauren and I’m fortunate to have spent the past 13 years exploring this planet as a travel writer, specifically focusing on world-famous paradise islands. Bora Bora? The Maldives? They have nothing on Zanzibar. Trust me: these really are some world-class stretches of sand.

It’s kind of unbelievable, then, that it’s still so affordable to visit.

You may have noticed that prices — and especially the prices of travel — have been skyrocketing post-pandemic. Zanzibar hasn’t been entirely insulated from these increases, but it has only been lightly touched so far. So don’t worry: this is an island where you can still get by on $50 a day without having to make too much of an effort.

I’ve been recording every single dollar, peso, and baht that I’ve spent on my travels since 2011 (I now have  over 65 budget breakdowns on the site !), aiming to give you an accurate picture into how much you can expect to spend in every country around the world. Today, it’s Zanzibar’s turn and I’m so excited to start sharing.

Let’s take a look at how much it costs to travel to Zanzibar.

The Cost of Accommodation in Zanzibar

It’s not often I choose to stay in a hostel these days, let alone a dorm room, but after I spotted  Lost & Found Hostel  online, I was enamoured. THEY HAVE DORM ROOMS WITH DOUBLE BEDS! Double beds for solo travellers, I should add.

On top of that, you had curtains around your bed to give you tons of privacy, power sockets for every person, and your own light, too. I was super-impressed with this modern hostel, and I’d rank it as one of the best I’ve ever stayed in. Great staff, fun atmosphere, central location in Stone Town, and the rooms were  silent  at night. I can’t believe I slept in a dorm room for a full week and didn’t get woken up once! Even better: it was pretty damn cheap.

My total cost for my accommodation came to:   $11 a night.

Transportation

From the airport, I booked a transfer to my hostel with Lost & Found for  $10 , and walked the 10 kilometres to the airport when I needed to leave. I realise that sounds absurd, but I’m going to be hiking across the width of the U.K. in a couple of weeks, so I needed to get in some practice.

I don’t usually include flights in my total budget breakdown, because they vary so much from trip to trip, but have included them below to help you with your planning.

To get to Tanzania, I snagged return flights from London with Rwandair for  $491 . As always my recommendation is to keep an eye on  Secret Flying  for flight deals to Africa. In the past couple of weeks, for example, there have been deals for $678 return from Chicago and €397 return from Milan, so getting to Tanzania doesn’t have to break the bank. If there’s nothing listed on Secret Flying, head to  Skyscanner  next — it’s what I use to book my flights.

If your flight takes you into Dar es Salaam rather than to Zanzibar, you can opt to take a ferry or flight to the island. I opted for a flight with FlightLink, who were the cheapest providers I could find. At just  $40 each way , it was only $5 more than the ferry, but over 90 minutes faster, so is definitely worth going for. Other flight companies, like Coastal Air, are popular because they’re said to be more reliable, but you can pay up to $100 each way with them.

When it comes to getting around the island, keep in mind that Zanzibar is reasonably large, so taxis are going to be pretty expensive. To get from Stone Town to Nungwi, in the north, for example, you can expect to pay around $50 for the 40 mile journey.

Fortunately, the Zanzibus exists, running shuttles to the main tourist attractions on the island. You’ll be looking at around $6 between Stone Town and Nungwi/Kendawa, $5 for a trip from Stone Town to Paje, and $8 for a ride between Nungwi/Kendawa and Paje/Jambiani. This is easily the simplest and cheapest way to get around Zanzibar.

My total cost for transportation came to $10 for my on the ground costs in Zanzibar; $90 if you include my return flights to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam; and $581 if you include my return flights from London. 

After spending so little money on accommodation, transportation, and food, I splurged when it came to activities in Zanzibar. You’ll be able to grab a discount if you’re travelling as part of a group, rather than solo like me, and you’ll save more money if you rock up to a tour company in person and bargain them down rather than booking online. Although this’ll be pretty hard to do if it’s just you taking the trip, so try to get a group of people together to split the cost.

My biggest highlight was the  spice tour  I booked through GetYourGuide. At  $57 , it was more expensive than I could have bargained companies down to in Stone Town, but it was the amazing reviews of this particular company — and the mentions of how ethical they are — that hooked me in. On the tour, you get to check out a local village, take a cooking class in a local’s home, then tour the spice plantation and sample as many of the spices and fruits you can handle. Most tours just take you to the plantation for around  $25  for a solo traveler. You can read about my experience on the tour in my spice tour review .

I knew I couldn’t go to Zanzibar and miss out on the spectacular beaches of north, so I signed up for an action-packed day with  Eco & Culture Tours , who designed an itinerary for a private tour for me. Eco + Culture tours have a huge focus on contributing ethically to the communities and environment of Zanzibar, so I was thrilled to discover they had availability. For  $135 , I spent 12 hours with my driver, wandering through the slave caves on the island (intense), skipping along popular Nuangwi Beach (gorgeous), and spotting the mega-rare Zanzibar red colobus monkeys (incredible) in Jozani Forest. It sounds pretty pricey, but when you take into account the fact that just a taxi from Stone Town to Nungwi is $50, from Nungwi to Jozani Forest is $50, and from Jozani to Stone Town is $20, it worked out to be a great deal.

The total cost of my activities in Zanzibar was: $176.

The Cost of Food in Zanzibar

The food in Zanzibar was incredible and I couldn’t get enough! I visited during Ramadan, and while that meant that most restaurants with tables out on the street and on terraces were closed, I didn’t struggle to find budget eats. In addition, several of my meals were covered on my tours, which helped keep my costs down.

One of my favourite hangouts in Stone Town was the Foradhani Gardens night market, where you could grab dinner for a couple of dollars. My favourite dish was the Zanzibar “pizza”, which is pictured above: it’s like a cross between a crepe and chapati and it’s stuffed full of your choice of meat, vegetables, and an egg, with chilli sauce smothered on top. I may have eaten it practically every night that I was in Zanzibar, washed down with a refreshing sugarcane juice, of course.

Drinking-wise, it was Ramadan while I visited, which meant that alcohol was off the cards in Stone Town. I used my  Grayl water purifier bottle  that kills 99.999% of all viruses, bacteria, and cysts in tap water, making it totally safe to drink. I drank the tap water everywhere in Zanzibar, didn’t get sick, saved money on water bottles, and didn’t pollute the country with my plastic waste. I highly recommend grabbing one of these for your trip, as it helps you stay hydrated and travel responsibly in countries with unsafe drinking water.

My total cost of food in Zanzibar was: $45.

The Cost of Miscellaneous Stuff in Zanzibar

Tanzanian SIM card: I don’t know about you, but one of my least favourite aspects of arriving in a new country is having to figure out how to get connected. Specifically: buying a local SIM card so that I have data to use while I’m in the country.

There’s locating a store that will sell you one, language barriers to deal with, various forms of ID you might need to bring, scams to navigate, and… well, it’s a headache. In Zanzibar, I actually got scammed when I tried to buy a local SIM card! I ended up being charged five times the actual price by the store owner and didn’t realise until after I’d left.

This year, I started using  Airalo , which sells local e-SIM cards for travellers. What that means is that you can buy your SIM card online  before  you arrive in Tanzania, and then as soon as you land in the country, you can switch on your data and start using it. It’s worked flawlessly for me and I’ll never go back to physical SIM cards. You’ll pay  $5.50 for 1 GB of data  or  $20 for 10 GB  in Tanzania, and can top-up with your phone using the Airalo app.

Travel insurance:  You know I’ll always yell at you if you’re dumb enough to skip out on  travel insurance , so don’t make me yell at you, okay? While most visits to the island are trouble-free, anything could happen in Zanzibar, from  your ferry sinking  to  getting robbed  to  having acid thrown in your face . Rare, but not something you’d want to deal with without insurance. I use  SafetyWing , which costs just $1.50 a day for coverage.

Bradt Zanzibar Guidebook : $18.  If you’re planning a trip to Zanzibar, you need  this guidebook  over any other. The lengthy guide covers the history of the island, how to travel ethically, where to eat, how to save money, and how to get away from the tourists. An incredibly comprehensive guide, especially if you’re going to spend a significant amount of time there.

My Total Expenses for One Week in Zanzibar

Accommodation:  $77 Transportation:  $10 Food:  $45 Activities/Entrance Fees:  $176 Miscellaneous:  $52.72

Total amount spent over one week: $360.72.

Average daily amount spent: $51.53 per day.

Zanzibar: Super Easy to Visit on a Budget!

Zanzibar has a reputation for being super-expensive, but I didn’t find this to be the case once I was there. If you want to be a super-budget-backpacker, you can skip out on the activities and average $25 a day once you’re there; if you want to explore as much of the island as possible, you can do it while still keeping your costs low. And especially if you’re travelling with other people, as you can split the costs of the tours between you.

Related Articles on Tanzania 🇹🇿 The Cost of Travel in Tanzania (2023): A Detailed Budget Breakdown 🏖 22 Incredible Things to Do in Zanzibar, Tanzania 🌶 Why You Must Take a Spice Tour in Zanzibar ✈️ A Ridiculous Introduction to Travel in Tanzania

Have you been to Zanzibar? If not, is it one of your dream destinations?

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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91 comments.

Wow one more place to visit is on the list now . It’s ZANZIBAR :)

Okay, Zanzibar looks amazing, but that hostel!! I’ve never come across one that nice, either. That’s a real gem.

DOUBLE BEDS!! It was so amazing!

Thanks for the great guide and all the details, Lauren! One thing though: do you really get travel insurance for each trip? Isn’t it much more cost efficient to have permanent travel insurance?

Yup. I don’t travel permanently, so I no longer get travel insurance for a year at a time. It works out to be cheaper to insure myself for each individual trip.

Have you ever needed to claim through World Nomads? If so, how was it? I’ve been stung before by cheap insurance not paying up (bought a camera for a trip, it fell in the sea and they offered me about 1/3 of what I bought it for.

I haven’t. I’ve gone through the claims process a couple of times when I’ve been sick and thought I might need to be hospitalised, and they’ve always been lovely over the phone, but my medical expenses have always ended up being such small amounts that I’ve never been bothered to actually complete my claim. I’ve heard great things from people who have needed to claim from them, which is what keeps me with them.

I would definitely love to visit Zanzibar one day! I think diving there will be pretty good too, and I’d like to give that a shot! I like this breakdown, because I always thought Zanzibar would end up pretty expensive and I’m happy to see that it’s not as bad as people make it sound!

Yes! I’ve heard the diving is great there, although a friend of mine was talking about how there were sea lice in the waters and that sounded unpleasant.

I had no idea that Zanzibar would be so cool and relatively easy to visit, especially on a budget.

It’s a really cool destination to explore, especially if you love the combo of history and beaches!

Please, yell at me! I never do travel insurance :)

That’s really fucking stupid. What happens if you end up in a serious accident and end up bankrupting your family when they need to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to get your body airlifted to a hospital? Or you’re hospitalised in the U.S., where the bills are out-of-this-world expensive? It’s more common than you think. It happened to one of my travel blogging friends and a couple of non-travel blogging friends. Most recently, in Rwanda, someone I was travelling with had their travel buddy end up with a six figure bill after suffering a brain haemorrhage overseas. Not having travel insurance is a seriously, seriously, unbelievably dumb decision.

Let’s hope nothing terrible happens to you when you travel, because making the decision to not buy insurance will land you with little sympathy, or money, from anyone, and could be the difference between life or death.

Yeah, makes sense. But that`s the last I think about when going abroad. Maybe the fact nothing serious (bar a small car accident in LA) ever happened to me, made me not cautious enough.

I mean, I’ve never had cancer, but that doesn’t mean I’ll never get it so shouldn’t bother to have healthcare.

I’m obsessed with the idea of visiting East Africa lately and this post is just adding to that! That ‘pizza’ sounds incredible too. That alone is enough to make me start searching for flights!

The pizza was so delicious! They did dessert options, too, where you could get Nutella, banana, and Mars bars chopped up in your pizza!

Hi Lauren, Great you had fabulous time in Zanzibar. I am sure you will go back some day.I grewup in Zanzibar during British time and it was like Heaven. I was in Zanzibar in January, 2017. Great place and lovely people. Is it possible to text me the photo you took inSokomohogo st. My home is in that picture. I also bought a Penthouse overlooking Indian Ocean in Fumba project. When I retire, I will spend 6 months each yr. in Zanzibar. Thanks. Ashwin.

Oh, that’s amazing! I can’t send you a text but if you drop me an email through my contact form on the site I’d be happy to email the photo to you.

Hi Lauren, A great article. We live at the moment in Zanzibar and I was keen to see your tip about cheap flights. Unfortunately the gateway times out after clicking on the images on the links on Secret Flying.com. I would love to know if you have any other flight gems to share.

Ah, maybe try loading them again? I’ve never had any issues loading the site, and it’s totally legit. Otherwise, try http://www.theflightdeal.com/ — you can’t search the site and it’s kind of annoying to use, but they normally have the same deals on there.

Wow. Now I want to visit Zanzibar as another blogger I follow is currently there as well and it looks amazing. I think I’d go for half the time in Stone town and the other half on the beaches. I’m currently recovering from knee replacement surgery (yeah I am old, but only in body – not spirit) so my international travels are on hold for now…which sucks. Sri Lanka is at the top of my to do list with flashing lights but guess Zanzibar has just been added to the list somewhere just below Cape Town! (which is #2)

Are you and Dave doing the coast to coast in England?

Yes! We’re walking from the east to west coast :-)

Looks like such a fascinating place, one I would LOVE to visit someday! Useful tips for first time visitors, will be sure to pin this for future travels

I love, love, love your budget guides, Lauren! They’re always so detailed and comprehensive. Thanks for showing it’s possible to visit Zanzibar on a budget.

That’s so kind of you to say, Remi :-)

Zanzibar pizza! Thanks for bringing back memories of my first trip to Zanzibar. I think I had ZNZ pizza every night I spent in Stone Town.

It’s so, so, so good! :-)

Helpful for an upcoming trip. Where would you stay if you hadn’t stayed in Stone Town?

Oh, this looks absolutely amazing. I have only visited South Africa so far and I am reall curious to see other African destinations. Whenever I hear people visiting Zanzibar, they just go to a resort…. and I always figured there’s just so much more to explore.

Zanzibar is so much more than its beaches! Although its beaches are pretty great :-)

This is perfect! Thanks so much for this guide. Wasn’t sure where to base myself in Zanzibar, but I’ve decided on doing the same as you — basing myself in Stone Town and using my time to explore the rest of the island via tours.

Sweet! It worked out well for me, so I hope it does for you too :-)

Obsessed with Zanzibar! Visited last year as part of a tour and spent every night dancing beneath the stars. No idea it could be done so cheaply, so you’ve inspired me to look at returning for my own little solo trip sometime. Just need to find the cheap flights to get there and back! x

Good luck! Check out Secret Flying to score inexpensive flights to the island :-)

Wonderful reading Lauren. I’ve wanted to visited Zanzibar for years as a die-hard Queen fan. Did you see Freddy’s old house while you were on the island?

Yes! Actually, the Lost and Found Hostel I stayed at was opposite his house!

I’m planning on taking my honeymoon in Zanzibar in next March, so thanks so this inspiration! I’m going to book in for the same spice tour as the one you did!

Yay! You’ll love it, Lucy. The spice tour was such a fantastic experience.

Would you recommend heading outside of Stone Town if you have a week to spend on the island then? I’d like to keep my expenses under $50 a day, but want to make sure I see as much of the island as possible.

It really depends on what you’re looking for! If you’re a beach person, head outside of Stone Town, because the beaches are much nicer outside of there. If you’re all about the history and want to save money, Stone Town is a fantastic option.

Woow! Zanzibar is on my bucket list but I thought you would only be able to access it if you had a lot of money. Thank you for the post and information.

Easy peasy to visit on a budget! :-)

Gteat post Lauren! And agree with everything you said about travel insurance up there. I had a mate almost break his back whilst travelling and the hospital bills were insane. Fortunately he had travel insurance otherwise he would have been begging us all for money to fund it! He makes sure we always get travel insurance now.

Eeeek! That’s such a relief that he was covered, and I’m happy to hear he made it out okay!

I love how detailed this post is, Lauren! You cover absolutely everything I could need to know about visiting Zanzibar on a budget. Now it seems like an attainable destination for me and my husband.

Yay! I’m happy to hear that, Olivia! I hope you manage to make it there :-)

Fabulous. Always dreamed of going to Zanzibar on my honeymoon – now I know it’s possible to do so without breaking the budget! How do you track your expenses when you travel?

Because my site is my business, my travel expenses are my business expenses, so I have to keep track of them for tax purposes. I usually keep receipts of everything and take photos at the end of the day/trip. And then I’ll plug those details into my accounting software.

Dang, yet another place to visit to add to the ever growing list. Your story is impressive and your posts even more so. Thanks for making me feel like I was there with you (and I wish that I had been…) It sounds wonderful and the food delicious. Thanks!

Glad you enjoyed! :-)

Awesome place! Actually Zanzibar has been one of the places I want to visit and now I’ve made up my mind. However, I didn’t get travel insurance before for my each travel and is it necessary?

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! Get it now.

Thanks for the great guide and all the details. I always wanted to go to Zanzibar, but due to budget problem I could not go. Your tips are very helpful to me. Thanks for sharing.

Glad to hear that, Kirti! ;-)

Hi Really really loved your blog on Zanzibar. My daughter and are going en oct. Hotel is all inclusive. We want to do some exploring and tours and have 5 days. Aloof course buy souvenirs. So will €1000 be enough? She wants to visit the cheetah/ leopard sanctuary as well.

Kindest regards Helen

Yes, definitely enough. Have an amazing time on the island! :-)

I am looking to visit Zanzibar and all the travel sites I visited are quoting me thousands of $ so I am already buying a ticket to travel to Rwanda to go hiking and figured I should make my childhood dream of visiting Zanzibar a reality but my budget is really not up to par and I remembered it is 2017, ask google how to travel for cheap and voila! Thank you so much for all your tips, I am going to convince my sister to come along since she is more adventurous than I am if not, I will go alone and fulfill my dream ahhh! I am excited. I need to calm down and plan this out. Thx a bunch for sharing.

Yay! I’m so happy you stumbled across this post then :-) Have an amazing (and cheap) time in Zanzibar!

Once again a great article!

Hey Lauren! Loved the article, really helpful. I’m planning on taking advantage of a super flight deal I found recently to Zanzibar in a couple of weeks. I will probably be going alone. How did you find Zanzibar in terms of solo female travel safety? Did you have any problems at all? Anything I should pay special attention to? Thank you!

Really safe! I never felt in danger at any time. I was more annoyed by people constantly trying to sell me boat trips haha.

Wow, what a piece!. Nice that you found Zanzibar that nice and inexpensive. We welcome you again to Tanzania and Zanzibar:-)

I can’t wait to return!

Wow very beautiful post, Really Zanzibar is very attractive place.

we are planning our trip to Tanzania in September but the prices and the robbery stories are discouraging us. Is it safe to leave your camer and stuff in the hostel? What about if you are on the beach, can you go swim or will your stuff vanish as soon as your are in the water? My wife was reading a travel book and she is totally against travelling to Tanzania now :s What about the costs? you did a really extreme budget travel, if we want to travel around the Island, with budget hotels, how many €€ would we need for a week?

Thank you for such blog, maybe it will convince my wife to reconsider Tanzania for vacation.

Very detailed and helpful. Awesome post, now I can start my plans and head to Zanzibar.

Hope you have an amazing trip!

hi Lauren i want to travel with my brother to Zanzibar soon …should i take a lot of clothesbor they are cheaper there also which recommend for someonr who likes beaches and isban outdoor person. i have been confused as to ho to nungwi ..jambiani or kendwa ??? please help

This is great info Lauren. I would never have guessed that you could visit somewhere so exotic for such a low price. I’m planning a Tanzania safari, so everything except the safari needs to be low budget, and this article will be a great help.

I’ve been following your blog for awhile and I was happy to see your posts about Zanzibar, as I’ll be there in December! Thanks for this helpful information, as I’ll be a solo female traveler in Zanzibar, too. Good to get the perspective. :)

thank you Lauren, Iam oneof those wishing to visit Zanzibar and was wondering about costs. I find your article very helpful.

No problem! Hope you have a wonderful time :-)

Hi Lauren I am visiting Zanzibar ar in July, so excited Hope to make use of all your info you posted.

Hope you have an incredible time! :-)

Did you come across any really good guides or travel agencies who do walking tours of Stone Town please?

Great article i’m going to Zanziba on the 4 to 8 June would love to do activities and and your article has great content.How do you suggest I take as person who love adventure must I change my money in USD or rather TZS.

Hey Lauren! Just booked my flight to Zanzibar and I’ll be staying at the same hostel you recommended. Just wondering about vaccines? I read that it is recommended but not necessary to have the vaccine for cholera and typhoid… do you already have those or do you think it’s necessary? Thanks so much!

Recommended but not super-necessary is probably what I’d say, too. I’ve been vaccinated against typhoid, as the travel clinic I went to recommended that I get it for my round-the-world trip.

Funnily enough, I actually contracted cholera last year while I was in Borneo! It was the absolute worst.

Overall, the chances of you contracting either disease are very low. But, if you want to be safe, get the vaccines. I wish I’d been vaccinated against cholera, as knowing I could have prevented the hell I went through was kind of annoying. At the same time, I travelled continuously to developing countries for seven years straight before I got sick, so yeah, the chances are still low.

I’d probably get the vaccines to be safe.

Dear Lauren,

Thank you very much for your informative post. So far, I have been to Zanzibar once. I stayed in Clove Island Villas & SPA and it was simply awesome (I really recommend this place for the luxurious holiday!) and I want to go back there one day, However, there is a part of me dreaming about exploring Zanzibar in a different way. Thanks to your post, now I know how to make my dream come true.:)

Hey, my girlfriend and I are planning on going to Zanzibar in January 2020. Thanks a lot for your helpful article.

Unfortunately, the website of Hakuna Matata Bus doesn’t work anymore. Do you know if this company still exists and how/where we could buy tickets once in Zanzibar.

Ah, it looks like they’ve rebranded as Zanzibus. You can find their new site here: https://www.thezanzibus.com/ — I’ll update my article now.

Great reading and extremely comprehensive post – pretty much covers everything…

Thank you! :-)

U visit under the low season and the longest rainy season. Of course it will be cheaper! I plan a trip on my own in jan/feb in backpacking style but no dorms but still simpel and cheap. Really hard to find anything under 30$ for 2 people. And if u wanna stay at some of the beaches (most people want that) it will be more expensive. I would say this is zanzibar at it most extreme budget.

If it was budget travel at its most extreme, I wouldn’t have spent $135 on a private tour, would I?

Hi Lauren, I am going for 8 nights to Tanzania from Zambia. Wanted to spend 3 nights in Zanzibar and 3 nights doing game viewing. Would you suggest tours and a budget for a basic trip…no frills but clean comfortable time.

Loved Zanzibar. I would love to go back for Zambiani beach though! Loved the Zanzibari pizza as well. I also bought a Chinese make type C charger at the airport which was USD 7. I know the boy charged me extra. I did not bargain. he was a bit taken aback at his own price and arranged a taxi for us preemptively :D Loved Zanzibar so much!

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Meet Lauren Juliff

ZANZIBAR COST OF TRAVEL AND DETAILED BUDGET BREAKDOWN

Disclosure: This Zanzibar cost of travel and detailed budget breakdown article may contain affiliate links. If you click it and buy something you like, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. With it, you will help me buy treats for my dog and parrot, build the time machine, and travel back in time to see dinosaurs and interview stone crafters on Easter Island. Thank you! Read more in  Disclaimer .

Is Zanzibar cheap or expensive? What does a trip to Zanzibar cost? Is it possible to visit Zanzibar on a budget?

I was dreaming of going to Tanzania and Zanzibar for years. Up until the last moment I wasn’t sure if I will make it because the flights were getting more expensive by the minute. But then I booked a last-minute flight; bought a ticket on Friday and was flying to Spice Island on Saturday. So, I finally made it to Zanzibar.

I didn’t really know what to expect regarding Zanzibar travel costs. Will the vacation be cheap or expensive? Are the prices comparable to the ones in Asia, or maybe more to the ones in Samoa and Fiji? Perhaps a trip to Zanzibar will be in the same price range as Seychelles? I had no idea what the cost to travel to Zanzibar for 12 days will be. Below you will find my detailed Zanzibar travel budget breakdown. This will give you a brief idea, of how much it costs to travel to Zanzibar for a solo traveler. It will also give you an idea of daily Zanzibar travel costs. I spent 12 days/11 nights on Unguja island, which is known as Zanzibar. I have done some must-do activities and tours, explored Zanzibar beaches and UNESCO-listed Stone Town. Here is how much money you can expect to spend in Zanzibar as a solo (female) traveler.

✈️ If you have been wondering “Would Anja rather miss her flight or lose her luggage?”, you will find the answer hidden in the blog.

Want more Zanzibar travel content? ALSO READ: • HOW TO SPEND TWELVE DAYS IN ZANZIBAR: PERFECT ITINERARY • TOP 12 MOST AMAZING BEACH HOTELS IN JAMBIANI, ZANZIBAR • WHAT ARE THE BEST BEACHES TO STAY IN ZANZIBAR • STAYING AT NEW TEDDY’S ON THE BEACH IN JAMBIANI, ZANZIBAR Interested in Travel tips? ALSO READ: • 13 EASY WAYS TO MAKE YOU MORE SUSTAINABLE TRAVELER • GET OVER JET LAG WITH THESE 19 EASY-TO-FOLLOW TIPS • HOW TO BARGAIN ON YOUR TRAVELS: 17 ESSENTIAL BARGAINING TIPS

Disclosure (being transparent and honest should be fun): You know the way I run this blog. I only recommend products, experiences, hotels, etc. that I personally tried and actually own and use. And some that I am positive will be helpful for you. On this site, you will see pretty colorful links which are known as ”affiliate links”. If you click on this link and buy something you like, I’ll earn some money. I’m talking huge bucks here, like a new Tesla, yacht, and 7-bedroom mansion. Ok, honestly, most of the time it will be enough to help me buy treats for my dog and parrot, eco-friendly travel products or to help me build the time machine, and travel back in time to see the dinosaurs, do an interview of stone crafters on Easter island and have a serious chat with masterminds who ‘invented’ Maths. Thank you! Read more in Disclaimer .

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Table of Contents

Zanzibar budget breakdown

This Zanzibar budget breakdown is based on my experience, from the cost of trip to Zanzibar in August 2022. You can spend way less or way more, depending on your activities, way of travel, food preferences, and negotiation skills. 

Zanzibar is one of the destinations, where you’ll find yourself getting ripped off over anything and everything. Bargaining for the prices and haggling is expected and accepted. Not in restaurants and in shops with fixed prices, but anywhere else. So, be prepared to haggle and negotiate; on the streets of Stone Town, when booking transportation (even taxis!), with street food vendors, tour prices, souvenirs … everywhere. Just ask for a ‘Rafiki price’ (Rafiki = friend) and go from there.

The prices stated were the exact values at the time of my writing. They might change in the future. This post is intended for the purpose of trip planning and to give you an approximate idea of how much to budget. To give you an idea of Zanzibar daily travel expenses. To be on the safer side, I would suggest budgeting more.

RELATED POST: • HOW TO SPEND TWELVE DAYS IN ZANZIBAR: PERFECT ITINERARY

Do you want to travel like me? Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources; FLIGHTS: I use Google Flights or Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. The destination everywhere feature is perfect to find some cheap deals! ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is my favorite site for finding great hotel deals. RENTAL CARS: When planning an epic road trip, I travel with Discover Cars . TOURS & ACTIVITIES: I like to wander around on my own, but when I want to explore with a group I book a tour with GetYourGuide .

1. Cost of a flight ticket to Zanzibar

Prices of flight tickets are hard to compare because they vary so much. From where you fly, what time of the year you are going to Zanzibar, the airline company you are traveling with, and so on. I will include my flight ticket for reference, and to get a clearer overall cost of a 12-day vacation in Zanzibar. At the end of this post, there will be a total Zanzibar cost breakdown with and without a flight ticket.

To get to Zanzibar, I paid 528€ for a return flight ticket Zagreb-Zanzibar with Qatar Airways. Do note that I booked my flight less than a week before my trip and used Cash+Avios. If possible, book your tickets sooner. As always my recommendation is to use Google flights and Skyscanner or a combination of both. Those two websites are what I always use to book my flights.

If you fly to Dar es Salaam, you will then have to take another flight or choose a ferry. From Dar Es Salaam you can fly to Zanzibar with Precision Air, FlightLink, AirTanzania, or other airlines. The flight is only 20 minutes long and can cost from $40 to $100 US dollars one way. If you decide to go with a ferry, the journey will take a bit less than 3 hours, and will cost between $35 to $60 USD.

My total cost for a flight ticket was 528€.

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2. Cost of a Tanzanian visa

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania. And for Tanzania, you need a visa. You can get it flying to mainland Tanzania or flying directly into Zanzibar. No matter where you get it, it covers Zanzibar and the mainland and vice versa.

Some nationalities can get visas on arrival and some have to apply in advance, so check before you travel. If you can, apply for a visa online on the Tanzania eVisa website to skip the immigration queue. Apply at least one week before arrival. If you are getting your visa on arrival it is better to pay with cash. You can pay with a credit card but might be charged a fee.  For US citizens, a Tanzanian visa costs $100 USD and it is a multi-entry visa. For the majority of other nationalities, it costs $50 USD for a single entry visa.

My total cost for a Tanzanian visa was $50 USD.

RELATED POST: • 115 BEST ZANZIBAR CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – CUTE AND WANDERLUST

3. Cost of travel insurance

This is one of those things I am always happy to buy (yes!) and I am even happier if I never have to use it. In that case, I consider it money well spent. Jokes aside, wherever you go, buy travel insurance. Every. Single. Time!

Even in Zanzibar, I have seen people needing medical assistance. One traveler needed it because of heat stroke. A doctor had to come to the hostel and get IV fluids. Not one, many of them. Cost; 270€. Another one sprained an ankle. Seriously, you just never know. I buy travel insurance with a Slovenian company. It covers the whole world and I get the package with the cover for a combined value of 1 million Euros. This travel insurance is valid for one (1) year for travels up to 90 days in one destination. So the more I travel, the better ‘value’ for the price. My total cost for travel insurance was 97€.* * I used the full travel insurance price in the calculation.

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4. Cost of accommodation in Zanzibar

It is not often that I choose to stay in a hostel these days, or in a dorm room. So, why here? Firstly, I haven’t been to Africa (not counting Morocco). In the second place, I wasn’t really familiar with the whole culture or how ‘everything goes’. I am very familiar with the Polynesian and Melanesian cultures but didn’t know what to expect in Zanzibar. Finally, I was traveling alone and didn’t know how safe Zanzibar is for a solo female traveler. I have plenty of experience traveling solo in Asia in the Pacific region, but it is also easier to find friends in a touristy/honeymoon destination in a hostel. Plus it is always nicer to have a cocktail in paradise with like-minded people.

Even when I was searching for hostel accommodation, I was still looking for a place with nice ratings and reviews on Booking.com . And since Zanzibar has so many nice beaches, I really wanted to be on the beach. So, when I spotted The New Teddy’s on the Beach in Jambiani, it was a done deal. They have a front-row beach view, great ratings, and breakfast included in the price. You can read more about Staying at New Teddy’s on The Beach in my review.

My next two accommodations were in the North of Zanzibar, in Nungwi, and in Stone town. In Nungwi I stayed in Makofi Guest house . They have private rooms and 2 dorms. They are located just 2 minutes away from the beach. Staff is super friendly and the atmosphere is great. If you book directly with them, on their website, you will get a 15% discount on food and drinks. So I did.

RELATED POST: • TOP 12 MOST AMAZING BEACH HOTELS IN JAMBIANI, ZANZIBAR

In Stone Town, I again booked my accommodation with Booking.com and stayed at Lost & Found Hostel , which is right in the center of Stone town. Opposite of Freddy Mercury museum. A great feature of this hostel are double beds, curtains for privacy, and your own power sockets and light. The only downside (for me) was that they don’t have breakfast.

In all the selected accommodations I felt great. They all have amazing stuff, a friendly atmosphere where you can meet other people and were silent at night time. I didn’t get woken up once, and none of the dorms were full while I was staying there. The accommodation price stated here includes the actual accommodation rate INCLUDING tax and city tax. City tax/Tourism fee is $9 per person per night and is added to your room rate throughout the island, on top of the regular room rate.

My total cost for accommodation came to $23 a night (room rate + City tax) or $256 for 11 nights (room rate + City tax) . Without the City tax my average room rate came to $14 a night (only room rate) or $157 (room rate only) + $99 (city tax).

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5. Cost of transport in Zanzibar

Transport was by far the biggest expense on my trip to Zanzibar. I didn’t expect that the transport will be that expensive. You can lower the cost of transport if you find other travelers who can share the costs of transport with you. Or, if you can use local transport like Dala Dala, Boda Boda and Tuk Tuk’s.

From the airport, I booked a transfer/taxi to my hostel with New Teddy’s on the Beach for $40. A lot yes. But after my overnight flight, I just couldn’t be bothered, so I took an easy way to sort things out. Later, I found out that this is a pretty standard taxi fare from Stone town/Airport to Jambiani/Paje, which takes 1h and 30 minutes.

Another huge expense was to get from Jambiani to Nungwi, in the North of Zanzibar. You can expect to pay from $50 for 2 and half hour drive. I paid $70 because I stopped at The Rock restaurant and also at Jozani forest. During the time of my visit, the driver was waiting for me.

This route (Jambiani-Nungwi) could also be done with Dala Dala’s. And it would only cost 5000 Tanzanian Shillings (TZS). That way you would firstly have to go to Stone Town. Then change Dala Dala in a little chaotic Darajani bus stop, for Nungwi. The whole journey would take at least 4,5 hours. Zanzibar also has Zanzibus , with shuttles running between main tourist areas.

None of those options were a good fit for me, since I would not be able to stop at desired ‘touristy’ attractions. I would have to visit them as a day trip which would then be almost the same as a taxi ride. I also used Boda Boda in Jambiani and Nungwi to get to Paje, Kiwengwa, Kendwa and Turtle Sanctuary. From Nungwi to Stone Town I shared a taxi with two other travelers I have met in Makofi guest house in Nungwi. It included transport, a Spice tour and Prison island. I will add this to my Activities expenses. From Stone Town to Airport I used Tuk Tuk which was 10.000 Tanzanian Shillings (TZS).

My total cost for transportation came to $174 . With flights, the total is $702. This is $134 for my Zanzibar island transportation and $40 for the transport from my home to Zagreb airport. As I mentioned earlier, my flight ticket was 528€.

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6. Cost of food and drinks in Zanzibar

The cost of food in Zanzibar can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. You can have the best meal on the street for less than $2, dine in local restaurants and pay anything from $3 to $7 and up, or dine in hostels and resorts and pay from $8 up. My most expensive meal was in Stone Town when I splurged on a lobster and paid $33 USD. With the exception of the last two days, I had breakfast included in my room rate. I was eating a lot of seafood and fruit. Seafood is fresh, delicious, and affordable. It is always served with a choice of side (rice or french fries) and vegetables. Fruit, I love fruit. I have bought it at every fruit stand I came across; avocados, pineapples, tomatoes, mangos, and bananas. Cheap and healthy way to fill up your stomach. Tap water is not drinkable in Zanzibar. So you will have to buy water in shops or at street vendors. I usually paid from 1000 to 1500 TZS for a 1,5L water bottle ($0,40-$0,65 USD). Buying plastic bottles was not something I enjoyed but I didn’t want to get sick. Freshly made juices were from 2000 to 5000 TZS ($0,85-$2 USD) and soft drinks from 5000 TZS ($2 USD). Even though 99% of people practice Islam in Zanzibar, you could still find alcohol in hostels and restaurants. No idea how this is during Ramadan. The usual price for a local beer, Kilimanjaro, Savana, or Safari, is around 6000 TZS ($2,7 USD). The price for a cocktail varied from 6000 TZS to 14000 TZS ($6,5 USD). During happy hour you sometimes got 2 cocktails for the price of 14000 TZS. My total cost for food and drinks came to $200 or $17 per day.

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7. Cost of activities and tours in Zanzibar

Zanzibar may be small but it has a lot to offer. You can go diving or spend your time kitesurfing or wave surfing. If you want to try any of those go to the beaches on the South East of Zanzibar. For a price reference check Aquaholics . They have offices in Paje and Jambiani. If you are traveling solo, the prices of tours will usually be more expensive. It is better to find some other travelers, and book a tour together. You will be able to negotiate a better deal as part of the group and save some money by splitting the costs. You can book tours while on Zanzibar (not always the best option) or with GetYourGuide .

My biggest highlight was dolphin watching in Kizimkazi. Now, before you jump, it was an Ethical Dolphin Watch tour. I was on a boat with a guy who works in Zanzibar as a marine conservationist. We didn’t chase the dolphins as it happened on one of the tours in Nungwi. The approach was similar to one of the dolphin tours in Kaikoura, New Zealand. We went further out on the ocean and when the guide noticed dolphins, we drove away from them but sort of followed the path of their swimming. So we watched them swim by on their desired route. Without disturbing them.

On my way to Nungwi beach in the North of Zanzibar, I visited Jozani Forest . The guide in the Jozani explained about the plants in the forest, then you have the opportunity of spotting the mega-rare Zanzibar red colobus monkeys and in the end, you visit the mangrove forest. Entry ticket to the forest costs $12 USD. 

In Nungwi, I signed up for a tour to Mnemba. There was a ‘guide’ on the beach who persuaded me that I just have to do it. It was $20 and I was not impressed with it at all. The boat ride from Nungwi to Bill Gate’s Mnemba island takes about an hour. And somewhere along the way driver spotted dolphins. So did 50 other boats. While I would be fine only watching them, that was not the case. Our and the rest of the boats were chasing dolphins, people were frantically jumping in the water to swim with them and it was just horrible. Even when we came to Mnemba island there were countless other boats. 

Snorkeling was not good at all. And we only visited 1 spot. I have heard that Mnemba has the best snorkeling spots in Zanzibar, but was not really impressed. There were only a few corals, not really colorful, and we only saw a couple of fish. As I have heard, later on, it is better to arrange a private tour or go to the Mnemba island with a guided tour. You should also ‘mention’ the driver about the ‘spots’ (apparently there are 3) where the corals are still nice and intact. They have to pay a fee for visiting these spots since there are regular patrols. But going to Mnemba and the sand bank with a regular tour arranged on the beach is something I was not impressed with and would not do it again.

I knew I couldn’t go to Zanzibar or the Spice island, without visiting Spice farm and without a visit to a Prison island . I did both of those in one day and paid $50 for the transport Nungwi – Stone Town, including Spice Tour and Prison Island. It was a really good deal when you put into account that only the transport from the Northern Beaches to Zanzibar city is $50. 

On the Spice tour, you get to visit a local village, have a cooking class, and are then guided around the spice plantation. The guide explains about the spices, their usage and their health benefits. In the end, you can sample local fruits and watch how locals climb a coconut tree. After the spice tour, we had a private boat arranged to the Prison island . The guide there showed us around, and explained the history behind the island – it was used for quarantine not as a prison. In the end, you get to see the giant Aldabra Tortoises, which were brought to Changuu island (Prison island) from Seychelles. I enjoyed the Spice tour and Prison island so would recommend them both. In Nungwi I also visited Manari Marine Turtle Sanctuary, where you are able to get up close to the green turtles. And since I am geography and history teacher and a tour guide, I booked a Stone town tour . The guide showed me around the narrow alleys of Stone town, explained the history of UNESCO World Heritage city, shared secrets of the Stone town doors, took me inside the old port building, showed me around a bit chaotic Darajani market and to an Anglican cathedral where the was once an old slave market. Tour lasted more than 3 hours and was $20 plus a tip.

My total cost for activities and tours came to $160.

8. Cost of miscellaneous items in Zanzibar

In most countries I go to, I buy a local SIM card as soon as I land. It is my least favorite thing about traveling to a new county. But I didn’t buy a Tanzanian SIM card. Wifi in Zanzibar is amazing! It is fast and reliable. All the accommodations and restaurants have it. And it is FREE. It is also great if you are a digital nomad because the connections here are great.

What I included in the miscellaneous items are tips and souvenirs I bought at the end of my trip in Stone Town. Those were cute wooden animals, a Zanzibar flag, three magnets, two khangas (sarongs), a book and a couple of postcards. I also bought vanilla, coffee, and tea. 

Before I left I also bought a chapter from Lonely Planet Tanzania Guidebook, for 3,5€. I love how you can buy PDF guides and then read them on your tablet, computer or iPhone without the need to print everything. The guide covers everything you need; from transport to the island, history, where to sleep, and where to eat.

My total cost for miscellaneous items came to $85 .

9. My total expenses for 12 days/11 nights in Zanzibar

Flight ticket: 528€ = $528 Visa: $50 Accommodation: $256 Transportation: $174 Food: $200 Activities and tours: $160 Miscellaneous: $85 Total amount WITH flight ticket in 12 days: $1453 Total amount WITHOUT flight ticket in 12 day: $925

My average daily amount spent came to $77 per day (without flights).

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All of the above in a nutshell

Zanzibar can easily be traveled on a budget. It is not as cheap as Asia but it is also not as expensive as Seychelles. Once you get to know the system and are accustomed to the prices, you can spend your time there on a super-tight budget. If you skip tours, use local transport, and eat at food markets and stands Zanzibar can be a very budget-friendly destination.

My travel costs in 12 days in Zanzibar averaged on $77 per day, not including flights. I wasn’t traveling on a tight budget. I splurged on tours, was having nice meals in restaurants, plus had a beer and cocktail almost every day. 

The biggest travel expense was the transport. I had no idea that the taxis will be that expensive. And I didn’t want to lose time by traveling on local transport so I went with it. You can lower the transport expense by traveling with other people and splitting the costs. I was lucky enough to do it once.

I hope you found my Zanzibar detailed budget breakdown helpful. Is it meant to be informative nature to help you with your Spice Island travel planning. The prices mentioned can change and can be lower or higher based on the time of year you are visiting Zanzibar (peak or off-season), your travel style, if you will be traveling solo or with a group, and your own personal travel style and preferences.  Do you think Zanzibar is cheap or expensive? Shine on, Anja

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➤ What you should read next …

• 15 Best hotels in Jambiani Zanzibar for a perfect holiday • 15 Best places to stay in Stone Town Zanzibar • Perfect Zanzibar Itinerary • Best beaches to stay in Zanzibar • Best bargaining tips and tricks

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✈ Travel like a PRO

Are you ready to travel like a PRO? Save time and money with these travel tips and resources . I personally use these companies to save time and money. They do the work by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews from actual guests, for anywhere I am traveling worldwide. ✈️ FLIGHTS: I use Skyscanner in combination with Google Flights to find amazing flight fares (try the Explore feature). I book directly with an airline or pair it with Iwantthatflight for the best deals. 🏨 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is my favorite site for finding great hotel deals. They return the best rates and reviews are from actual guests! 🚘 RENTAL CARS: Discover Cars are my go-to, when planning an epic road trip. 🗽 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: I like to wander around on my own, but when I want to explore with a group, skip the line with an entrance ticket, I book it with GetYourGuide or Viator . ❤️‍🩹 TRAVEL INSURANCE: I never, under any circumstances travel without insurance. In most cases, I use yearly global travel medical insurance. But, if you don’t have that and some impromptu travel plans occur, use SafetyWing . With them, you can buy travel insurance even when you are already abroad. Better be safe, than sorry! 📲 ONLINE SAFETY: NordVPN keeps your devices’ browsing safe and malware-free. Stream shows from around the world, access social media in countries where they are blocked and buy cheap flights by changing your virtual location. 🛜 STAY CONNECTED WITH eSIM: Ditch the plastic SIM cards and waiting in lines at the airport! Airalo eSIMs allow you to connect as soon as you land at your destination. They have eSIMs for over 190+ countries worldwide.

❥ About Anja On Adventure

Anja On Adventure is a travel blog, a collection of insider tips and information on destinations, that I visited as a solo female traveler, tour guide, teacher, yacht stewardess, and Survivor challenge tester. Anja, is a thirty-something adventure-seeking, sun chasing, beach hopping, gin-loving, tropics enthusiast with a creative mind and sarcastic spirit, who loves coconut and mango but doesn’t like chocolate and sweets. I am passionate about all things travel, maps, and puzzles. Click here to learn more About me .

About the author: Anja

17 thoughts on “ZANZIBAR COST OF TRAVEL AND DETAILED BUDGET BREAKDOWN”

What a destination! I’d love to visit Zanzibar someday! Thanks so much for sharing.

It is amazing! Everything you wish for! A bit of culture, cuisine, language, customs … but friendly and affordable.

Very cool. I’ve always wanted to visit, so thank you for providing such a detailed guide and price breakdown.

Thank you! I love reading detailed budget breakdown posts… so I have a rough idea on what to expect and how much money to save. I know we all differ in our travel style and spending habits, but it is nice to have an approximate 😀

It seems pricey to get there, but hotels, transport and food seem very affordable! Would love visit, so this is very useful 😍

Thank you. It was pricey at the time of my annual leave (when all the rest of the Europe and US also have their annual leave). But if you search for dates in Jan in Feb next year, regular prices are lower than what I paid (at that is without using miles).

It looks like you had a good time on a decent budget. In another life, I would have loved to have done that.

IT was amazing! And it is never too late 😉

It was great to read about your budget for Zanzibar. I know that many costs depend on choices you make. But this covered all the different kinds of costs to expect. Good think that hubby is good at haggling! I will definitely budget enough for some great activities.

Thank you! when I search for a budget breakdown I want to have as much info as possible. I know that it will be different at the end, but at least to know what to expect. Yeah, bargaining is a necessary must so … be prepared 😀

Sounds like an exciting place to visit. A great breakdown of costs, helps me to put into perspective what I would spend, give or take, visiting. I’d love to take a Tuk Tuk if I visit!

Thank you! It is just to get a perspective for planning. I did take a tuk-tuk from Stone Town to the Airport. They told me that the ‘good price’ is 10.000 shillings (taxi is from $10-$12).

Wow. So much I didn’t know that Zanzibar offered! What a detailed article. Thank you

Zanzibar was already high on my wishlist and now even more so! What a beautiful place!

Hi Anja I am visiting Zansibar in April 2023 for 7 days – need to know is it better to keep my money in USD or exchange the USD to TZS? And can I take my shells I buy there and the spices on the plane back to Namibia?

Hi! Wow, so happy you are going there! Do you have anything booked? Also, there might be some rain in April but it shouldn’t be too bad.

Money wise. I exchanged all my money to TNZ. EUR to TNZ was a bit better exchange rate than from USD. Also, the best exchange rate that I found was outside the airport. You go outside and then turn right, like you want to go back inside and check-in for another flight. The exchange office is super small and outside of the building. USD or TNZ. There are some hotels that take EUR or USD, only a few take cards (but they add a fee). Also, there are not many ATMs so bring cash – a lot of it. And don’t worry, because there are safes in the room.

I don’t know if you can take shells. My personal opinion is that you should not take shells or sand or anything from the beach or nature. I know that in some countries the laws for doing this are super strict and fines are high. No idea about Zanzibar/Tanzania. a little bit of sand might not seem like much, but I see it as a because it’s a “theft” [from] future generations and a rick to the environment. It took thousands of years for sand to be formed, and pristine beaches created. Over time, shells will break down and become sand. It is part of great circle of life. So, I don’t know if you can, but I would advise you against it.

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Hacks to Visiting Zanzibar on a Budget [2024]

by Bex Band | Last modified on Mar 3, 2024 | Tanzania , Travel

Although noticeably more expensive than the mainland of Tanzania, it is still possible to visit Zanzibar on a budget.

I’ve visited Zanzibar multiple times and it’s easy to understand the appeal. The main hub – Stone Town – is full of character with cobbled winding streets, a bustling seafront market and great shopping.

For such a small island, there is a surprising number of activities and tours on offer. And the best part…..the beaches, of course. Think golden sand, crystal clear waters and perfect temperatures year round.

In this guide, I’ll cover how to get to the island, where to stay and what to do. As well as a complete budget breakdown.

Table of Contents

You might also want to check out:

• 2 Week Tanzania Itinerary and budget
• Tanzania safari guide
• Guide to visiting Mafia Island

How to get to Zanzibar on a budget?

Firstly, you will need to catch an international flight that gets you into the capital of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam.

From there, the quickest and easiest way to get to and from Zanzibar is via a small plane. This costs as cheap as $40-80 one way in advance, although it is possible, if you have time, to haggle a better deal at the airport – flexibility on dates and times is essential.

Alternatively, if you really want to get to Zanzibar on a budget (and more adventurously), you can catch the ferry, which costs $35.

To get to the port, you can catch a local bus outside Dar airport, although check the timings of the ferries as the last one leaves early afternoon. The ferry ride is 2 hours and fairly comfortable, although their safety standards aren’t always the best.

How to get a transfer from Zanzibar airport?

Zanzibar Airport is about a 30-minute drive from the capital, Stone Town. Catching a taxi is one option, costing $10-15 (depending on how good you are at haggling). This price will be reduced if you can pair up with other tourists.

The cheapest option is to catch a local bus called Dala-dala. They are very easy to use, although expect cramped hot conditions. The dala-dala stop is just outside the airport – ask airport staff for directions (not the taxi drivers, as they will tell you the buses aren’t running!).

A journey to Stone Town on a dala-dala costs 300TSH (roughly $0.15). The end stop is Darajani Market, or they will drop you anywhere along the way as there are no set stops.

How to travel around Zanzibar on a budget?

Getting comfortable using data-dala’s is inevitable for anyone visiting Zanzibar on a budget. They are a cheap and easy way to get around the island. From Stone Town, you can travel to the northern beaches, Nungwi and Kendwa (which are beautiful and well worth a visit), in about 1.5 hours. The cost is 2,000 TSH (roughly $1). This is the most expensive journey you will pay.

To get to the east side of the island from Stone Town, the dala-dala costs 1,500TSH (roughly $0.75). All small journeys within Stone Town are 300TSH (roughly $0.15).

The dala-dala’s are either minibuses or converted trucks (the backs are open, and you sit all facing each other). Grab a window seat if you can at the front, for the most comfortable journey.

Everything you will want to see in Stone Town is within walking distance. It is very easy to get lost in the narrow winding streets of the city, so get hold of a map or have Google Maps on your phone handy.

Best affordable accommodation in Stone Town?

To really experience Zanzibar, you need to spend some time in the capital, Stone Town, and then some time on the beach. You can see all the main sites of Stone Town in a day easily, although I would recommend adding a second day so that you can also visit Prison Island and Nakupenda sandbank as a combined half-day trip and also a Spice Tour.

The best place to stay in Stone Town, if visiting Zanzibar on a budget, is in Balcony House .

It costs around $25 a night to stay there.

T he hotel is clean and comfortable. The location is amazing – right in the heart of Stone Town. The hotel also has really lovely features and a nice view of the sea.

Zanzibar: Best Cheap accommodation on the beach?

For the ‘beachside of my stay on Zanzibar, I choose to stay at Kaure Sands Beach Lodge , $50 per night for 2 sharing a double, including breakfast (low season).

This has to be one of the best beachside lodges for travellers visiting Zanzibar on a budget. The beach there is much less touristy, meaning you can relax without all the noise of sellers and bars playing music. It has a comfortable,  relaxing area and all the rooms are beachfront, meaning you step straight out of your room onto the soft white sand.

5 minutes’ walk away is some local restaurants (behind the lodge) for those looking to save money. The hotel restaurant is a little pricey, although the portions are very large. All the major excursions can be organised from the lodge (snorkelling, diving, dolphins, etc). The flat seas and breeze also make it a popular spot for kite surfing.

Alternative budget beach accommodation..

The north beaches, Nungwi and (especially) Kendwa , are the most beautiful but also the most popular. There is lots of nightlife, bars and restaurants available. Things are, therefore a bit pricier and the sellers and beach boys can get very annoying. I visited Kendwa beach as a day trip from Stone Town and was happy that I had decided not to stay here but on the quieter East side instead.

If you want to be close to the nightlife and cocktails, there are some cheap and comfortable options which include a splash of luxury, including: Varadero Zanzibar Hotel Daeli A partment (highly recommended!!) Kendwa Rocks Hotel

For even cheaper options, you will need to look on  Airbnb  or Vrbo where dorm rooms are as low as $10 a night.

What are the best budget food options on Zanzibar?

The absolute cheapest place to eat in Stone Town is in the Darajani market, although the food section doesn’t appear until the evening. Pick a table that takes your fancy, and the ‘chef’ will make a plate for you based on the food that they have cooked at home and transported that day.

If you are visiting Zanzibar on a budget, you will need to get used to eating rice. Thankfully, the rice there is amazing, cooked to perfection and with coconut milk. The chapatis (500 TSH, roughly $0.25) are tasty and filling. I always had a vegetarian option of rice, beans and vegetables, which cost 1,500 TSH (roughly $0.75). Portions are big and the people are welcoming.

Don’t forget to budget for water as you will need to buy this as you go. Head to a local shop where a 6 pack of 1.5 litre bottles costs 4,500 TSH (roughly $2.25). They will likely try to charge you a more expensive tourist price. If you are ever unsure, just speak with a friendly local and ask them what it costs before going in to buy.

For breakfast and lunch, go to the fruit market to get a huge fresh pineapple (4,000 TSH, roughly $2) or a mango (1,000 TSH, roughly $0.50). Dotted around the local area are small bakeries that sell pancakes, bread s , doughnuts and other small pastries made from beans or fish. These are all very cheap and cost between 200 – 500 TSH each ($0.10 – $0.25).

Foods not to miss

The night market in Forodhani Gardens is definitely worth a visit, although it is slightly more expensive. You can pick up all sorts of seafood there. Make sure you try a famous Zanzibar pizza (3,000 TSH, roughly $1.50) and a sugar cane drink (2,000 TSH, roughly $1).

When you need a break from local food, head to House of Spices, the best restaurant in the Capital. While taking in the rooftop view, you can enjoy incredible fusion dishes that combine local spice flavours with an Italian twist. I can really recommend the smoked cheese pizza (18,500 TSH, roughly $9.25), made in their resident fire oven, and the mango and chocolate dessert (8,500 TSH, roughly $4.25).

Top things to do in Zanzibar?

• Get lost in the old city: spend half a day wandering the winding streets, checking out the shops and crafts
• Do a day trip to visit Nakupenda Sandbank (for snorkelling and a BBQ lunch) and Prison Island to see the giant tortoise
• Try a Zanzibar pizza in the night market, open every evening on the waterfront in Stone Town
• Try different flavours on Zanzibar’s world-famous spice tour
• Eat like a local in Darajani Market in Stone Town: While most tourists flock to the night market, Darajani will give you a taste of real Zanzibar life
• Spend a couple of hours visiting the Slave Market Museum in Stone Town
• Snorkel or dive at Mnemba Atoll (note the coral has been pretty damaged by boats and tourists, so don’t have too high expectations for your water activities in Zanzibar!)
• Head to the East side of the island to try kite surfing lessons
• Spend a day on Kendwa beach in the North of the island for the most picturesque, white sand, blue water views imaginable

Please do NOT do a dolphin tour, deemed inhuman by many conservation charities because of the local’s aggressive tactics when it comes to tourist dolphin swim tours!

How to get the cheapest tours on Zanzibar?

There are big tour companies operating on the island that offer slick tours at a high price. For every activity, though, you can go with a local and haggle a cheaper deal, which will save you a lot of money if you are visiting Zanzibar on a budget.

It is worth noting that you will often compromise on the quality of snorkels or guiding, though. You might want to weigh up the experience if you are doing a bigger activity, such as scuba diving. For the below activities, here’s how to get a bargain….

Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach

This is a great activity and can easily be done on the cheap for anyone visiting Zanzibar on a budget. Head to the beach area outside Tembo Hotel , where you will find all the ‘captains’ searching for tourists to take out for the day. They will be there from 8 am. The best thing to do is to try and find other tourists to pair up with. The more of you there are, the cheaper the deal you can haggle. In a group of 7, we managed to haggle, paying 15,000 TSH (roughly $7.5) per person. This included 2 hours on Prison Island, 1 hour on Nakupenda sandbank and snorkel gear. This is a very good price and took a lot of bargaining.

You will also need to pay an additional $4 entry to see Prison Island and the giant tortoise. If it is windy and the sea is choppy, you will not get good snorkelling opportunities at the sandbank.

Snorkelling and diving

The best place to do snorkelling is Mnemba Atoll . Unless the sea is calm, the rest of the places on the island will likely not see much. The beach boys will tell you differently, but do not listen to them – I saw many unhappy people returning from bad snorkelling trips (including ourselves on one occasion). I joined up with some other tourists and haggled a half-day tour to Mnemba (including transport, fruit, water and gear) for $18 each, leaving from the East side of Zanzibar.

Diving is pricey, $110 for a double dive, and the most I was able to get off was $10. Mnemba is also the best diving spot. If you want these activities cheaper, you can head to Matemwe, which is the closest point. From there, you should be able to negotiate the cheapest deal.

If you are planning to do multiple activities, find a ‘captain’ that you like and negotiate a package. To haggle prices lower, you can always cut things out. For example, included food or by shortening the trip from 3 to 2 hours. Equally, ask for snorkel gear and transfers to be included. With all the activities, though, the best thing you can do is to make friends. Share the cost between you massively cuts prices.

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Top tips for Zanzibar

• If you catch a flight over from Dar es Salam, ask the pilot if you can sit in the front. The airline sells the co-pilot seat as a ticket, meaning that you can get a great front-row seat of the island as you fly in
• Most things on the Island will be paid for in cash (especially if travelling to Zanzibar on a budget as you will be paying the locals). Although dollars are accepted, paying in the local currency is cheaper.
• Flight delays into Dar es Salam are extremely  common. I met around 10 other travellers, myself included, who missed their connecting flight to the island due to delays. If this happens, you might be able to wrangle moving your flight with just a fee to pay, although I ended up losing the full cost. Stay a night in Dar to be sure this doesn’t happen. Equally, losing bags is common (as I found out the hard way as well! It took a week to be returned with my luggage). Keep medication, chargers and a change of clothes in your hand luggage – just in case!
• There are a lot of sea Urchins off the shores of Zanzibar. I saw a lot of tourists stepping on their painful spikes. It was a daily occurrence. Bring some sandals or sea shoes with you.
• NEVER pay for any tour on the island up front. I had one seller who was really pushing for upfront payment, although I stood my ground. It turned out the ‘snorkelling’ tour was to an area that was so choppy, with such poor visibility and so many jellyfish, that I only managed 5 minutes before needing rescuing. We asked them to drop us off straight away and refused to pay. Don’t give dishonest sellers money. This is a common occurrence. If they are being honest about what they are selling, they won’t ask for upfront payments.
• You don’t have to tip, even if they start hinting; it’s your choice. I didn’t tip the activity guides. The ones I went with seemed to earn a good living (I also had a lot of bad experiences with them trying to rip us off). I left my tip money with the street sellers and the people in the local markets and restaurants.
• Don’t do the dolphin tours. The guides use aggressive tactics that are damaging and intimidating to the dolphins. You just have to read the reviews online to realise that even people who spot them leave with a bad experience, realising what is happening is not right.
• Don’t give the kids candy! I saw a lot of tourists do this. Not surprisingly, I had to deal with loads of kids shouting at me. ‘Give me candy’ or ‘give me money’. Sometimes even dangerously running across the road. Candy rots their teeth (they don’t have dentists!) and creates dependency on our attitude toward tourists. Teach them a song or game instead or perhaps a few useful phrases in English. If you really want to help the kids, find a good local charity that you can donate to.
• If you are considering visiting Zanzibar on a budget but aren’t set on the location, consider Mafia Island. Mafia can also be visited cheaply. I had a much better experience. I found the people nicer, I wasn’t ripped off once, and the snorkelling and diving better. The best part as well is that the Island is empty of tourists, so is much quieter. And you can swim with Whale Sharks !
• The island has suffered heavily from overfishing. Please consider doing your bit for the environment by not tucking into seafood platters or excessive amounts of seafood.

Have you considered Mafia Island as an alternative?

Everyone going to Tanzania has heard of Zanzibar, but not many have heard of Mafia Island.

While I like Zanzibar, it’s neighbouring island Mafia offers a really special and unique travelling experience.

One of my biggest challenges with Zanzibar are the growing number of visitors and (worst of all) the irreversible damage to the corals and marine life. In comparison, Mafia Island is far less busy and, thanks to the Marine protected areas, has absolutely stunning coral reefs and a thriving marine habitat.

There are Humpback whale tours in the summer and an opportunity to swim with whale sharks over winter. (You can read about my experience swimming with whale sharks on Mafia Island here).

If you need more convincing, check out my Mafia Island guide and also the Top Things to do on Mafia Island .

Or watch this short video I made about my stay on Mafia Island….

I hope you found this Visiting Zanzibar on a Budget guide helpful.

For more adventure inspiration and advice, follow me on  Facebook  and  Instagram . Or you can subscribe to my  YouTube channel .

Have a great stay on Zanzibar! I’d love to hear how you get on, or use the comment box to ask any questions you may have 🙂

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44 Comments

Well written, I enjoyed this. I hope to go someday !

Thank you Merle! I can also really recommend visiting Mafia Island if you do head that way…the island has lots to offer and is a real contrast to Zanzibar 🙂

Thanks dear this was helpful

Glad to hear this! Have a great time on Zanzibar 🙂

Hi Bex, thanks for your website, I found a lot of informations on it, well done ! We are a swiss family and planned to go to Tanzania in october. We have three children (15-13-9), and the plane price looks expensive for us five to reach Mafia. Do you think is it realistic to reach it by boat with the children ? If no, than we will go to Zanzibar which likes more easy to reach. Thanks in advance, greetings, Chris

Thanks, Chris – glad it was of help. I personally wouldn’t take children on the Mafia ferry. It is pretty uncomfortable and scary. The cheapest place you can get flights to Mafia is from Afro Whale Shark….you can try seeing if they can get you a discount if you book more than 1 person.

If money is a factor than Zanzibar is probably your best choice as it is much more structured for tourists so there are more restaurant choices and hotels.

hope that helps? 🙂 Bex

Thanks for your helpful article. I’m looking at wanting to visit prison island and nakupenda but ideally would like to avoid an expensive tour. I would only want to spend 1hr max at prison island and a couple of hrs at nakupenda beach. Is this something that could be negotiated with the “captains”? Cheers

Yes, it is all negotiable. Although the cheapest way to do it is to find other tourists that you can share the boat with and split the price. You’d then have less flexibility with timings but would save money. Enjoy! 🙂

Thanks for your Top Tips. They sound very useful. I was keen on the Dolphin swim

Hey Bex, A reply from the Netherlands. We (my husband and i) are going to Zanzibar 20 nov. and stay for 3 weeks. We also want to visit Mafia Island. And hope to see the whale sharks. Thank you for your info.

Amazing! You are going to have a fantastic time. Make sure you book with Afro, you won’t be disappointed. And tell them Bex says ‘hi’ 🙂

Great post! Since yesterday, I’ve read like 8 to 10 of your other posts and all of them were inspiring and helpful. What I like most about your travels is that you always explore many options before making a decision and haggle like a boss to squeeze as much as you can from each adventure. Backpacking beginners should read your content instead of Lonely Planet guidebooks which point them to touristy places (or their publications make them touristy) and suggest paying high prices for stuff. Keep doing great job! Thank you!

That’s so kind, thanks Mateusz. There really is no better comment you could read as a blogger than that 🙂 Thank you!!!! 🙂

Hope you are doing well.

I have another quick question please… would you happen to know if I need to hold yellow fever vaccine certificate when I fly from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam. I am flying from the UK directly to Zanzibar so I was not going to get vaccinated but planning to take a 2-day trip to Dar (possibly another 2-3 days on Mafia Island) and I am slightly confused as to whether I should get it done or not…

Also, do you have any experience with Auric Air? I am looking to book my flight to Dar with them…

Thank you ever so much in advance.

Best wishes,

I can’t help with the Yellow Fever…the best is to speak to your doctor or go to a travel clinic so they can give you all the up-to-date advice. A lot of vaccinations are optional but I think Yellow Fever might be compulsory. Yes! I’ve flown with Auric Air twice. They were great…no problems at all 🙂 Bex

Thank you so much for your response… I have now received advice on Yellow Fever vaccination (its not required) and booked my flight with Auric Air 🙂

Wishing you all the best.

Amazing….have the best time!!! 🙂

Hello Bex, amazing article thank you ? Would you happen to know how long it takes to go by ferry from Dar to Zanzibar and if it’s suitable for young teens please? Thanks

Thanks for your kind words! The ferry is 2 hours and is fairly comfortable. As with any transport like this in a developing country, it comes with a level of risk as their safety measures are different. However this is a very well used route by locals and travellers.

Hello! There is a new door-to-door shuttle service running on the island. It is a great option for people travelling on a budget – much cheaper than a taxi and far easier than catching a public bus. Most journeys cost less than US$10 and can be booked online. The shuttle collects you from your current accommodation and drops you directly at your next place, basically all the convenience of a taxi at fraction of the price. Check out the Hakuna Matatu Bus website for more information: https://www.hakunamatatubus.com

Thanks for sharing this Alex. It looks like a great option 🙂

Hello Bex, very good article, so helpful! We are intending to visit the island next week, and it seems that making a guided tour in Stone town is a quite helpful, any contact ou recommand? Also do you know if there is any transport by night from stone town to uroa? we’de like to visit market places before going back to the hotel in Uroa.

Thaks a lot Mejed

Thank you Mejed! I don’t have any guides to recommend…they are easy to find on the island so I just spoke to a few and went with one who I thought would do a good job. I remember the buses travelling quite late into the night although I’m not sure when they finish….I’m sure late enough for you to visit the market in Stone Town. Have the best time!

Allright I’ve just found someone interesting. For the buses, it should be ok then. Thanks again. Thank you Bex

Hey Bex, I am very happy to find your blog as i am traveling in a low budget; this is very helpful. I have one question though,,i pay a ticket direct to Zanzibar,,,so does it mean i have to make transit in Dar es Salam – if so then if they make a delay must i have to pay since my ticket is from my home town direct to Zanzibar ? or i go straight to Zanzibar ? tnx, Mahi 🙂

If you booked the flights with the same company then they usually cover you if there is a delay in transit. I don’t know for sure though so you’d need to check with your airline 🙂

Many thanks to you for all your tips and stories… Im preparing my trip to Tanzania and I feel almost there, even if the best is to come 😉

No worries at all! You really are in for a treat….Tanzania is a fantastic country!

Hi Bex, Thanks for this very informative Blog. My husband and I are on a budget and are looking for the cheapest way to travel around the island starting from the South East area to page beach for example. How can we estimate how much this should cost by taxi and is it something that could be done by local boat?

No worries Vini! The taxis are fairly expensive. I’m not sure about boat taxis but there are local buses you can take. They’re very cheap and go all over the island so it’s easy to get around (you can just ask locals to point you in the right direction).

HI Bex, Your insight is amazingly helpful. Thank you for sharing! Preparing to hit Zanzibar in early March. Wanted to check out your other link “Things to do on Zanzibar” but unfortunately, page is not available. Any chance looking into it or maybe emailing a copy? All the best!

Hi Bex! How was your flight with Coastal and what do you think of the pilot? Sorry was reading your story and came across the picture of the handsome pilot (my husband 😉 ) btw nice blog 🙂

Lol….he was an exceptional pilot!! What a coincidence! 🙂 Thank you!

The company is now called The Zanzibus, still the same deal $10 to/from anywhere on Zanzibar – http://www.thezanzibus.com

Hi, can thanks for sharing your experience! I was wondering how did you manage to get to Mnemba Atoll, and how much did you pay for the transportation?

We went to Mnemba Atoll via a boat as part of a snorkeling tour. I can’t remember how much we paid but it may have been around $25 each. If I’m honest it was not a great experience…..our provider didn’t bring enough masks and fins and some of them were broken. Make sure you check your equipment before leaving!

Great post! I am going to be visiting Clove Island at Makunduchi Beach and I am for sure going to use some of your tips during my trip!

Thanks for reading Sonia and have the best time 🙂

Hi Bex, we are going to Zanzibar as part of out honeymoon in August for 8 nights. Thinking of spending 3 nights in Stone town, 3 nights in Nungwi and 2 nights on east coast maybe in Michamvi. Have you any advice / thoughts on our itinerary?

I think that sounds like a great itinerary! Have the best time on your honeymoon 🙂

thanks for the info sharing here i wanne ask how would it be for long stay budget travelers? is it possible to find a house with kitchen in nice area? is it so that scooter rent are expencive? thanks

Using Airbnb you should be able to find a cheap stay with a kitchen so absolutely do-able. The local market is very cheap, just avoid the tourist market. I’m not sure about scooter hire but can’t imagine it would be very expensive!

Hi Bex, thanks so much for all your tips and insights on Zanzibar! I really enjoyed reading about your adventures! I was wondering what the best way to get in touch with the Blue House in Stonetown is? I tried finding them via your Airbnb link but sadly, no joy! Thanks heaps!

Unfortunately it seems like the owner has taken down the listing!

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The Ultimate Zanzibar Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know

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• Last Updated On: September 10, 2023

Zanzibar has a very rich history and was once one of the most important areas in East Africa. Following Vasco de Gama’s visit in 1499, Zanzibar was ruled by the Portuguese and remained this way for almost two centuries.

Nowadays, it’s one of the most popular beach destinations in Africa and with good reasons. Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you’re on. On the east coast, waves break over coral reefs and sand bars offshore, and low tide reveals small pools of starfish, small minnows, and anemones. Up north, ocean swimming is much less susceptible to the tides, and smooth beaches and white sand make for dazzling days in the sun.

I spent numerous months traveling around Zanzibar as you can read in my detailed cost of living breakdown of Zanzibar . I stayed in numerous areas all over the island, really allowing me to get a feel of the place. This guide will serve to give an overview of all the things you need to know about traveling here!

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How to get to Zanzibar

Zanzibar is easily accessible from the world now. It’s built itself as the premier beach destination in East Africa and it’s accessibility proves it. It’s not as upscale as the Seychelles and positions itself as a place both budget and luxury travelers can visit.

Zanzibar island is well connected by international flights around the world. Qatar flies direct from Doha allowing travelers from Europe and America to easily visit. In addition, Ethiopian Airlines has directs flights from Addis Ababa to Zanzibar allowing for easy international connections. Flights are getting cheaper by the day and it’s easy to use miles nowadays to book trips to Zanzibar. 

From Tanzania, you can quickly reach Zanzibar by air from popular places like Kilimanjaro and Arusha. If you’re staying deep in the Serengeti like Seronera, you can take direct flights to Zanzibar.

Take the ferry to Zanzibar

If you are traveling through Tanzania and on a tight budget (or just want to take a ferry on the high seas), there are regular ferry services from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar. This is a popular way to get to the island as it’s fast and cheaper than a flight. While flights will be roughly $60-80 one way, the ferry is half the cost.

From Dar Es Salaam’s main port, there are four ferries a day making this trip. The ferries are mostly newer with plenty of outdoor space allowing you to stretch out and enjoy the views. They seem to make new ferries every few years and on my recent trip in 2020, the ferry took 1h 45min to make the trip from Dar to Stone Town .

When you purchase your ticket in Dar Es Salaam, just make sure to reject the swarms of people that will offer to take your bag to the ferry. This is unnecessary and although they’re trying to make a living, you don’t need anyone to take your bags. The ferry terminal is pretty standard with a waiting room that you can absolutely get to yourself.

Entry Visas

As Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, it is subject to the same visa and entry requirements of the mainland. For most Western travelers, you will need a visa to enter Zanzibar/Tanzania.

The entry visa can be:

• Purchased on arrival at the airport. The cost of this is $50 for every nationality besides the US which is $100.
• Purchased online as an e-visa before arrival

In recent years, you can even pay for the visas by using a credit card ! No need to pay using USD cash anymore.

When to visit Zanzibar – best time of year

Zanzibar enjoys warm weather year round. The sun is strong and all your tropical beach dreams will be fulfilled here. Nevertheless, there are some times that are better than others. Here is a breakdown of the seasons in Zanzibar.

High Season: June to October

Right after the stormy season, starting from June is when the high season begins. This time of year sees cooler temperatures but almost no rainfall. It’s popular as many people will visit the Serengeti during this time to witness the Great Migration and come to Zanzibar for beach time afterwards.

Second High Season: Dec to Feb

December to February is the next high season. The temperatures are much warmer during these months and there’s a general low amount of rainfall. This is also the high season for winds which makes places like Paje extremely popular for kitesurfers.

Rainy Season: Mar to May

The big rainy season in Zanzibar is between March and May. During this time, lots of the resorts close down as you can see torrential downpours for weeks on end. Many of the people I spoke with said this time of year sees almost no tourists but it’s a welcome reprieve from the unbearable heat in the months prior.

November is the “small rainy season” where you can see spotty rain showers at various points of the day. I actually spent a month in Zanzibar during this month and did not find it bad at all. Sure there were some days where it rained, but for the most part, it was sunny and beautiful throughout my trip.

Different areas of Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a huge island. From north to south it is over 200km and 100km from east to west. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to explore the whole island on a trip if you have anything under a month.

If you’re visiting just to go to a resort for a week or less, it’s likely you’ll stay in one area and never leave that part of Zanzibar. Having spent over a month on the island, I was able to explore most of the island without much effort.

For the most part, Zanzibar is beautiful all around. You will find beautiful beaches, stunning properties and picturesque ocean views everywhere.

The capital of Zanzibar is where everyone will start off. Whether you fly or take a ferry, you will stop in Stone Town. Whether you choose to spend a night or two in the vibrant capital is up to you. If you’re looking for beautiful tropical beaches, this is not the place.

The town is worth a night or two in my opinion if you have the time on your trip.

Nungwi and Kendwa

Located in the far north, Nungwi and Kendwa have in my opinion the most beautiful beaches on the island. The tides are not so extreme and you don’t see the crazy amounts of seaweed and sea urchins that you will find elsewhere. Think of stunning blue beaches and white sand for as far as you can see.

Nungwi is also home to all the huge luxury resorts. If you’re keen for upscale all inclusive 5* resorts with beautiful beaches, Nungwi is your place. Resorts like the Riu, Zuri, and Gemma will satisfy all your desires. Nungwi gets very busy during the high season. In recent years, it’s become somewhat of the party spot. In addition to ultra luxury resorts, there are plenty of budget options here which has kind of turned it into the Phuket equivalent of East Africa.

Kendwa, the town just south of Nungwi is a great option if you want to enjoy the same beaches without the big crowds of people. Both options are prime for enjoying sunsets as the areas in the east, while beautiful, don’t enjoy such things!

Matemwe, Kiwengwa, Pongwe, and the northeast

Matemwe is an area in the northeast of Zanzibar. It’s roughly 1.5 hours from the Stone Town airport by car.

Matemwe is known to be a chilled out beach side area with a collection of boutique hotels. Unlike Nungwi with its huge resorts, there are few standalone restaurants here and no huge hotels. It’s much more chilled, laid back, and offers beautiful views of the beach. Being on the east side, the beaches here have huge high and low tides.

During low tide, the beach extends 500m out to where the reef breaks. It’s fascinating watching the tides come in and out twice a day. I stayed at a beautiful Boutique resort called Zanzibar Sunrise at Bandas which had Makuti style bungalows right in front of the beach.

It’s also the launching point to visit the famous Mnemba Atoll which is the private island off the coast of Zanzibar. This beautiful island is home to a protected Marine park and is home to endless options for scuba diving/snorkeling.

Paje, Jambiani, Michamvi in the southeast

In the southeast of Zanzibar is another very popular area for tourists to stay. This part of Zanzibar has perhaps the best beaches outside of Nungwi. The tides are extremely dramatic but the beaches are mostly sand as opposed to corals and urchins in the north.

Paje is the biggest town here and is the kitesurfing capital of Zanzibar. The winds blow east to west here almost the entire year. Nearby towns like Jambiani, Bwejuu, and Michamvi are also crowd favorites.

The most famous restaurant in Zanzibar, The Rock , is located in this peninsula. It’s well worth the visit if you decide to stay here!

How to get around Zanzibar

Zanzibar being a huge island requires planning to get from place to place. If you’re only staying for a few days, it’s unlikely you’ll need to read up on this because you’ll likely just take a taxi to your resort and call it a day. Here are some general price ranges for taxis that I found from taking taxis all over the island.

Note that these are just broad estimates. Your ability to negotiate and the desperation of your cab driver on the day will dictate your fee. Alternatively, ask your accommodation what they can offer. If you are booking a hotel with a super fancy resort, expect to pay much more than if you’re staying at a more personalized guesthouse.

Stone Town to Matemwe: $30-40

Stone Town to Nungwi: $40-50

Stone Town to Paje: $30-$40

Stone Town to Kiwengwa: $30-$40

Nungwi to Paje: $50-60

Paje to Michamvi: $10-$15

Matemwe or Kiwengwa to Nungwi: $25-30

Budget traveling in Zanzibar

For those that aren’t keen on taxis, then know that Zanzibar is serviced primarily by dala dalas which are the local forms of transport. Think old school hippie style vans. These are common throughout Africa and are the preferred method to get around for those on budgets. Some dala dalas are just trucks with the trunk converted as seating.

This method will be significantly cheaper than taking a taxi and especially useful if you’re a solo traveler. For example, Stone Town to Paje or Stone Town to Nungwi is roughly $2. Of course, with cheaper prices, you can expect it to be much slower. I’d budget for at a dala dala to take 2x as long as a taxi given how often it must stop to pick up and drop off people.

Which areas do I like the most?

Having spent much time on this island, I’ve been able to visit most of the areas. For most tourists, it’s likely you’ll stay at one hotel and stay in that area for the duration of your stay.

It’s not so feasible to just rent a car in Stone Town and cruise around the island. I’ve heard of some people doing this, but the police road blocks on the island make it less than ideal. However, if you are stuck on where to concentrate your efforts, then hopefully this part will help.

If you want the most beautiful beaches

The best beaches in Zanzibar are in the Nungwi and Kendwa area in my opinion. Paje and the area in the southeast are also very beautiful.

If you like the big 5* all inclusive resorts

If you are keen for the big luxury resorts with multiple pools, big dining areas, and fancy common areas, then I think Nungwi will be your best bet. The beaches are fantastic here but the all inclusive style resorts here are big and luxurious.

Recommended Hotels

• Riu Palace Nungwi All Inclusive
• Zuri Zanzibar

If you like boutique hotels on the beach

If you fancy upscale or midscale boutique hotels with beautiful beach views and luxurious accommodations but with few people, then my favorite areas are Matemwe and the southeast. The area of Michamvi is the boutique hotel capital in my opinion. Bwejuu, Paje, Jambiani all have really nice hotels as well.

The beaches here are also very nice in this part of the island.

• Zawadi Boutique Hotel (The Ultimate hotel)
• Matlai Boutique Hotel
• Zanzibar Sunrise at Bandas
• Jua Retreat

If you want cheap accommodation

The beauty of Zanzibar is that it is quite developed for tourism and there are budget options in almost every part of the island. However, I’d say the cheapest places you can find accommodations are in Nungwi, Paje, and of course Stone Town.

• MITI Beach bungalows
• Villa Kiota
• Baladin Hotel
• Michamvi Spirit Lodge

How much do things cost in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a big island and has been really developed for tourism in the past decade. Zanzibar offers a variety of accommodation options throughout its 2,500 square km of space.

Whether you’re a luxury honeymooner with an unlimited budget or a budget backpacker, there are options available for everyone.

Africa in general is an expensive area to travel around so right off the bat, I would temper your expectations if you’re a budget traveler with ideas of Southeast Asia or Central American prices. It is much more expensive here and you will not find delicious $1 pad Thai on the streets.

There is not much a of a street food scene in Zanzibar that compares to that of Asia. For the most part, you’ll visit tourist centric restaurants run by locals or tourist centric restaurants run by foreigners. The price for a main dish of grilled calamari with rice will be around $6-$10.

There are some restaurants that are part of hotels and the more upscale that hotel is, you can expect to pay more. Local beers like Serengeti and Safari can be had for about $3 for a 500ml bottle and liquor based drinks are slightly more.

Of course, local prices will be lower than this but you will need to find the local spots which are always away from the main beach area.

Zanzibar is an island through and through

Zanzibar is a beautifl tropical island and feels like it. The different areas of Zanzibar are all tourist focused and life mostly revolves around the hotels and resorts. This means, there isn’t much life outside of the beach and hotels surrounding them. The exception is of course in Stone Town which is a proper city.

Zanzibar is large in size but you won’t really travel much between the different towns. You can rent a scooter yes but there are so many police checkpoints that will probably force you to pay bribes that it isn’t a feasible option to travel around.

Zanzibar is very different than say Bali which is also an island with a village like vibe in places like Canggu and Pererenan but offers total first world amenities like trendy restaurants, bars, cafes, and the like. If you’re a digital nomad looking to spend extended time in one place, I would highly recommend Bali over Zanzibar . The infrastructure on Bali is much more developed and the cost of living in Bali is half of what it would be on Zanzibar.

The currency in Zanzibar

Zanzibar uses the Tanzania Shilling (TZS). For almost all tourist centric hotel, prices will be quoted to you in dollars to keep things simple. While you’re at the resort, costs of services and goods will also be in USD. If you stay in a more rustic guesthouse or backpackers spot, it’s more likely you’ll see prices in Shillings.

If you dine outside your resort at a local restaurant, you can expect to pay in shillings. In essence, locals mostly always use shillings so it’s good to have some Tanzanian cash on you.

Hotels mostly accept credit cards but expect to pay a surcharge of 4-5%. Restaurants and bars outside of a big resort are mostly on a cash basis.

ATM Fees are outrageous

One thing that really stood out to me was just how crazy the costs of using ATMs are. They must be some of the most expensive ATMs I’ve ever seen.

Having traveled in Zanzibar for over a month, I had to visit the ATMs numerous times because many things are done in cash. ATMs are extremely pricey, with fees ranging from $6-9 per use!

Even worse, the ATMs cap out at 400,000 shillings which is $180. This won’t get you very far if you need to pay hotel bills in cash! You will need to visit the ATM numerous times and pay that fee each time. If you do not have a no fee debit card like Charles Schwab (US readers only sadly), then you should look into bringing USD or EUR cash and exchanging them in Stone Town.

Diving and Snorkeling in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a paradise for lovers of underwater life. I spent many days diving in Zanzibar so I have lots of advice to offer. Although Zanzibar doesn’t compare to the diving I did on the nearby islands of Mafia Island and Pemba Island , it will offer vacation goers with more than enough to satisfy.

As Zanzibar is a huge island, there are numerous areas to scuba dive in. Depending on where you stay (refer to the sections above), it will likely dictate where you can dive. For example, if you are staying in Nungwi, it’s unlikely you’ll want to go scuba diving in the southeast area of Paje. The drive alone would be almost 2 hours each way.

Mnemba Atoll

The most popular place in Zanzibar to scuba dive and snorkel is without a doubt the Mnemba Atoll . Located in Zanzibar’s northeast, this is a stunning marine park with crystal blue waters and loads of underwater life. It’s incredibly popular and everyone staying in the area like Nungwi , Kiwengwa, or Matemwe will be able to visit this area for a day of underwater activities.

The diving here, while popular, is not that great. The corals have been bleached to hell and there’s a ridiculous amount of over tourism. It’s completely packed full of people on all days making it not so enjoyable.

Diving in the southeast area of Paje

I dove in the southeast with Rising Sun divers while staying at the beautiful Zawadi Resort . This area is by far the most beautiful diving in Zanzibar. It’s undiscovered and untouched by the other dive shops making it a much more enjoyable experience.

Activities in Zanzibar

As you’d expect, there is as an endless amount of things to do in Zanzibar. Once you’re tired of laying on the beach, you can choose to do a variety of different tours from all around the island. I can’t list all of them because I don’t know all of them.

If you walk through Stone Town, you’ll find a huge list of activities that all the tour agents offer and the price is of course negotiable. While extremely popular, I would actually recommend a visit to one of the spice farms in Zanzibar . It seemed like a super touristy thing to do but I found it to be so educational and interesting, I did it twice!

Other than that, here are a list of things that are popular to do in Zanzibar:

• Mnemba Island visit
• Dolphin Swim tour (this is an ethically terrible tour so don’t do it)
• Prison Island tour
• Safari blue day trip
• Scuba Diving (all over the island)
• Snorkeling (literally everywhere)
• Jozani Forest to see the primates
• A visit to the Rock restaurant
• Kitesurfing in Paje
• Low tide reef tour
• Parasailing in Nungwi
• Dhow cruises (literally everywhere) for sunset or day time

Get out of Zanzibar

Zanzibar has more than enough to keep you occupied for weeks. The island is huge and different areas will give you something different.

However, surrounding Zanzibar is a sea of other options. Outside of the standard safari options like the Serengeti , the Selous, Ngorongoro crater etc, there are nearby islands that are worth visiting.

Mafia Island

If you’re a scuba diver, then you will want to visit Mafia Island. While there are endless diving options in Zanzibar, they do not compare whatsoever to Mafia Island . This is perhaps the best diving in East Africa offering crazy amounts of fish life and beautiful corals.

Mafia Island is also much more rustic and lesser developed than Zanzibar. The beaches are more wild and you won’t any large resorts nearby. From Zanzibar, you will need to take a fligh tto Dar Es Salaam, and onwards to Mafia island.

Pemba Island

Of the three Tanzanian islands, Pemba Island is without a doubt the least visited. This is good for those that are looking for a breathtaking and undiscovered tropical paradise. Pemba’s natural beauty is unmatched in my opinion. The beaches here are incredible and devoid of the beachboys and crowds that are all over Zanzibar. The hotels like the Aiyana are absolute paradise.

The island itself still feels like it lives in the old ways and while driving around, you will feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The diving on Pemba is also spectacular although not quite as amazing as Mafia Island. However, if you want great diving and great beaches, then Pemba is your place.

There are only a handful of hotels on this big island so expect to pay more for your trip here. This is not a budget travel destination so plan for it that way.

Continue Reading:

• Visiting Nungwi, Zanzibar: A Detailed Travel Guide
• The Ultimate Travel and Kitesurfing Guide to Paje, Zanzibar
• Visiting The Rock: Zanzibar’s Ultimate Restaurant With A View

Cost of Living in Zanzibar: How Much It Costs To Live In Paradise

Hotel review for the park hyatt zanzibar: luxury in stone town, review of the matlai boutique hotel, zanzibar: paradise in michamvi.

• The Ultimate Guide To Diving & Snorkeling Mnemba Atoll, Zanzibar
• The Ultimate Travel Guide For Stone Town, Zanzibar

The Ultimate Pemba Island Travel And Diving Guide

• Review of Zanzibar Sunrise Bandas: Matemwe’s Paradise Getaway
• Staying At the Dreams Of Zanzibar Hotel

Aiyana Hotel Review: Pure Luxury In Pemba Island

• Zawadi Hotel Detailed Review: Zanzibar Paradise Defined
• Review Of The Residence Hotel, Zanzibar: Average At Best

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Thank you SO much for this blog! I am going for 2 weeks and my brain is spinning a little bit. I have my diving certification and deciding whether to stay in one area of which hotels halfway through, etc.

Hi Joslyn, glad you found it helpful! Enjoy Zanzibar, it’s realy amazing!

Awesome information here! Me and my family will travel to Zanzibar this December/January. We love snorkeling and while I have found loads of info on snorkeling the Mnemba Island online, there really isn´t much info beside that.

Is it possible snorkeling directly from the beaches in Zanzibar as opposed to taking boat trips all the time? In that case, which beach would you recommend for snorkeling directly from the beach?

We plan to split our time between Kendwa (heard that the reef isn´t that good but more for general hanging around and swimming) and some place on the eastern side. Is it possible for instance to walk all the way to the reef during low tide on the eastern beaches and just kind of jump in and start snorkeling?

We will be dividing our time between Zanzibar and Mafia Island so no biggies if beach snorkeling in Zanzibar isn´t worth it, but it sure would make for more fun beach days =)

Once again, thank´s for an awesome blog, you are a real inspiration!

Hi Mike, Zanzibar is a big place so it relaly just depends on where your hotel and resort is and if there is a good reef nearby. When I stayed at the Zawadi hotel there was a local reef that I could reach as the tides were rising and it was amazing. I would say that most places on the island don’t have an easily accessible reef nearby. Of course, you can always just pick up a snorkel and fins and try your luck but you’re likely not going to see much. But otherwise, save the diving for Mafia and relax while in Zanzibar!

Hey Johnny, thank´s for fast reply! Ok so follow up question (this should probably be posted in your section on Mafia Island instead but oh well). Same question but for Mafia Island, is it possible to snorkel directly from the beach, either in Kilindoni area or in Utende area, or do you need to take boat out every time? Especially in the marine park, it seems it would build up to a lot of money pretty fast together with the daily conservation fees.

Yes definitely in mafia can snorkel from the beach in the marinr park side !

At last what a great blog !!, bookmarked and taking this with me for referencing, just one point I might have missed how long can I stay without renewing my visa. I’m Just arranging flights hope to stay from December until April. Once agian well done much appriated

Hi Jonathan, glad you like the blog. The Tanzanian visa is good for 90 days and you can extend it inside the country for another 90 days for a total of 6 months. It’s quite easy to do and you just need to visit the immigration office in Nungwi or Stone Town. I’m not sure what the cost is but i wouldn’t be surprised if this changed from person to person.

Great Blog! We are looking to go to Zanzibar next Jan/Feb. We love snorkeling so wanted to ask you where the best place is to snorkel from the beach. I read it is possible to wait for low tide, then walk out to the reef edge to snorkel. I heard this was possible in the Kiwengna Mstemwe areas. Have you got any advice? I know we can do snorkel trips, but it would make it rather expensive to do those daily and we are on a budget. Thanks for any help!

Hi Judith, yes you can snorkel at low tide in matwmwe. Just watch out for the sea urchins! I never did it but my hotel informed me it was possible.

Thanks for sharing this amazing blog with us. I appreciate your efforts to write this blog in detail.

Thank you. Appreciate it.

Backpacking Zanzibar on a Budget: Everything You Need to Know

I’ve been backpacking Zanzibar on a budget many times over the last 11 years. It’s one of my favourite places in Africa and I love taking my Rock My Adventure tour groups there and showing them just how magical it really is!

A lot of people think of Zanzibar as a honeymoon or romantic couples destination, but it is also a great place for budget backpackers and solo travellers too! Plus there are loads of amazing things to do in Zanzibar , so you won’t get bored – it’s not all about just lying on a beach (although you can totally just do that if that’s what you need).

I usually divide my time with a few days in Stone Town, followed by a few days at the beach resorts. Some people stay in one place, but this would mean quite a bit of driving around, so I’d definitely recommend splitting your time. 

Zanzibar isn’t actually an island, it’s an archipelago that lies in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania. There are 3 main islands called Unguja, Pemba and Mafia, plus a number of smaller islands. Unguja is the largest island, where you will find the capital Zanzibar City (more commonly referred to as Stone Town – which is an area of Zanzibar City) and is what most people mean when they refer to Zanzibar. Pemba is north of Unguja and Mafia is to the south, near Mozambique.

Backpacking Zanzibar is fun always makes a nice break during any longer Africa backpacking trip, especially after you’ve been on safari in the Serengeti or climbed Mount Kilimanjaro . It’s more expensive than mainland Tanzania, but there are plenty of ways to visit Zanzibar on a budget.

So here are my essential travel tips to help you plan your own Zanzibar adventure, including when to go, what to do, where to stay, where to eat and where to meet other travellers!

For the purpose of this guide, when I talk about Zanzibar, I am referring to the main island, Unguja.

I first wrote this post in 2017 and it has been updated for 2021.

Table of Contents

How to Get To and From Zanzibar on a Budget

Usually, the cheapest way to get to Zanzibar is by ferry and Azam Marine ferries are the company I recommend. there are other ferries, but they are slower and not viewed as safe as Azam.

The ferries run between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town and the journey takes approximately 2 – 2.5 hours. Ferries depart at 7am, 9.30am, 12.30pm and 3.45 pm in both directions (from Stone Town and Dar es Salaam).

The ferry costs around $35 (one way) for an adult economy class ticket. Make sure you buy your ticket from the official ticket office, not from touts on the street. If you can buy your ticket in advance, I would advise you to do so as they often fill up. I have on a few occasions had to wait a few hours because the next ferry was full.

You need to show your passport when buying your tickets. If an agent is getting your tickets, they’ll usually need a picture of your passport details.

For all the info, take a look at the complete guide to taking the Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar ferry .

You can also sail to Zanzibar from Bagamoyo. The ferry doesn’t run every day, but it does run frequently and is safe and reliable and a similar price to the Dar – Zanzibar ferry, but without the cost of getting to and navigating through Dar es Salaam. Book through Firefly hostel .

You can fly into Zanzibar from most domestic airports, including Kilimanjaro, Arusha and Dar es Salaam and the airstrips in the national parks.

There are also a number of international airlines that fly to Zanzibar, usually via Europe, the Middle East or elsewhere in Africa (like Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam or Johannesburg).

These include; Kenya Airways, Etihad Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways and Mango Airlines. From Dar-es-Salaam, the journey takes around 15/20 minutes.

I always use  Skyscanner to book my flights. As of December 2020, one-way flights from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar are between $35 – $65. 

Getting To and From Pemba & Mafia Island

Ferries from Stone Town to Pemba Island run on Wednesdays and Saturdays and do the return journey on Thursdays and Sundays. You can fly to Pemba from Zanzibar, Arusha, Tanga and Dar es Salaam.

The quickest and easiest way to get to Mafia Island is to fly with either Coastal Air, Tropical Air or Auric Air, but flights leave from Dar es Salaam, not Zanzibar. You can also get the ferry from Nyamasati, which is around 4 hours south of Dar es Salaam.

Entry Requirements for Zanzibar

Tanzania visa.

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so if you’re flying straight into Zanzibar you’ll get your Tanzania visa there, this will cover you if you go to the mainland too and vice versa.

Some nationalities are exempt from visas, but for most people, they cost $50 for a single entry, or if you’re American your visa is $100 but it’s automatically a multi-entry visa.

Some nationalities can buy visas on arrival and some have to apply in advance, so check before you attempt to enter. 

READ MORE: How to Get Your Tanzania Visa & Entry Requirements Explained

Yellow Fever

The rules around Yellow Fever certificates can be a bit tricky, so I’ve written a whole post dedicated to whether you need a Yellow Fever vaccination for Africa , so maybe have a quick read of that if you are travelling to multiple countries.

However, for Tanzania and Zanzibar only, if you’re flying in from places without a Yellow Fever risk (Europe, USA etc), you shouldn’t need a Yellow Fever certificate. But if you are transitting through a country with a risk of Yellow Fever (Kenya, Ethiopia) for more than 12 hours – sometimes less, they may ask for it.

You can find a list of countries with a risk of Yellow Fever here .

If travelling by ferry from mainland Tanzania, you shouldn’t be asked for your Yellow Fever certificate unless a) you have transited through a Yellow Fever risk country for more than 12 hours or b) you have recently visited a country that poses a risk. But they may well ask for it and I think sometimes it depends on who is on duty.

Last time I flew into Zanzibar, I met some Zambians, who were living in Abu Dhabi (not a risk zone) who were made to get a shot on arrival in Dar es Salaam. Where as none of the Europeans were asked to, even without certificates.

If you are travelling long term in Africa and visiting multiple countries, having a Yellow Fever certificate is pretty handy (and often required) so regardless, I’m glad I have it. Plus, the vaccination lasts for life now.

What To Do When You Arrive in Zanzibar

Arriving by ferry.

When you get onto the ferry in Dar es Salaam, you’ll be asked to place your large bag in a cage that gets locked. Don’t worry, this is normal! Just remember where your bag is and what cage so you can be ready to pick it up at the end.

The ferry itself is fun. I recommend standing outside as it always helps me feel less seasick and you may also spot dolphins. I once saw a pod of about 30 on the way over.

Arriving at the ferry port in Stone Town can be a little overwhelming. When you get off the ferry, head straight for the walkway and head towards the terminal. Get in the passport queue first, but keep an eye on the cages and try to spot your bag. Once you’ve had your passport stamped, collect your bags and head out of the terminal.

Outside there will be loads of people about and loads of touts after your business. Don’t feel the need to take anyone up on their offers to show you where you need to go or take a taxi straight away.

If you turn right out of the ferry terminal, Mercury’s Bar is just there. It’s a bit touristy, but it’s a good place to go, have a cold beer, use the wifi and get your bearings. The guys at the bar can usually point you in the right direction or help you with a taxi should you need it.

If you are staying in Stone Town, chances are that your hotel or guest house is just a short walk away anyway, but the alleyways can be a bit confusing at first. Google Maps works well in Stone Town, so you have internet or offline maps, you’ll be good.

If you do need directions, shopkeepers are usually very helpful. Just be aware that you will probably attract touts wanting to show you the way and if they do, they’ll want a tip.

If you decide to get a taxi, it shouldn’t cost you more than $5 to anywhere in Stone Town. Just be aware that if your hotel is down one of the small alleys, you’ll probably need to walk the final part. Your taxi driver will usually park up and then walk you the last few yards.

If you need to go outside of Stone Town, see info on how to get around the island below.

Arriving By Air

A taxi from the airport into Stone Town should cost you no more than $10. You can arrange this in advance or grab one a the airport.

Or you can get a local minibus (called dala dalas) which are around 300 – 400 TSH. The buses leave from just outside the airport and will usually be running (despite what the taxi drivers tell you). The buses will drop you near to Darajani Market.

Again this is walkable to pretty much any hotel in Stone Town.

Getting Around Zanzibar on a Budget

Around stone town.

Geeting around Zanzibar on a budget is no problem. Journeys within Stone Town by dala dala mini bus shouldn’t cost more than around 300 TSH one way. Taxis are usually $5 one-way for a normal-sized car, but may be more if you are moving outside of the main tourist area.

Getting Out of Stone Town

The cheapest way to get to the beach resorts (Kenda, Nungwi, Paje, Jambiani etc) outside of Stone Town is to catch a dala dala from Darajani Market.

Darajani is in Stone Town and easy to get to from most hotels. If you’re arriving at the ferry terminal, turn left out of the terminal, then take a right at the roundabout, walk a bit and you’ll be at Darajani.

To get to Nungwi and Kendwa by minibus, you’re looking at around 2,000 TSH and to get to Paje and Jambiani it’s around 1,500 TSH, but they take longer as everyone is getting on and off all the time and they don’t leave until they are full.

If you like an adventure, this is the way to travel. I’d recommend getting a window seat near to the front if you can.

Finding the right bus is another skill all together. If I’m struggling to find the right one, I usually ask another woman, who looks like she’s also waiting for a bus or a shopkeeper/market trader. Most people are very friendly and will be more than happy to help you.

Check with the conductor before you get on. He’s usually the guy hanging out the door and flicking coins in his hand. You pay your money to him once on the bus, not the driver.

If you tell the conductor where you want to go, he can tell you where to get off. I say he, as I’ve never seen a female conductor yet…

If you want a taxi, you can organise a taxi yourself via a taxi company, through your hotel or negotiate with a local taxi driver.

A taxi from Stone Town or the airport to anywhere on the island shouldn’t cost you more than $40/$50 – although some will try to charge you double that. Don’t be afraid to negotiate.

I usually pay around $30 – $35 to Paje or Kendwa. I once managed to get a taxi from the ferry terminal to Kendwa for just me for $20, which is really cheap for that distance and the driver also took me to get a SIM card in Darajani Market on the way. But I think he was going that way anyway and I just got lucky.

Another alternative is to get a share taxi, which are around $10 pp. These can also be arranged via your hotel and will usually pick you up.

Travelling Between Destinations

If travelling between the various beach resorts, the same principles apply.

You can either get taxis, share taxis or dala dalas. Your accommodation can point you in the right direction to pick up a dala dala. Just be aware that you will usually need to go back through Stone Town, unless your next destination is on the way to Stone Town. ie. to go from Kendwa (north) to Paje (south east), you’d need to go back through Stone Town.   

Or you can take a taxi, which is a lot more expensive but much quicker. You can negotiate with one of the taxi guys out on the street (they’re often waiting around outside hotels) and if you find a good, reasonably priced taxi driver – take his number.

Car/Motorbike Hire

You can of course also hire your own vehicle. I haven’t done this personally, but there are a number of places that you can hire from like Zanzibar Car Hire . I would just check that you are renting from a reputable company and that everything is in good condition.

You will need an international driving licence and your rental company should be able to provide you with any paperwork that you need for the police checkpoints.

Best Places in Zanzibar for Solo Travellers & Where to Stay on a Budget

Zanzibar has an abundance of amazing accommodation and there are lots of different places to stay around the island, but a lot of these tend to be geared towards couples or the luxury market.

Don’t worry, there are still some great accommodation options for backpackers or those on a budget and if you are travelling solo and looking for some buddies there are a few hubs that the solo travellers tend to gather in.

When I’m in Zanzibar, I like to move around a bit. Whilst the island isn’t that big, getting around can be expensive unless you take local transport all the time, so I would suggest that you spend some time in Stone Town, then at one or two of the different beaches.

Zanzibar has a lot to offer and by staying in one place, you won’t see the best of it. Airbnb have some good, cheap options, and there are homestays and very local guesthouses, but if you’re looking to meet other travellers, sometimes a hostel or small hotel is better.

When I travel solo, I usually look for accommodation that is good value for money, in a good location, has a good atmosphere, nice communal space which makes it easier to meet other travellers/locals and things to do.

So here are my top places to stay as a solo traveller in Zanzibar (also have a read of my blog post about the best places in Africa for solo travellers ).

Whilst it’s probably not as backpacker friendly as the beach resorts, there are still friends to be made in Stone Town at your hotel or perhaps some of the popular evening spots, like Tatu or Mercury’s Bar.

Where to Stay:  

• Lost and Found Hostel : This is good budget place which is in an excellent location. They have nice dorms, with big beds with privacy curtains, power sockets, lockers and individual lights. Check prices here . UPDATE: Lost and Found is temporarily closed.
• Z Life Hostel : Great choice for solo travellers. Check prices here .
• Ten to Ten : Great backpacker hostel. Check prices here .

Kendwa & Nungwi

Kendwa and Nungwi lie on the north-west coast of Zanzibar and are good places to meet people. This is where most of the overlanders and backpackers tend to congregate. I’ve stayed here whilst travelling alone and easily met other travellers at the bar and on the beach.

Kendwa is pretty chilled most of the time, however, it does get lively at the weekends. Each Saturday they have a party which is always fun and they have a Full Moon Party every month, also usually on Saturdays which is pretty packed. They are a lot more low key than the Full Moon Parties you get in Thailand but more fun in my opinion.

Nungwi is generally busier and has a better range of accommodations and more restaurants. 

Where to Stay:

• Kendwa Rocks : I usually stay a Kendwa Rocks. There are cheaper options, but for meeting other people, Kendwa Rocks is probably the best as they have a sociable bar, right on the beach. They do have a dorm although it tends not to be advertised anywhere so to book you need to contact them direct! A lot of the overland groups stay next door at Sunset Bungalows. Check prices here .
• Makofi Guesthouse : This is a great and sociable hostel/guesthouse in Nungwi, close to all the action. Check prices here .

Paje & Jambiani

Paje on the south east coast is another great spot for a solo traveller as there are a lot of backpacker places, more so than in the north.

• New Teddy’s Place : Friendly hostel, greta place for solo travellers. Check prices here . 
• Drifters Backpackers : Similar to New Teddy’s, Drifters has a great bar, is very sociable and is a great place for a solo traveller. Check prices here .
• New Jambo Bungalows: This is a good option for meeting others in Paje.
• The Waterfront : This is a great hotel, more upmarket than New Teddy’s or Drifters, situated behind (and owned by) the popular Mr Kahawa cafe. This tends to be where many of the backpackers hang out during the day and it’s always pretty busy. Check prices here .

Jambiani is also one of my favourite beaches, and is absolutely beautiful, but it has less backpacker accommodation than Paje, which is why it isn’t included here (they are really close by so easy to travel between the two), but it is well worth checking out!

To find a full list of backpacker hostels in Zanzibar and check prices and availability click here . A good alternative is to stay in a guesthouse or Airbnb nearby one of the hostels and just go there to hang out! There are also usually loads of friendly locals who would be more than happy to make a new friend!

Where To Eat in Zanzibar on a Budget

Zanzibar is known for having great food and great restaurants, but there are lots of amazing places on Zanzibar to eat and drink on a budget.

Zanzibar isn’t called the Spice Island for nothing and with the mix of cultures you can expect something really special from the Zanzibari cuisine. Here are a few of my favourites:

• Food Stalls: There are tons of food stalls all over town which generally cater to the locals, so you can pick up some really well-priced and fresh food for cheap. These include things like mango with chilli, baobab fruit, chapatis, cakes, samosas etc. ($)
• Darajani Market: There are a number of street food places around Darajani market selling lots of different things, from coconuts to fruits, to burgers and kebabs to rice and beans. ($)
• Luukman: A Zanzibar institution, serving local food such as Zanzibar Mix and Biryani. ($)
• Passing Show Hotel: Another quite famous Zanzibar restaurant, serving local food. ($)
• Jaws Corner: A local spot serving coffee and snacks. ($)
• Forodhani Gardens: The nightly food market, famous for seafood, urojo (Zanzibar Mix), Zanzibar pizzas and sugar cane juice. This is a must-visit! In this post, I talk about some of my favourite places to eat in this post . ($)
• Zanzibar Coffee House : Nice place serving great coffee, cakes and light bites. ($$)
• House of Spices: They serve local and Mediterranean style food as well as homemade spiced liqueurs. Closed on Sundays. ($$)
• Emerson on Hurumzi : My favourite restaurant in Zanzibar, with a set menu and Taarab music. Great rooftop views. It’s not cheap but not expensive either, so worth the splurge. Closed on Mondays. ($$$)
• Emerson Spice Tea House : Fine dining, slightly more formal than Emerson on Hurumzi. Rooftop setting. Closed on Thursdays. Both of the Emerson restaurants book up in advance so I would advise making a reservation. I’ve not been to their Secret Garden restaurant yet! ($$$)
• Local Fisherman Restaurant (Kendwa):  Really nice and cheap food and I love their sweetcorn soup. ($)
• Kendwa Rocks (Kendwa):  The service in the beach bar can be pretty crap at times, however they do a great Swahili Curry. ($$)
• Okala’s Restaurant (Jambiani): Great local food and they also offer Swahili cooking lessons. ($)
• Stone Culture Restaurant (Jambiani):  Small and simple local place with great seafood. ($)
• Bahari Pizza (Jambiani): Not sure why but I always get a craving for pizza when travelling in Africa, so you can get your fill here!
• Red Monkey Lodge (Jambiani): Nice food and great setting. It’s pretty nice to eat here prior to the Monday Night Jam. It’s a lot busier on a Monday, but it means you get a table! ($$)
• Mr Kahawa (Paje): Amazing breakfast and lunch spot with lovely fresh food including sandwichs, avocado toast and salads. ($$)
• The Rock  (Michamvi): Zanzibar’s most iconic restuarant, with a fabulous setting and great food. Even if you don’t eat here, head over and take some pictures at high tide! Check out my guide to dining at The Rock restaurant . ($$$)
• Upendo (Michamvi): Opposite The Rock, Upendo is a great place for cocktails and food. Fabulous setting! Popular with the expat crowd tends to head on Sundays. ($$$)

Where to Party in Zanzibar

Whilst Zanzaibar is very culturally rich and quite religious, it is also quite a party island. Not compared with Ibiza… but there’s always something going on, somewhere on the island. 

• Monday: The action usually takes place in Jambiani at the Monday Night Jam at Red Monkey Lodge, followed by the after-party at Coral Rock next door. Monday nights are also fun at Tatu Pub in Stone Town.
• Tuesday & Saturday:  On Saturday, the place to party is Kendwa Rocks and every month they have a Full Moon Party. They also open their club on Tuesdays!
• Wednesday & Sunday: On a Wednesday and Sunday, everyone heads to Coccobello in Nungwi, which has been renovated in the last couple of years and is now pretty cool. Wednesday is reggae night, whereas Sunday is a bit of a mix. Despacito is guaranteed.
• Thursday: Cholo’s Bar in Nungwi is the Thursday night hot spot.
• Friday: On Fridays, a popular place is Jambo Beach Bungalows in Paje. The music is really good and you dance in the sand, but the bar prices are steep and there are a lot of ‘lurkers’ here. Keep an eye on your belongings, pickpockets target tourists here quite frequently. Paje by Night also hold regular parties!

The Best Things To Do in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is known for being a beach destination, but Zanzibar has an incredible history and mix of cultures, so you could easily fill two weeks on the island!

From boat trips, to spice tours, to snorkelling, to stand up paddleboarding and yoga, there’s literally something for everyone.

For an idea of the incredible adventures that await you, check out my top 40 things to do in Zanzibar post where I go into lots of detail about all the activities on offer.

Etiquette in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is very conservative in the most part, so here are a few tips to make sure you don’t offend anyone or accidentally get yourself into trouble.

• Do not take photographs of specific people unless you ask them first (hence why there aren’t many people in my pictures). Younger people tend not to mind so much (many have smartphones and Facebook), but some people can take offence. It’s getting more relaxed as tourism grows and it’s fine for a general scene from a bit of a distance, but if you want to take a close up of any people, ask first. Some will be fine with it, some will say no and some will ask for money.
• As with many places in Africa, it’s often illegal to take pictures of government buildings and people and at border control. You risk getting into trouble if anyone sees you and you may well lose your camera.
• Zanzibar is unfortunately very behind the times in some ways and homosexuality is still illegal and punishable by prison, that goes for tourists too.
• During Ramadan, you should observe Ramadan etiquette. No drinking, eating or smoking in the streets (or singing), no public displays of affection.
• See below on what to wear.

What to Wear in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island, so women should keep shoulders, cleavage and legs covered (at least to the knees) when walking around Stone Town and in villages especially. Men shouldn’t walk around shirtless either, except on the beach.

People are very used to tourists these days, so you won’t be lynch-mobbed if you show a bit of shoulder or your knees, but it’s still seen as respectful to cover up.

In hotels and at the beaches outside of Stone Town, it is fine to dress how you like (no topless sunbathing though). However, if there are fisherman or seaweed farmers working on the beach, it’s also polite to cover up.

It’s also pretty hot and humid, so lightweight clothing, like maxi dresses and harem pants are good. I usually carry a scarf or sarong with me to cover my shoulders or wrap around my waist as a long skirt.

I have a few of the long dresses you see in the picture above. You can buy these in Stone Town and they’re great for wandering about in. 

During Ramadan, it is polite to keep legs fully covered (for both men and women) and women should cover their shoulders and cleavage.

READ MORE: What to Wear in Zanzibar & Other Cultural Considerations

Is Zanzibar Safe for Travellers?

One of the most frequently asked questions I get about Zanzibar is ‘Is it safe for travellers?”

I’ve never felt unsafe in Zanzibar and have been there many times with no issues, but you do need to remain vigilant as incidents can occur. So here are my top tips for staying safe on Zanzibar:

• As you would in any place, keep an eye on your bag and keep it zipped up – as with most holiday destinations there are pickpockets about who target tourists, especially in Stone Town and at the beach bars.
• Don’t wander the alleyways of Stone Town – especially alone. It’s fine earlier in the evening when people are around, but after about 10pm, things start to shut up. Stone Town is confusing even in the day, so it’s easy to get lost. At night time it’s even worse because many of the shops that you use as landmarks may have packed everything away, so it can be hard to get your bearings at first. If you are out at night, ask someone from your hotel to come and escort you home or travel in a big group.
• Same goes for the beaches. Earlier in the evening when there are lots of people around, it should be fine but some parts of the beach are dark and secluded at night so don’t wander around, especially alone.
• Always take a licenced taxi. You can ask your accommodation to call you a taxi they know and trust.
• Don’t drink to excess. This goes without saying wherever you travel.
• Leave your expensive jewellery at home.
• Don’t leave your belongings unattended on the beach and keep anything valuable in your hotel safe.
• If you are exchanging money or getting money from an ATM, try to count your cash in private and stash your money away in your bag as soon as possible.
• On a day to basis, just carry a small amount of cash. I have some in my day purse and any other money hidden somewhere in my bag or back at the hotel.
• Be respectful of the culture – this is very important.

You can find up to date safety information for Zanzibar here .

Avoiding Hassle on Zanzibar

So this is slightly different from safety as these are more the general annoyances that you may face, but not necessarily dangerous. There is a lot of poverty in Zanzibar so as a tourist you will stand out and a lot of people will assume you have money and they’ll want your business.

Touts & Sellers

People will come up to you constantly in Stone Town, offering tours, taxis and trying to sell things etc. The Swahili word for these guys is papasi, which means ‘ticks’. If you don’t want what they’re selling, be polite and friendly but firm if you don’t want to buy anything. Say (with a smile) “hapana Asante” which means “no thank you” or “sitaki, asante” which means “I don’t need, thank you” – usually does the trick.

People will look disappointed, but if you bought from everyone who tried to sell you something, you would end up with no money left and a load of stuff you don’t want (trust me on this one).

“Tour Guides”

Everyone on Zanzibar is a “Tour Guide”. If you stand still long enough, someone will come up to you to offer their services. Don’t take them up on it. Well you could, but your tour will likely be crap. If you want a good guide with great knowledge, organise it through your hotel or through a recognised organisation, like Colors of Zanzibar or with my pal Farid who is the best tour guide in Stone Town .

There are also a lot of beach boys in Zanzibar. They’ll sit down, chat to you for a while, shake your hand, be your friend and then before you know it, they’re offering to sell you something – bracelets, coconuts, tours, marijuana… These guys are usually pretty harmless, this is their livelihood, but if you don’t want what they’re selling, again, a friendly but firm no is all you need. No thanks in Swahili is “Hapana asante!”

And just to remind you that weed is illegal in Tanzania!

Most men in Zanzibar are perfectly lovely and respectful and during the day, you’ll very rarely come across an issue. But on a night out, you may get a lot of attention as the men are very forward and Zanzibari girls do not really go out partying.

Guys will come up, take your hands and try to dance with you or stand just behind you, grinding. Moving slightly out of the way does the trick. If they persist, just drop in mention of your ‘husband’ or ‘boyfriend’ and they’ll usually back off and move onto the next gal they see – these guys don’t seem at all picky if I’m honest. Wearing a wedding ring also helps.

This is a weird one, but quite often, if you’re out dancing at a club in a group, you’ll pick up a few lurkers. These are guys that either just hang around where you are or dance behind you, sometimes right behind you, like they’re in your group, but not. They often seem to be alone, although I assume they have pals around somewhere, probably lurking around another group.

Usually, I think these guys are just trying their luck. They see a group and hang around for a bit to see if anyone takes the bait. Or maybe they just want to make some friends. I don”t know. It can get annoying, especially if they’re right up behind you, but again, moving usually works.

Whatever you do, keep your cool and avoid getting into an argument, it never ends well.

Money in Zanzibar

The official currency is Tanzanian Shillings (TSH), but many hotels and tourist activities accept dollars and cards. But you can always ask for the price in local currency and compare exchange rates.

For smaller payments in shops, markets etc local currency is best and most things are slightly cheaper in local currency. I recommend you download an app like Units Plus so you can keep track of the exchange rate.

As I’m from the UK, I tend to carry a mix of currencies – GBP, Dollars and Tanzanian Shillings. I use dollars for visas and some activities, and then take GBP which I change to Tanzanian Shillings. Tanzanian Shillings are only available in Tanzania and Zanzibar, so you will need to get them there.

Dollars must be in good condition and ideally dated on or after 2013.

If coming from Dar es Salaam, I suggest you change money there as you’ll most likely get a better rate – the different won’t be huge though.

There are Bureau de Change facilities in Stone Town too, and lots of hotels around the island will exchange money although we had trouble with this in the low season as lots of hotels didn’t have much physical cash. We ended up exchanging money in a supermarket for a not so great rate.

There are ATMs in Stone Town and at the airport, and one in Paje, but that’s it! So make sure you have enough cash and don’t get caught short.

If you use a credit card, many places will add on a surcharge. I’ve known this to be as high as 10%.

The Cost of Traveling in Zanzibar (and how to save)

Zanzibar is not a cheap destination compared to many other places in Africa, it’s a paradise island after all, however, you can still enjoy it on a budget!.

Accommodation

Dorms cost between $15 – $25 per night and are usually cheaper in Stone town than on the beaches. Privates usually start from around $50, but if you look around you can usually find cheaper options – try homestays, Couchsurfing, smaller local guesthouses that aren’t on booking sites and Airbnb, alternatively, stay somewhere further inland.

Zanzibar food is not expensive in general and you could easily eat for less than $7 a day.

To give you an example, a Zanzibar pizza at Forodhani Gardens will cost you around 3000 – 4000 TSH ($1 – 2) depending on what ingredients you ask for. A piece of fruit from the market or some chilli covered mango slices (buy these on the street – they are amazing) will only cost you a few cents.

But there are nice restaurants in Zanzibar and they are very worth the price. The set meal at Emerson on Hurumzi (my favourite) is $30 pp excluding drinks. I think this is still very reasonable.

I would budget between $15 – $30 a day for food and mix it up between street food and nicer restaurants.

Water is pretty cheap at around $0.50 for a small one and $1 for a big one, but all those waters add up, plus the plastic bottles are bad for the environment. To save money you could always take a LifeStraw water purifier. These things are great as they kill 99.9% bacteria, allowing you to drink the tap water!

Sodas are around $1. Beers usually go for $2 in restaurants and bars but you can find them cheaper at some local places. Spirits + mixer prices vary, depending on where you are, but usually somewhere around $4 – $5. Wine is approx $4 a glass. For a cocktail you’re talking around $5 – $7.

The cheapest alcohol is the local speciality Konyagi, which is like gin and you can buy a big bottle for the same price as a normal drink, but be warned this stuff is strong!

Activity costs on Zanzibar vary, massively. There are loads of free things to do, but then there are lots of expensive things to do also, like scuba diving or a dolphin-spotting trip (just make sure you choose an ethical one)!

For a two week trip, I’d probably recommend taking a minimum of $500 for activities (just in case) however it really depends on what you want to do. if you just want to lie on the beach all day, you’ll need much less. If you want to scuba dive every day, you’ll need more.

Transport is a tricky one as it depends on a lot of factors and again, this really depends on how much you move around and how you travel. But for argument’s sake, let’s say you spend time in 3 main locations.

If you take local transport, you’re probably talking around $20 or less for a two-week trip. If you take share taxis, or you’re travelling in a group (share the taxi costs) or your negotiation skills are shit hot, you’ll likely spend $40 to $70. But if you are travelling alone and take regular taxis, you could be spending $150.

Zanzibar has lots and lots of great shopping opportunities. If you’re not a shopper, then you’re fine. But if you are… God help you! From paintings to jewellery, to clothes, to fabrics to little trinkets, Zanzibar has it all. I hate shopping at home, but last time I was in Stone Town I think I spent around $200 on paintings and fabric.

Total Costs

Excluding any pre-costs (your costs for getting to/from Zanzibar, your visa, medical, insurance etc), on a budget, you’re probably looking at spending around $30 – $60 a day, but you could easily spend much more!

The Best Travel Insurance for Zanzibar

For Zanzibar travel insurance I usually use World Nomads ,  Outbacker , or  InsureandGo .

However, these insurers don’t currently cover for Covid-19, so you would be better getting insurance that does offer cover for Covid-19 related cancellations or medical bills. The companies that I know of that currently have some* Covid-19 coverage include Battleface, Nationwide, Virgin Money, Allianz Assistance, Staysure, Trailfinders and the Post Office.

* Just be aware that many of these policies don’t cover you if you travel anywhere that is against the government’s travel advice, meaning your cover won’t count if you travel against it – including Covid-19 cover.

Please always read the small print.

How To Make Friends and Influence People

If you want to make friends with the locals, learn some Swahili. You can find a list of my favourite and most used English to Swahili words here . 

I hope you enjoyed this guide backpacking Zanzibar on a budget and I hope it helps you plan your trip! 

Read More About Zanzibar & Tanzania…

Tanzania & Zanzibar Group Tours

Please Note:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate sales help with the running costs of this site, so thank you for your support!

I love to travel all over the world, but it's Africa that holds a special place in my heart. My mission is to help people travel Africa in an authentic, safe, fun, adventurous and ethical way.

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31 Comments

A well explained guide you shared about Zanzibar and its things are so amazing. Beaches are best things for me and Food is looking so delicious. Great photos you shared of that beautiful destination.

Great post! I’ve never been to Zanzibar but it looks absolutely fantastic from the pics you’ve posted. 🙂 Would definitely love to explore the waters on a stand up paddle board. What are the best months to be on the water?

nice post thanks for sharing with us

Fantastic site/post! I’ll be spending a lot of time here, reading, this week. I am going to Zanzibar for 10 weeks, with a safari in the north west of the mainland “on the way there”. Maybe we will cross paths, since your trip starts slightly before mine! I am curious on your view of malaria and malaria pills when it comes to Zanzibar/safari (Ngorongoro, Tarangire & Lake Manyara)? /S

Thanks so much for this, really great blog. I’m going next month and this got me even more excited.

One of the most comprehensive travel blog I have ever read. This page just sums up everything you need to know. Kudos and Thank You.

Great work, thanks for sharing it. Zanzibar looks in your pictures (the one with the boat in the beach is amazing).

Thank you!!!

Hey Helen! Your pictures are lovely and Zanzibar looks absolutely fantastic!!

Thanks Jenny! I’m trying to improve on my photography! 🙂 But Zanzibar is a great subject!

Wow so fantastic article. You added all the aspects, i really like it how you covered Ramadan, Eid Festival and adventures of scuba diving, sea, air and cuisines of this beautiful place. one more thing what a beautiful pictures, really loving them.

What a great and detailed post about Zanzibar, congratulations! Planning to go there soon, so thanks for the inspiration and advice. Cheers!

Zanzibar is not an island. Wow! I thought it was. You really had a great time. I’m planning my next vacation now. Thinking of visiting the place. Nice sharing! What is their food delicacy?

Super helpful, thanks so much. Hoping to travel there with the kids next year but was getting worried about the budget; you’re reassured me it’s do-able. Thanks!

Hakuna matata!

This is the best travel blog i have ever read.

Ha ha, thanks!!! 🙂

Hi! This blog has been so helpful! I am going to Zanzibar in a couple of weeks and I plan to move around with dala dala. I wonder if you know what is the best option to go from Kendwa to Paje. Thank you!!

I will be travelling to Zanzibaar in Feb 2019 solo, I will be staying at UROA RESORT OR SEA CLIFF RESORT, Will I be able to access Stonetown, Prison Island and all ‘must see places from these resorts?

Yes you can get everywhere from anywhere, however I prefer to stay in Stone Town for at least a night or two as it’s quite nice to go to the food market and the restaurants there.

I would love to visit Zanzibar! A really beautiful paradise!

You have really summed up everything you can do and how to do it in Zanzibar. Hardly a stone left unturned. Some great ideas and insights into the local culture and travel options. Thanks for the excellent post.

Cheers Nathan…

going to zanzibar with friends next week and looking forward

Wow! What a great adventure in Zanzibar! I’ll love to try scuba diving! I need to check the next flight so I can visit the place ASAP! Great post!

Wow! Zanzibar has a lot of activities that you’ll experience. I am looking forward to visiting Zanzibar soon and enjoy its different activity. Thank you for sharing this post.

Just wanted to say that this post was super super helpful when “planning” my trip to Zanzibar last December…so thanks! It was a very spontaneous 2 weeks. We hired a 4×4 for $20 for 10 of the days. Split between 2 of us this was only $100 (approx £70ish) which isn’t bad at all. We used Zanzibar Car Hire who were awesome at dropping off out vehicle in Stone Town and sorting the permits. I’d really recommend exploring the island with a car if you ever get the chance. It gave us so much freedom to move around. We also booked a lot of our accommodation on the go…a tad risky but as it wasn’t the December holidays yet there seemed to be loads of places that we got for really good prices. We managed to do Stone Town, Kendwa, snorkelling in Mnemba, Jambiani and Kizimkazi in the two weeks. Never felt rushed at any point. Doing some googling beforehand there were so many travel forums with a load of outdated (or just plain false information) from people who’d visited. So thankfully I came across this one! I can’t wait to go back.

Love your post! I have recently booked my stay at Clove Island and after reading I am even more excited!

Very helpful article! If the current health crisis permits, we are hoping to go to Zanzibar in a couple of weeks! Your pictures look right out of a magazine, and the advice on modesty and ATMs are appreciated!

Its not à backpack trip!!! You travel by taxis instead sharing bus and your hôtel list is expensive!

Erm… you don’t know me, so you have no idea how I travel. I don’t think you even read the post as I talk about travelling by dala dala (which is a local minibus) and the ‘hotels’ I mention are mostly backpacking hostels – not expensive hotels at all.

Perhaps go out and have some fun, rather than leaving silly comments and trolling people on the internet! Bye Felicia! 🙂

Hi Helen! Thank´s for an awesome article on Zanzibar! Me and my family will travel to Zanzibar this December/January and since you seem to have great info on Zanzibar I wanted to ask something. `

We love snorkeling and beside all of internet talking about Mnemba Island I can´t seem to find much info. Are there any places in Zanzibar where you can snorkel right from the beach without having to go out with boat on trips all the time? How about the east coast, in places like Jambiani, is it possible to walk all the way out to the reef and snorkel there during low tide?

We will most likely split our time in Zanzibar between Kendwa and some place on the east coast, but then head over to Mafia Island also.

Once again, thank´s for awesome info!

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Is Zanzibar Expensive? | Tanzania 10 Day Trip Budget Breakdown

Before travelling to Zanzibar, I didn’t really have much of an idea when it came to how much I would need to budget for. So is Zanzibar expensive? In this post I share my 10 day trip budget breakdown including the different prices in Zanzibar for various elements of my trip. From accommodation costs, transport, tours and food and drink.

Disclosure: I do my best to try and keep information up-to-date but please check direct with businesses for current opening times and prices.

Is Zanzibar Expensive?

When it comes to budget travel I found Zanzibar to be fairly middle ground. I travelled comfortably but it could have been cheaper and it could have been way more expensive.

You’ll find hostels, hotels for different budgets including all-inclusive resorts. All my costs were based on me travelling Zanzibar solo , so I had no one to split taxi or accommodation costs with.

My total expenses for 10 days came to approximately $1100.

Dividing this equally into days, it works out at: $110 per day .

🛏️ Accommodation ($592)| 🚐 Transport ($100)| 🐢 Tours & Activities ($250)| 🥗 Food & Drink ($157)| 🛍️ Misc ($35)

Currency in Zanzibar

Local currency in Zanzibar = Tanzanian Shillings (TSh)

For the most part, you can’t get Tanzanian Shillings outside of Zanzibar/Tanzania . I took US Dollars in cash and then changed up a chunk of money into local currency at the airport .

Dollars were mostly used for: accommodation, transport and tours. I used shillings for: food, drink and souvenirs.

I arranged most things through my accommodation . they accepted card payments as well as cash payments in US dollars, Euros and Shillings . This way I was able to charge most things to my room and just pay at the end in one big transaction.

I already knew the cost of all of the tours I wanted to go on. I kept the tour amount in dollars and then changed up the rest into shillings.

As I didn’t spend as many shillings as expected, I was settled my hotel bill with the left over shillings and then paid the rest in USD. After all USD is more useful to keep and saved me from converting the shillings back at the airport on the way home.

Restaurants and shops had everything priced in local currency . They had a standard conversion that they would use for USD payments . If you paid in dollars, they would often give you the change in shillings. One restaurant we went to in Paje added extra to the conversion rate if you paid with bill denominations that were smaller at $20.

Zanzibar Currency to USD

At the airport I changed up $200USD and received 460,000TSh (in late 2022)

I was given it ALL in 5000 notes, so as a rule of thumb I was working on the rate of: 5000TSh converted to $2USD

As you can see from the header image, the pile of notes was HUGE. I only carried my daily budget of 50,000TSh around with me ($20). The rest stayed locked in my bag in the hotel room.

Cards and ATM in Zanzibar

Most major places accepted card payments . Including hotels (and their restaurants), The Rock restaurant etc. (Although the hotel I stayed at for 1 night ONLY accepted cash). HOWEVER all card payments were subjected to a 5% fee (on top of any foreign exchange fees from banks).

My main hotel removed the 5% fee for the room rate ONLY when paying by card, but any other charge to the room (tours, restaurant, yoga etc) had it added.

This was one of the reasons I preferred to use cash to avoid all the extra 5%’s adding up!

As mentioned I took cash to exchange for cash, but there are ATMs at the airport , as well as a handful where I was staying in Paje. I saw them in Stone Town too but didn’t use any of them. The ATMs in Zanzibar have a maximum withdrawal of 400,000TSh .

Prices In Zanzibar

Accommodation.

During my time in Zanzibar I stayed in 2 separate hotels in Paje. There were several hostels in Paje with dorm rooms, however I wanted to stay in private accommodation so opted for more budget friendly hotels instead.

Both hotels had swimming pools, breakfast included (which took away a meal expense), WiFi and good ‘safety’ reviews for solo female travellers . Paje by Night had slightly more amenities and facilities which is why I decided to spend most of my time there.

There are also discounts with Paje by Night when booking direct , such as a 15% discount early bird offer and 10% on stays over 5 nights.

Heart of Zanzibar Bungalows – 1 night: $52

Paje by Night – 8 nights: $540 ($67.50 per night)

Total: $592 (9 nights)

The budget friendly local transport in Zanzibar are the Dala Dalas . However, as I was travelling alone and had the budget for it, I used taxis . The taxis were absolutely spotless and always on time.

I pre booked my first airport pick up with Zanzibus and they charge in EUROS. I paid €5 online in advance and then €30 in cash to the driver. The others were organised via my accommodation.

Zanzibar Airport to Paje (with Zanzibus): €35

Paje to Zanzibar Airport: $40

Paje to The Rock restaurant RETURN: $25

Total: $100

Tours & activities.

Not including The Rock restaurant, I did five tours/activities. The two biggest expenses were the combined full day tours that I did. Again, as I was travelling solo, my tours were private and the driver stayed with me all day . If I was travelling with others, the cost per person would have been lower.

Compared to UK/USA prices (around $1/£1 per minute), I was impressed with the price of my massage. It’s something I do like to treat myself to when I travel and it was definitely on the lower end of the scale (although maybe not SE Asia prices!).

75 minute Yoga session: $15

75 minute massage: $45

Mwani Seaweed Centre tour : $10

Stone Town & Prison Island: $110

Jozani Forest & Spice Farm : $70

Total: $250

Food & Drink

Is zanzibar expensive to eat and drink.

I paid for all food and drink in cash . Apart from The Rock restaurant, I paid for everything else in Tanzanian Shillings. I had a daily food budget of 50,000TSh ($20). But in reality I ended up only spending around 27,000 ($12) per day (not including The Rock).

As mentioned above, both hotels had very good sized breakfasts included in the room rate . (For non guests, Paje by Night charge 20,000 shillings for a breakfast). Paje by Night also provided a large flask of drinking water which was refilled for free every day . Because of this, I didn’t need to spend anything on water (to refill the flask was 2000 shillings).

The Spice Farm tour included a good sized lunch in the cost of the trip.

The Rock restaurant was one of the most expensive meals I’ve had while travelling…potentially ever. I had: a bottle of local beer, chicken skewers with potatoes and vegetables (the cheapest main on the menu) and a pineapple flambé for $40.

The food was ok, you definitely pay for the novelty of the restaurant being on a rock in the middle of the sea/beach.

Instead of listing every last thing I ate and drunk, here are some of the average food and drink prices in Zanzibar (in Tanzanian Shillings), specifically at bars and restaurants in Paje :

Local beer (Safari, Kilimanjaro etc): 5000

Cocktails: 15,000

Coke/soft drinks: 2000 -3000

Juice: 5000

Noodles and vegetables: 10,000

Burger and chips: 15,000

Chicken and rice (in a Stone Town restaurant…HUGE portion!): 20,000

Rice/curry: 6000

Avocado salad: 11,000

Lunch dishes/light bites: 10,000

Ice cream: 4000-6000

Total: $157

(275,000 paid in shillings – 83,000 of which was alcohol ($35) + $40 in USD at The Rock)

I spent around 50,000 shillings (plus $15) on random things like souvenirs for myself and my family and tips. Tipping isn’t expected in Zanzibar, but it is appreciated .

Final Words

Like I said above, I did use all the 460,000TSh I had exchanged , as I paid for some of my tours (which were priced in USD) with what I had left over. However I actually only spent 325,000 in local currency while out and about.

Is Zanzibar expensive? I thought tours and taxis were quite expensive , especially as they were all priced in USD. However I think the Zanzibar food prices weren’t too bad considering I was averaging around £6 for a dinner including a drink.

In this budget breakdown, I didn’t include flights. Depending on the time of year or where you are flying in from, this could vary. I flew from London Stansted (STN) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) via Dubai, flying with Emirates and FlyDubai.

The flight cost around £700 and included meals and checked bags (although I only took hand luggage). STN to DXB took around 6hrs and the DXB to ZNZ took just over 5hrs.

In GBP my budget was around £1500 for the whole trip, everything included. Typically I also hit the poor exchange rate, just before GBP and USD were almost level!

Zanzibar Prices FAQ

Is zanzibar an expensive holiday destination.

It depends on what you want to do and how you want to travel. The resorts are expensive, as are the day trips. However if you are able to tailor make your trip to pick cheaper hotels, or if you just want to use it to relax on the beach, it can be done much cheaper.

How much is a beer in Zanzibar?

A bottle of the local beer in Zanzibar (such as Safari, Kilimanjaro etc) is approximately 5000 shillings, which converts to around $2USD

How much is a meal in Zanzibar?

Meals in Zanzibar were on average were between 10,000 to 20,000 shillings. This converts to $4 – $8USD. I often ate on the lower end of that scale.

How much should I budget for a trip to Zanzibar?

This completely depends on your travel style. With a few day trips and private accommodation in a hotel (not a hostel), my budget for a trip to Zanzibar for 10 days was £1500 GBP (including flights).

Other Zanzibar Posts You May Enjoy

• 🏖️ Paje Beach Zanzibar | A HUGE Guide To Paje Zanzibar
• 📅 The Perfect 7 Day Zanzibar Itinerary | Relaxation & Exploration!

My travels have taken me to over 40 countries worldwide (& I lived in USA for 4yrs). I hold a BTEC National Diploma in Travel & Tourism (triple distinction) and have been writing on Between England & Everywhere since 2015.

Expert in : Adventure travel 🎢 , beach destinations 🏖️ , and packing light (mid-budget backpacker) 🎒

Last Updated on February 11, 2024

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The Ultimate One Week Zanzibar Itinerary

My one-week trip to Zanzibar was perfect. It ticked all the boxes: history and culture in Stone Town, relaxation in Jambiani Beach, and pristine beaches in Nungwi. It had a little bit of everything. As the island is so incredible, I wanted to put together my recommendations for a one week Zanzibar itinerary .

Zanzibar was so much more than I expected – it was otherworldly. From the snaking, medina-like streets to the celestial blue waters, I often felt like I was either time-traveling or in a beach resort commercial.

Note that this is not a backpacking itinerary . When I first started planning my trip to Zanzibar, I wanted to stay in hostels for half of the trip and boutique hotels for the rest. Zanzibar doesn’t really have hostels, and doesn’t lend itself well to backpacking (I would argue East Africa in general doesn’t have much of a backpacker scene).

So this itinerary is best for those who want to a true daiquiris-by-the-pool vacation, with a side of culture and adventure.

Table of Contents

An Epic One Week Zanzibar Itinerary

Day 1 – stone town.

Morning:  Arrive in Stone Town. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site whose winding streets are straight out of Aladdin . My advice for your first few hours? Just stroll. Take photos of the famed Zanzibari doors, enjoy a traditional Zanzibari lunch at  6 Degrees South , pop into a few shops.

RELATED: The 9 Best Things to Do in Stone Town

Afternoon:  In the afternoon, arrange a walking tour with your hotel. Most walking tours will take you to sites like the Old Fort and Christ Church Cathedral . Our tour cost $20 each for two hours.

Evening:  Have dinner at the magical  Tea House Restaurant , located on top of the Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel. Make sure to make reservations in advance! And arrive at 6 p.m. to watch the sunset over Stone Town and to enjoy a few sundowners.

NOTE: A word of warning to ladies traveling to Zanzibar – you may want to dress conservatively while in Stone Town . While Zanzibar as a whole is predominantly Muslim, Stone Town is more conservative than the rest of the island. I felt better having my shoulders and midriff covered in Stone Town.

Where to stay in Stone Town:   The Dhow Palace Hotel The  Dhow Palace Hotel  is a quaint historic hotel built in the traditional Zanzibari style. We loved it; it had free breakfast, airport pickup, a pool, and most importantly, air-conditioning. Rooms at the Dhow Palace Hotel start at $194 for a double room. For more Stone Town hotels,  check out current rates here .

Day 2 – Stone Town to Jambiani Beach

Arrange a taxi to go to Jambiani Beach – it will cost around $50 for two people. Jambiani Beach is a small village on Zanzibar’s southeastern coast. It’s relaxed and laid-back, and less touristy than other parts of the island.

RELATED: Jambiani, Zanzibar Guide: Where to Find the. Real Zanzibar

Note – before you leave Stone Town, take out cash from an ATM. There are no ATMs on Zanzibar outside of Stone Town.

Where to stay in Jambiani:   Red Monkey Beach Lodge The Red Monkey Beach Lodge is a small, budget beach lodge in Jambiani Beach. It’s not a luxury resort, but it’s a great place if you’re looking to save money without staying in a hostel. Rooms at the Red Monkey Beach Lodge start at $90 for a double room with AC. For more Jambiani hotels,  check out rates here .

Day 3 – Jambiani Beach

There’s not a lot to do in Jambiani, but that’s kind of the beauty of it. You can take a half-day cooking class at Tangawizi Bistro , learn how to play bao at Coral Rock , or just swim to your heart’s content in the beautiful aqua waters.

Basically just relax, drink a few beers, and eat seafood.

Day 4 – Lunch at The Rock Restaurant in Michamvi

You can’t go to Zanzibar and not have lunch at The Rock Restaurant! The Rock Restaurant is a tiny restaurant perched on a rock in the Indian Ocean, and it’s only a twenty-minute drive from Jambiani.

Make sure to make reservations in advance – it’s popular.

RELATED: Lunch at the Rock Restaurant on Zanzibar

Day 5 – Jambiani to Nungwi

Next, head to Nungwi for the island’s best beaches – picture miles of white sand and turquoise waters. Nungwi is more touristy than Jambiani but it’s for a good reason – the beaches are much better, and it’s nearby the island’s best dive spots.

Where to stay in Nungwi: Z Hotel Z Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel with an infinity pool and gorgeous views of the ocean. I absolutely LOVED Z Hotel – it was one of my favorite hotels I’ve ever stayed at. Small enough to feel cozy, but big enough to have several restaurants and lots of activities, Z Hotel ticked all the boxes for me. Plus, the interior design is gorgeous. Rooms at Z Hotel start at $190 for a double room. For more hotels in Nungwi, check out rates here .

Day 6 – Snorkel or Dive Mnemba Atoll

The best snorkeling and diving on Zanzibar is at Mnemba Atoll. Mnemba Atoll is a beautiful reef with strong currents, so it’s the perfect place to try drift-diving.

I didn’t see any big sea life but I did see ghostly white pufferfish, turquoise parrotfish, grouper, small, white moray eel, unicorn fish battling, and sea stars. While the diving was good, I wouldn’t plan a trip to Zanzibar for the diving alone – it wasn’t mind-blowing.

But if you like drift diving, you will love Mnemba Atoll – I drifted so far on my dive that I completely lost my group, ha.

Note to all scuba divers – make sure to give yourself more than 24 between your dive and your flight! 

Which company to dive with: I enjoyed my experience with  Spanish Dancer Divers . Spanish Dancers charges $110 for two dives, and also charges a $30 supplement for Mnemba Atoll. Snorkeling Mnemba costs only $55. It takes about 45 minutes to get from Nungwi to Mnemba Atoll by speed boat.

Day 7 – Airport

Say goodbye to Z Hotel (sob) and head to the airport.

Other activities to add to your one week Zanzibar itinerary:

• Paje is a great place to learn how to kiteboard.
• If you’re looking for a super fancy, romantic resort, everyone seems to love Breezes.
• Kendwa Rocks hosts a Full Moon Party every month, so if you like to party, consider planning your trip around that.

More posts on Zanzibar you may find helpful:

The 9 Best Things to do in Stone Town, Zanzibar

Jambiani Beach: Where to Find the Real, Untouristy Zanzibar

Lunch at The Rock Restaurant on Zanzibar

Important info: When to visit Zanzibar – we visited in March, which marks the start of the rainy season which continues through April and May. However it didn’t rain at all during our stay, so I’d highly recommend visiting in March as flights and accommodation were much more inexpensive than during the high season. See more advice on when to visit Zanzibar here. Citizens from most western countries can get their visas on arrival for $50 on Zanzibar, payable by cash for credit. However it costs $100 for US citizens. Learn more about  visa information  here. Travelers to Tanzania must present proof of the yellow fever vaccination at the airport if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever – see  countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission  here. The malaria risk on Zanzibar is low, so I didn’t take medication. However, some travelers decide to. See the  recommended vaccines for Tanzania  here. Make sure to purchase travel insurance before your trip to Zanzibar.  I’ve used  World Nomads  for years and highly recommend it.

Have you ever visited Zanzibar? What do you think of this one week Zanzibar itinerary?

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About Ashley Fleckenstein

Ashley is a travel and lifestyle blogger who lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Since college she has au paired in Paris, backpacked the world solo, and lived in Uganda. Her work has been featured by Buzzfeed, Forbes, TripAdvisor, and Glamour Magazine.

16 thoughts on “The Ultimate One Week Zanzibar Itinerary”

Holy cow, adding Zanzibar to the travel bucket list. I planned to visit Africa, but since so few it seems travel there, I can never find many posts so it’s a big mystery still. Thank you for visiting and providing so much detail and guidance for Zanzibar! It’s nice to forgo hostels and backpacking for a luxury trip once in a while isn’t it? Can’t wait to visit–that restaurant is awesome!!

While I was bummed that there weren’t any hostels, in the end it turned out for the best – Z Hotel was AMAZING and we had an absolute blast :)

Ok so after reading this we definitely have to add Zanzibar to our bucket list. It look stunning.

It’s definitely gorgeous! I’d highly recommend :)

Oh my goodness, it looks like a locale the gods must have made way back when :) I’ve wanted to visit ever since a friend of mine finished her honeymoon there (they did the safari experience in Tanzania and then did some r & r there). The Maldives has always been my exotic bucket list beach destination and yet I think I’d like Zanzibar more since there’s so much history and the blending of cultures there. Beautiful photos although you probably can’t take a bad one either.

I definitely loved that Zanzibar had so much to offer in the way of beaches AND history, culture, and food. Safari or Kilimanjaro with a vacation on Zanzibar is the perfect combo I think :)

So damn Beautiful Zanzibar..

It’s seriously gorgeous :)

What a beautiful place! I can’t believe this Rock Restaurant – it looks unreal! And crazy cute :)

I can only imagine the trekking that can be done in such location…

Happy travels! Ioanna A Woman Afoot

Thanks so much, Ionna! You too.

What a magical trip, Ashley! I’m loving your new life in Africa. So dreamy.

It was seriously magical. You would love it!

Zanzibar has recently appeared on so many instagram pages that i follow that i had to move it to the top of my destination list. I cannot wait to get there and have my own stories to tell. It looks absolutely amazing.

It does seem to be on Instagram a lot these days!It´s really a special place – I´m sure you will love it.

Hey Ashley How much did your trip cost you in total?

It was a year and a half ago so I’m not completely sure. Sorry about that!

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Africa , Travel , Zanzibar & Tanzania · Updated on: January 20, 2024

Your Complete Zanzibar One Week Itinerary: what to do, and more!

So you’ve passed the part of thinking about it, actually buying the plane ticket, getting (or not) the vaccines and you find yourself landing at the Zanzibar Airport. What now? Here is my one week Zanzibar itinerary to help you out with suggestions for the best places to visit in Zanzibar, an easy-to-follow itinerary, and some of the best day trips to take.

Well, first of all, you should know that the airport in Zanzibar is…very interesting and not something you might be used to.

And now, it actually depends on what it is that you prefer to do on a holiday.

As an island, Zanzibar has a lot to offer when it comes to water-related activities, but you can also go for something else, such as a spice tour (the island is also known as Spice Island) where you can see how all your favorite spices grow and learn how they become what you love, or choose a trip on the Tanzanian continent, be it Dar Es Salaam (the former country’s capital) or one of the Game Safaris (and you sure have where to choose from).

But let’s take it one thing at a time.

Read next: Zanzibar travel tips – all the things to know before traveling

This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Read more about it on our  disclosure page here .

Useful information for your Zanzibar itinerary

Why visit zanzibar.

The main reason why you should consider visiting the spice island is that Zanzibar can cater to any type of traveler.

Couples looking for an amazing exotic destination for their honeymoon will find luxurious hotels set on pristine beaches, and some of the bluest water I’ve ever seen. 

People looking to travel on a budget can plan for the perfect backpacking itinerary, choose from the countless budget accommodation options, and get around from one point to the other with the locals. 

If you are an adventure-lover, in Zanzibar you have plenty of water sports to choose from: kite surfing, snorkeling, and snorkeling, only to name a few. 

On top of that, the feeling you will get on the island is priceless and something I rarely found during my trips around the world. People are incredibly friendly and open to help you, and the food is delicious!

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

If you are contemplating visiting my favorite place on Earth (ok, I am exaggerating a little bit, I cannot make out my mind about this), there are two perfect times throughout the year to do it:

• from June to October
• from December to February

We have visited the island and went on a safari in Tanzania for New Year’s Eve and the first part of January . And the weather was perfect! 

Ok, the days might not be quite as long as during summer, but we sure had a great time and the New Year’s party was something we will always remember. Thus, if you can make it, you should do it!

Where to stay in Zanzibar

You will travel to Zanzibar especially for one thing: the beaches!

With long pristine white sandy beaches and deep turquoise water, Zanzibar island is amazing for those in need of some vitamin sea.

And choosing where to stay in Zanzibar could prove to be tricky, because of all the great options available out there. 

Here is a rough overview of some of the best Zanzibar beaches :

• Northern Coast – Nungwi beach , Kendwa  Beach, or Pemba island 

Luxury hotels : andBeyond Mnemba Island , Riu Palace Zanzibar  

Medium budget accommodation : DobleTree Resort by Hilton , Aluna Nungwi , Warere Beach

Budget accommodation: Makofi Guest House , Casa Carlotta & Villa

• North East Coast – look for accommodation in and around Kiwengwa and you will fall in love with the postcard beaches

Luxury hotels: Melia , Kiwengwa Beach Resort , Tikitam Palms hotel

Medium budget: Marafiki Bungalows , Kiwengwa Bungalow Boutique Resort

Budget: Sea Crest Hotel , Lazy Beach House

• East Coast –  this is where we chose to stay, even though the tides here are more prominent than in the Northern part of the island. Also, here is where you will want to stay if you want to try windsurfing. 

Luxury hotels : Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort , Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar , 

Medium budget: Paradise Beach Resort (where we stayed and loved it, read my review here ) , Uroa Bay Beach Resort

Budget: Samaki Lodge & Spa

Shall you stay at an all-inclusive hotel or not?

The answer to that question depends a lot on your travel style, budget, and how adventurous you feel. 

I would suggest a mix for your vacation in Zanzibar: choose a luxury retreat with a stunning beach and an all-inclusive package for the days you want to sit back and relax and go for the breakfast-only option on the days when you will, either way, be out exploring. 

How to get to Zanzibar?

Even though the island is relatively small, set in the Indian Ocean, on the Eastern Coast of Tanzania, it is very conveniently connected to some of the best airports. 

Depending on your starting point, you might find direct flights, or options with one layover in Dubai, Istanbul, or Qatar. 

In my opinion, the best flight options are offered by Qatar Airways, even though FlyDubai has low-cost options.

Check flight options with Qatar Airways!

See low-cost options with FlyDubai!

From the airport, we had a private transfer organized by the hotel, and even though the flight had a significant delay (because of a sand storm in Dubai), the driver was still there waiting for us. 

You can check with your hotel because they certainly offer this service, or you can book an affordable and reliable taxi service before leaving for your vacation. Book your transfer here!

Getting around the island during your Zanzibar itinerary

Even though we chose to go only on day trips in Zanzibar, some years have passed since our escape and I’ve seen many people renting cars and exploring the island on their own. 

The price for renting a car for a week in Zanzibar is affordable, you have the flexibility to make your schedule as you wish, and you can go wherever you feel like going. Discover hidden gems and feel like a local. 

My go-to option for renting cars is always Discover Cars.

It is a great aggregator that will help you find and book the best option for renting a car during your trip, helping you save up to 70% on your car rental. They have a pretty good  cancellation policy that would give you options in case your flight or travel plans change. Get your offers here!

You will need a temporary Zanzibar driver’s permit to drive on the island, but this will be organized by the rental car company before your arrival when you book online. The temporary permit will be available for 3 months, and minimum documentation is requested (only your valid driver’s license and a photo). 

If you don’t feel like renting a car, as we did, opt for organized day trips. From all my research, Viator had the best and the most options for day trips in Zanzibar. Check out all the best day excursions in Zanzibar!

How many days do you need around Zanzibar?

We have spent a little bit over one week on the island, mostly because we have been there for New Year’s Eve. 

In my opinion, you can spend anywhere between 4 days and 10 days on the island without getting bored. Of course, when time and budget allow, you can stay here even longer!

Visa requirements for Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Depending on where you are traveling from, you will most likely need a visa .  Check your Visa requirements here!

The good news is you can easily apply online for your tourist evisa, and get it in no time. The visa price and duration is different depending on the country you come from (1 year and 100 USD for US citizens, 90 days and 5o USD if you are coming from France, and no fee for Romanians like myself).

The process is done online, and you also get all the information you might need (related to any testing, quarantine, or insurance needed). 

  Check your Visa requirements here!

My complete 1 week in Zanzibar itinerary & what to do in Zanzibar

This itinerary can be easily adjusted if you plan to stay 5 days, 6 days, or 7 days in Zanzibar. You can pick and choose your favorite activities based on your travel style, budget, and time spent on the island. 

Click on the below map and it will open in Google Maps to help you visualize the setting of the best things to do in Zanzibar. 

Day 1 – Get lost on the streets of Stone Town

Start your one week Zanzibar itinerary and admire the beautiful architecture that stands at the crossing of Swahili, Arab and Indian cultures, the Zanzibar door being the most memorable feature of Stone Town .

We went on a Stone Town walking tour with a guide and learned a lot about the local traditions and history. 

Here you can spend hours getting lost in the narrow streets, drinking delicious smoothies and eating traditional food at the local bars, shopping for souvenirs, and just feeling the local vibe.

One place you shouldn’t miss is the local market (Darajani Bazaar) , where you will be surrounded by all the oriental flavors you never thought about, just prepare yourself to bargain.

Just know that the market is split into 2 sections: the fish market, and the spice and vegetable section. If you’re like us, you will want to avoid the fish part and head directly to the spices. The stench is incredible and I couldn’t go inside. 

Here is where I’ve seen for the first time the gorgeous violate blue Tanzanite gemstone (please excuse my ignorance). There are tens of jewel shops where you can choose from thousands of rings, earrings, and a lot of other kinds of jewelry (if this is what you’re in for).

Stop by Freddy Mercury’s house – yes, he was born in the center of Stone Town, and see the Old Fort of Zanzibar . Get some traditional henna tattoos from the local ladies, and get to Forodhani Gardens after dark for some truly local food. 

We actually did not have the chance to do it because we left the city in the afternoon, but I’ve read so much about this and have heard it also from the guide we had in Stone Town.

Read next: What to pack for Zanzibar

The gardens are ideally placed overlooking the ocean, offering the perfect place for an early evening walk and why not, for savoring a local (both Swahili and Zanzibari) meal.

Having such a local print, and since it has become very touristic, the place can be of course liked or disliked.

Don’t leave without going on a food market and street food tour . 

Take the boat from Stone Town and disembark on Changuu Island 

Also known as Prison Island , although it has never been an actual prison, the island has played different roles throughout history: from the place where slaves were kept until they were sent away, to a coal mine, to a quarantine station for yellow fever.

Today, the buildings are used as a hotel and restaurants, offering tourists the chance to stay here and visit the former cells. Moreover, the trip from and to the island is very nice and you can enjoy both the panoramic view of the island and of Stone Town.

Book your tour in advance and create great memories!

In 1919 the British Governor of Seychelles sent a gift of 4 Aldabra giant tortoises to Changuu. Since then, they have had fluctuations in the numbers (mainly because during the time the tortoises have been bred but they have also been stolen) but are currently protected since they are considered a vulnerable species.

Tourists can now visit and feed the tortoises (the big one below was actually 157 years old – and I’m not talking about me) and trust me when I say, this is a novel experience since there are very few places in the world where you can kill time with this fellers.

Other things worth trying in Zanzibar’s capital

See the Palace Museum – or the Sultan’s palace, which occupies various buildings along the seafront. Outside the museum, you can still see the tombs of various sultans.

Visit the House of Wonders – From the Gardens , you can also admire the “ House of Wonders ” (being the first house in Zanzibar to have electricity and an elevator), formerly the Sultan’s residence, now functioning as a museum of Swahili culture and the old fort, built in the 17th century that hosts now cultural shops and workshops.

In the old fort, you will also see a small arena where music and theater shows are held daily and where once per year the Zanzibar International Film Festival is held.

Admire all the doors and take plenty of pictures with these impressive structures – they used to be a visual statement of the owner’s status in society, acting like a business card for the passerby.

Don’t miss out on the Slave market museum – now an Anglican Cathedral, this was the last legal slave market in the world. I know that sounds mind-blowing, but I think we shouldn’t take it for granted and learn about the past and always remember that if it’s legal, it doesn’t mean it’s ethical or human. 

Have a drink on the beach or at the Africa House Hotel , with the stunning blue sea under your feet and eyes. Or go for lunch or dinner at Lukmaan Restauran t or the Tea House Restaurant , both with unique local design and food. 

Afterward, try a cup of delicious coffee at the Zanzibar coffee house .

Day 2 – Go on a spice tour and ride a Dala Dala to the beach

One of the greatest experiences we had in Zanzibar was going on a spice tour . Before doing that, we had no idea about the magical world of spices, and honestly, the way they grow was a mystery to both of us. 

You can read here my full experience and you can book your tour in advance to make sure you take advantage of great prices and have your schedule and one-week itinerary planned. 

At the end of the tour, we even had lunch with some local traditional dishes, discussed with the locals, and had some coconuts directly from the tree. How much fresher could that get?

And just look how happy I was! I think, all in all, that was the effect Zanzibar had on me. 

Once you’re done with the spice experience, you’ll want to take a traditional local Dala Dala car and head to one of the beautiful beaches on the island. 

All countries have their names for the local buses, and you’ll want to try one at least once. 

Day 3 – swim with the dolphins and see the only national park on the island

We have thought about this a lot before going, partly because it involved waking up at 5:30 and having a one-hour drive to the other part of the island, without being sure that you will actually get to see the real wild dolphins (because yes, they are wild).

Taking all this into consideration, after hearing stories from other fellow tourists, we have decided to actually take the trip and we were lucky to find a group of dolphins, after “running around” the in the middle of the ocean for almost two hours.

You can also choose to jump in the water and try swimming with them, just keep in mind that they are, well…wild..and will simply swim away from the boats and people.

Even if we were back at the hotel just before 10 o’clock in the morning, I would totally do it once again, because not only I got to see the dolphins in their natural habitat, I have also seen another side of the island and enjoyed a lovely morning on the ocean.

You can check it out and book your adventure ahead of time here!

Visit Jozani Forest Reserve

This is the only national park in Zanzibar , where you can see Kirk’s red colobus , a local protected monkey species, a lot of bird species, and butterflies.

This will be just a relaxing half-day trip, making the best o nature and fauna that Zanzibar has to offer.

You can link both experiences together and have a day to remember with this tour . 

Day 4 – explore the underwater world

You don’t have to be a professional swimmer when thinking about trying to do some snorkeling, I myself have learned how to use the snorkeling mask without swallowing the whole ocean and I’ve come to really enjoy the experience.

I’ve had the chance to search for fish in some lovely places, but this experience was the BEST and one of the ultimate things to do in Zanzibar. The only thing I regret was not having a waterproof camera for taking pictures…but I guess memory also works pretty well the old-fashioned way 😉

So, if you are willing to risk a little bit (fighting the thought in your head who are holding you back), you will get the chance to see all sorts of colorful fish and coral (just please please be respectful with Mother Nature and don’t touch the coral, because it is very sensitive).

Oh, and by the way, we’ve done snorkeling near Mnemba Island, which is a private island where Bill Gates and Naomi Campbell spend their vacations in the past.

If you are interested in the experience (and have the money, or don’t need a kidney) you can be a guest at “ &Beyond Mnemba Island “.

Book your greatest experience in Mnemba Atoll and go snorkeling with some of the most colorful fish out there. And if you’re more adventurous, take a 3-4 days to open water diving course , something that will stick with you forever. 

Day 5 – Enjoy the incredible beaches!

Yes, here you can find never-ending white sand beaches and the water is not so bad either. Ok, I admit it, the water is crystal clear!

Around this island, I have seen everything from turquoise water to all the Pantone blue I didn’t think existed. It is also very easy to find someone with a boat willing to take you on the sea, just don’t expect a fancy boat, it will be a very local experience.

And when you just want to lay back and relax on the beach, there are plenty of amazing beaches with white sand where you can take your time and sit comfortably at the beach  or just a blanket and lay back for the day.

Day 6 – Visit the marine turtle conservation pond & see the sunset at Nungwi 

These are places where people take care of marine turtles and keep them safe until the age when they can lay eggs on the beaches of Zanzibar.

It is great to see these little fellows and also their larger brothers and see that they are actually taken care of, released into the wild once they are ready for it.

Check out the experience here!

Enjoy the sunset from Nungwi beach

If you haven’t booked a retreat on this part of the island, known to have some of the best beaches and also the best difference between tides enabling bathing throughout the whole day, you can always book a trip here from anywhere you are.

Of course, you can expect a rather crowded beach, as compared to all the other places we’ve seen on the island, but since it’s on the North-West side you can stay and enjoy a Stoney Tangawizi while watching the sunset.

The tour will get you here once you’ve seen the turtles and swam with them. 

Day 7 – Kitesurfing or relax on the beach

If you are into it, Zanzibar is a go-to place for kitesurfers (as you are aware, if you are into it ;)) ). Paje beach is located in the Southeastern part of the island and here you can find miles and miles of white sand and perfect conditions for kitesurfing.

You can try out also Jambiani beach , or any of the less crowded places on the Eastern side of the island. 

Finish off your last day of the one week Zanzibar itinerary with a dinner at the famous Rock Restaurant and a cave tour visit. 

What to eat in Zanzibar

I personally liked the food in Zanzibar very much, and I tried almost everything we had at the hotel or while exploring the island. 

Food is tasty and they use lots of flavors, after all, Zanzibar is the “spice island”, and for a good reason.

This being said, there are certain traditional dishes you should try on your vacation here:

• pilau rice – we had this delicious dish, filled with cinnamon, star Anais, and raisins, during our visit to the spices garden. 
• Biryani – another type of rice filled with spices and meat
• every kind of seafood
• plantains stew
• Swahili curries

And this is not all, Zanzibar island and Tanzania offer lots of opportunities to spend a vacation you will never forget and where you will always want to come back (at least I do, but.. hmm life is too short and unfortunately I get only 23 vacation days per year)!

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You’ll Also Love

March 1, 2017 at 7:53 am

I had to choose between visiting Zanzibar or going on safari after my Kilimanjaro hike so I chose the safari. While I don’t regret it I do wish I had made time to visit Zanzibar, even if it was just for a few days. I didn’t know you could see baby sea turtles there! Do they nest year round?

March 1, 2017 at 6:32 pm

Hi Christa! You definitelydid not make the wrong choice, the safari is a once in a lifetime experience. Related to the turtles, it takes actually them decades to reach maturity and lay eggs, but in the sanctuary they had turtles all ages.

March 1, 2017 at 8:06 am

The beaches in Zanzibar do look amazing so that would totally be my first port of call, and second? Well the conversation project with the turtles! Totally cool. My step dad kitesurfs so I’ll totally recommend this location for him to try.

March 1, 2017 at 6:34 pm

Hi Sam! Indeed, the beaches are incredible and you should give it a try. Take your step dad also, he will enjoy the kitesurfer community there 🙂

March 1, 2017 at 8:07 am

Thanks for your article. I was looking for a tour like this since since I’ve been gifted with a holiday to Zanzibar. The photo with the turtles looks so cool! The entire place looks magical. 🙂

March 1, 2017 at 6:36 pm

Hi Chiara! You are lucky to have been offered such a gift! You will fall in love with the island and the people….and of course, the turtles 🙂

March 1, 2017 at 6:37 pm

Hi Pascale! Oh yes, I feel you! The only thing I could not bear myself to do was enter the fish market. But maybe you are braver than me 😉

March 1, 2017 at 10:26 pm

You had me at beach! This looks like a paradise destination and your pictures really capture how beautiful it is.

March 2, 2017 at 7:52 am

Zanzibar looks fantastic- I would love the turtles and the tortoises! I also love a mooch around a local market! I have never thought of visiting Zanzibar but you have made me rethink! Certainly on my radar now!

March 2, 2017 at 6:14 pm

Happy to inspire you! You should definitely schedule a vacation on the island!

March 2, 2017 at 7:59 am

I miss Zanzibar so much it aches! Really in a one of a kind place

March 2, 2017 at 6:13 pm

I feel you, I did not want to leave that place

March 2, 2017 at 9:20 am

Some amazing ideas, I think I’d literally go through and do them all. I would love to see dolphins in the wild, and I always make a point of exploring a local market!

March 2, 2017 at 6:12 pm

Hi Stephanie! So glad you liked it, it is a mustr trip!

March 2, 2017 at 11:44 pm

That turtle is so cute! I used to have one as a pet. Is Zanzibar like that all year long?

March 3, 2017 at 5:57 am

Hi! Mostly yes, the climate in Zanzibar is perfect, the coldest month (if you could even call it cold) being July with an average temperature of 24 degrees. But for me even that would be ideal, avoiding to melt during the trips. Thanks for the interest!

April 21, 2017 at 11:51 am

There is a surprising amount of amazing things to do in Zanzibar! You make me want to go there! I love that they don’t promote swimming with captive dolphins

April 21, 2017 at 8:17 pm

you should go there! I fell in love with this place and I think anybody would 🙂

April 23, 2017 at 7:58 pm

This looks like an amazing adventure. I was completely seduced by the color of the sea and the beach with the shallow waters is breathtaking.

April 24, 2017 at 8:32 am

It sure is! I would recommend going there to just anybody, it just is an incredible place from all points of view

January 29, 2022 at 10:23 am

Thanks a lot for sharing this guide article about Zanzibar Island. This ar

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Zanzibar on a Budget: 10 Tips and Tricks for Affordable Travel in Paradise

Are you dreaming of a tropical paradise getaway but worried about breaking the bank? Look no further than Zanzibar! This exotic island destination off the coast of Tanzania offers stunning beaches, rich culture, and vibrant history, all without costing a fortune. With some smart planning and a few insider tips, you can experience the best of Zanzibar on a budget. Here are some valuable tips and tricks to help you make the most of your affordable trip to this enchanting island!

1.  Travel Off-Season

Consider visiting Zanzibar during the off-peak season to enjoy lower prices on accommodation and activities. The months between March to May and October to November are generally quieter and more budget-friendly.

2.  Book Accommodation Wisely

Opt for budget-friendly guesthouses, hostels, or homestays instead of luxury resorts. Look for accommodations in Stone Town or smaller villages to save on costs while experiencing local culture.

3.  Eat Like a Local

Indulge in affordable and delicious local cuisine at street food stalls, markets, and small eateries. Try Zanzibar’s famous dishes like pilau, chapati, and seafood specialties without burning a hole in your pocket.

4.  Use Public Transportation

Explore the island on a budget by using public transportation like dala-dalas (shared minibusses) or renting a bicycle . This way, you can save money on taxis and experience Zanzibar like a local.

5.  Embrace Free Activities

Take advantage of free or low-cost activities such as visiting local markets, exploring historical sites like the Old Fort, and relaxing on public beaches like Nungwi and Kendwa.

6.  Negotiate Prices

Practice your bargaining skills when shopping at markets or booking tours. Negotiating prices is a common practice in Zanzibar and can help you get the best deals on souvenirs, excursions, and services.

7.  Pack Wisely

Pack essentials like sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and reusable water bottles to avoid unnecessary expenses on the island. Be prepared for the tropical climate to stay comfortable without overspending.

8.  Plan Ahead

Research activities, tours, and attractions in advance to find budget-friendly options and discounts. Booking ahead can help you secure the best deals on popular experiences while avoiding last-minute price hikes. Contact us for free tips and guidance on how to plan a great experience!

9.  Connect with Locals

Interact with locals to gain insights into affordable dining spots, hidden gems, and cultural experiences that may not be widely known to tourists. Engaging with residents can lead to authentic and cost-effective adventures.

10.  Stay Flexible

Stay open to spontaneous opportunities and alternative plans during your budget trip to Zanzibar. Flexibility allows you to adapt to changing circumstances and make the most of affordable travel experiences on the island.

Extra Tip:  Join Group Tours and Shared Excursions

Consider joining group tours or activities organized by reputable local operators. Group tours often offer discounted rates compared to private tours, allowing you to explore Zanzibar’s attractions with fellow travelers while saving money on transportation and guides. Additionally, sharing excursions with other travelers can enhance the social aspect of your trip, providing opportunities to make new friends and create lasting memories together. Enjoy a fun and budget-friendly tour experience while connecting with like-minded individuals from around the world.

By following these tips and tricks, you can enjoy a memorable and budget-friendly adventure in Zanzibar without compromising on the beauty and magic of this tropical paradise. Explore, discover, and savor the essence of Zanzibar while keeping your wallet happy!

For more tips and information on budget travel in Zanzibar, as well as exciting tour options and accommodation recommendations, visit our website. Contact us for personalized assistance or explore our apartments at Lapili Residence for a comfortable and affordable stay on this stunning island paradise.

Plan your budget-friendly adventure in Zanzibar with us today!

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My 2 Week Trip to Zanzibar (beach huts, local food, activities and more)

Never did I think I would make it to this island off the coast of mainland Tanzania but somehow, like most of my travels, it just happened.

After bouncing around Kenya and Tanzania for a while, it was time to take it easy and catch up on work, and Zanzibar seemed like a logical, and nearby, option. All we hoped for was a relatively quiet beach in a tropical setting, close to a local village, and where accommodation wasn’t too expensive.

And it didn’t take long to find our ideal setup. For two whole nights at least.

The place we chose to stay at is the Promised Land Lodge , located on the very southern tip of Zanzibar. Beautiful setting on the wild coast, large jungle bungalows on a cliff overlooking the shining water, great local food, hammocks, a beach bar, a nice swimming pool and the village of Kizimkazi only 20 minutes walk away.

For $50 per night, with breakfast included, we were truly giddy over this gem of a find.

So, after two nights there, we packed up and left.

This is the downside of working online. The location of this lodge proved to be one of the last spots on Zanzibar without 3G internet coverage, so our SIM cards and data packages were useless. The internet provided at the lodge, as expected, didn’t work too well either. As a result, it was quite difficult for us to get our work done and we had no choice but to leave.

Off we went, quite bummed, in search of another option.

You can then imagine our surprise when, amazingly, with very little research and a lot of luck, we found another accommodation setup that rivaled, or at least matched, what Promised Land had offered.

Suddenly, our trip to Zanzibar took us to the village of Jambiani, on the southeast coast, where we happily threw down our bags at the welcoming and idyllic Mango Beach House .

We stayed here for eleven nights. And it was absolutely perfect.

Here’s how our stay went down…

If you’re looking for a quiet white sand beach with a laid-back vibe, local village life, perfect sunrises, warm ocean water, a good scattering of places to eat and that feeling of being in paradise, Jambiani is the place to go. I’ll admit that we didn’t really explore too many other parts of Zanzibar but once we found this ideal corner, we were more than happy to stay put.

What a crazy, beautiful beach! I have never, in all my travels, seen the ocean act as weirdly as it did in Zanzibar. In Jambiani at least, the tide would be one kilometer out when low and then, in what seemed like a remarkably fast period of time, the tide would suddenly be high, very high, covering almost all of the beach. And the colors changed all day long, with such an impressive array of blues and greens sparkling away. It was strange, mesmerizing and spectacular all at the same time.

When the tide was high, this beach was great for swimming. The only downside, at least in March, is that the water temperature was basically ‘hot’.

Go swimming in the morning though, before 9am, and in the evening, around 6pm, and it will be cooler at those times, offering a refreshing way to start and end your day!

Accommodation

There are probably 20 or so accommodation options to choose from along the three kilometers of Jambiani beachfront, ranging from inexpensive, basic rooms in a simple house (around $25 USD per night) to nicer guesthouses with tropical settings and more comfortable rooms (around $50 – $60 per night) and all the way up to fancier bungalows and hotels for $90 – $200 USD per night.

We must have checked out 15 of these places in our search for accommodation. In the end, though, as soon as we stepped through the gate of the Mango Beach House , we knew it was the place for us.

The local owner, Kiddo, was super kind, the rooms were spacious, colorful, airy, well-decorated and with a clear view of the ocean, the grounds were filled with palm trees and flowers, there were swinging beds, lounge chairs and raised platforms to hang out on and there was a cozy open-air cafe and restaurant.

Here’s a quick video tour I created:

The place was spotless, the entire team of four staff were extremely helpful and there were only four rooms, making it feel almost like a private retreat.

At around $50 USD per night (for 2 people), with breakfast included and a common kitchen to use, it was by far the best deal that we found in Jambiani. If I ever take another trip to Zanzibar, this is exactly where I would stay again.

At the Mango Beach House, like at most small accommodation on Zanzibar, if you let the staff know ahead of time that you want dinner, the in-house chef will cook you up some dishes. From fresh seafood to vegetable curries to grilled chicken, salads and more, for about $8 USD per person, we had an excellent evening feast several times.

On other nights, and for most lunches, we would venture out into the village or along the beach where we found:

Local restaurants ($5 – $7 USD per person) – Stone Culture was our favorite, right next to Mango Beach Guesthouse…we came here 4 or 5 times for inexpensive, tasty local dishes cooked by the friendly owner/chef

– Pishi Restaurant in the center of the village was another decent, cheap option

Other hotel restaurants ($7 – $10 per person) – The food at the Mamamapambo Boutique Hotel was wonderful, and great value, especially for lunch…try the masala iced tea and you’ll end up coming back every day (located next door to Mango Beach Guesthouse)

Western food ($5 – $10 per person) – Bahari Pizza is an Italian owned place with a perfect spot on the beach, great pizzas, excellent service and plenty of other quality dishes

– Mr. Kahawa in Paje (the next village up the beach, about 5 kms from Jambiani) serves fresh and delicious sandwiches, salads, wraps, fruit juices, coffees and pastries in a funky, minimalist beach cafe setting

Those are all the places where we ate. Not a ton of options, but definitely enough for a two week stay!

The Village

Jambiani is small and quiet, with about 1500 people spread out along a three kilometer stretch of beach. It’s a collection of sandy ‘roads’ and narrow sandy paths that weave between very simple homes and huts, some small shops and fruit stands and several mosques. The people are generally friendly, especially the younger generation who seem to have had more contact with foreigners. The locals working in the guesthouses and restaurants are really friendly and you can easily have a conversation with any of them. They are more than happy to discuss local life and answer any questions.

The village, like most of Zanzibar, is conservative and all local females have their arms and legs covered while outside. Most females, including young girls, also have their hair covered. Nobody seemed to mind travelers wearing more western clothing but you’ll definitely stand out and receive plenty of stares if you don’t dress somewhat conservatively while walking around the village. You don’t need to put on pants and a long sleeve shirt but wrapping a sarong around yourself while in the village seemed to be the method of choice.

On the beach itself, things were more relaxed and swimsuits were much more acceptable. Nobody appeared to mind beach clothing being worn at the beach.

We would go for a walk through the village once or twice per day more or less, usually to pop into a small store to buy water, snacks or bananas and to grab a local dinner. There isn’t much to do in the village apart from that but interacting with the kids, shopkeepers and others in the streets was always good fun while out and about.

Nearby Activities

Paje – The next village up the beach, here you’ll find a wider stretch of white sand, a smaller village, a lot of kitesurfing schools and a lot more foreigners. We preferred Jambiani but I did enjoy the 1 hour walk along the beach up to Paje every now and then for a change of scenery. You can also take a taxi for around 10000 TSH ($3 USD).

Jozani Forest – About 15 minutes by car away from Jambiani, this forest/national park is one of the last places in the world where you can encounter the red colobus monkeys.

You can always rent a car for around $30 USD per day to drive to other parts of the island. There are plenty of more beaches and villages out there than Jambiani so a couple of day trips would be a great option for those looking to explore during their trip to Zanzibar. Other popular areas are Nungwi (way up on the northern tip of Zanzibar), Matemwe (northeast coast), Pongwe (east coast) and Bweeju (about 11 kilometers north of Jambiani).

Additional Details

Internet – If you need internet like we do (to work every day!), the connections offered at most accommodation will be very poor at best. However, if you buy a SIM card in Zanzibar City (the capital and main entry point of Zanzibar), you can get solid 3G connection if you’re staying in an actual village on the island, such as Jambiani. We found Airtel offered the most reliable service on the island and was quite inexpensive (3 GB for around $8 USD).

Taxi costs – Getting from Zanzibar City/Stone Town to Jambiani or Kizimkazi or pretty much any of the main beach areas on the north, east or southern coast should cost between $25 – $40 USD. A taxi from the airport to the center of Stone Town should cost around $8 – $12 USD. There are also local trucks/vans that have set routes around the island. Often very crowded and much slower than a taxi, they are indeed cheap, allowing you to travel a good distance for just a dollar or two. If you do plan to visit many parts of the island during your trip to Zanzibar, you might want to look at renting a car instead of using taxis as it will save you a good amount of money.

Tours and activities – If you’re looking to be more active than just sitting on the beach, there’s a long list of possible activities on Zanzibar, including snorkeling, scuba diving , surfing, kitesurfing, dolphin trips, fishing, visiting outer islands, spice tours and more. Plenty of people will approach you on the beaches offering such tours. Keep in mind that these people are just middlemen and usually not connected in any way to the company that actually offers the activity. It’s worth talking to the staff at your hotel or guesthouse as they should have direct contacts with reliable tour operators, boatmen, drivers, etc and it avoids huge markups. It’s also perfectly acceptable to negotiate the price for any tour/activity.

Money – The main currency is the Tanzanian shilling but many prices are quoted in USD or Euros as well. Keep in mind that the only ATMs on the island are in Zanzibar City/Stone Town so it’s best to take out local currency there before you head off to your beach location. Otherwise, you’ll need to travel 45+ minutes back to Zanzibar City every time you need money and that can cost $60 USD roundtrip by taxi. Money exchange options are also limited on the beaches (Jambiani didn’t have any!) so if you don’t have enough local currency, you’ll have to pay in USD or Euros. Some restaurants and accommodation will accept visa credit cards but do add on a 3%-5% bank fee.

Stone Town – We also stayed in Stone Town, which is the old section of Zanzibar City, the capital of Zanzibar. And it’s definitely worth visiting. We spent one night there when we first arrived on Zanzibar and two nights at the end. You can spend an entire day getting lost in the winding maze of lanes, eating lunch at the excellent Lukmaan Restaurant , visiting the educational former slave market, spending time inside the House of Wonders (aka the best worst museum in the world ), wandering through the colorful main market and enjoying a refreshing drink on the beach at sunset. It’s a cool place to hang out for a couple of days.

In Stone Town we stayed at the incredibly friendly and comfortable Zenji Hotel and at the more centrally-located Tausi Palace . Both were excellent budget options and I’d simply choose whichever one has the best rate on any particular dates.

Overall Costs of a Trip to Zanzibar

On a tight budget, your trip to Zanzibar could cost you as little as $25 USD per day if you stay in a hostel or simple room/hut and eat at the most local of restaurants and food stalls.

For $50 USD per day, you can stay in a quality beachfront guesthouse or beach hut (such as Mango Beach House, when split between two people) and throw in an extra activity/excursion every few days.

At $70 USD per day, along with your beachfront room, you could also eat some more expensive meals/dishes and hire a car to really explore the island.

Zanzibar is one of those destinations that can fit into any budget!

Getting There

Getting to Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania is quite easy. There are several ferries per day to/from Dar es Salaam with the company Azam Marine . The journey takes around 2 hours and costs approximately $35 USD per person.

Before you book the ferry though, be sure to check out Precision Air , one of Tanzania’s local airlines. They offer Zanzibar – Dar es Salaam flights for as low as $40 USD per person. That’s what we paid for the 15 minute flight and it came with gorgeous views of the island and the Tanzanian capital en route!

Any questions about Zanzibar? Any additional advice from those who have already been to this island?

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86 Comments

Good day me and my boyfriend want to visit zanzibar we are a gay couple where will be the best place to book an 2week stay

Hey Adriaan – I only know the place where we stayed, which was awesome. I’m not too sure about all the other options on the island unfortunately.

Hey – I just found your information via the Every Passport Stamp presentation you just did. Lots of good info. Will be subscribing to your newsletter.

Question – it looks like you count Zanzibar as one of the countries you travelled to. Is it listed as an actually country? I’m not being nit picky – I’m just at the 98 country mark and am wondering to count it on my list o’ countries. I always just thought it was part of Tanzania. Thanks!

Hey Michelle – Thanks for signing up and I appreciate you watching the Q&A! As for your question, I’m honestly not trying to be too particular with my count. I generally talk about countries, territories, semi-autonomous regions and so on as separate entities but only because it seems clearer to do so. As for my actual count though, it’s only countries and fully autonomous regions that I include.

I travelled around Zanzibar a couple of years ago by hiring a scooter. Very cheap and lots of fun! But also pretty dangerous – the traffic is pretty crazy in Stone Town, and on the highways there are lots of trucks, surprise speedbumps and police roadblocks. Also it’s worth noting that the scooters may have one of two mechanical issues 🙂 We stayed at Paje after a day of riding, it made it absolutely worth it!

Not sure whether to stay Zanibar Town side of the island or the East side. Im there solo for 6 nights later this year but looking to book accom now as it is filling up fast. If you stay on the west side, is it easier access to amenities like food, ATMs, tours etc? If you stay East side, are you basically stuck to your own hotel other than when you walk along the beach and pretty much just have to hang by the pool and do nothing?? I intend to do a fair bit of that, but also still want to do a fair few activities like scuba, snorkel etc so whcih has better access to these?? Dont really want to be travelling in a $60USD cab each day to go do something.

Hey Tim – The difference is that on the west side, you’re in a small city. On the east side, you’re on the coast with a more beach/village atmosphere. You can rent a car over there, take day trips and there’s plenty of stuff to do if you stay on the east side. But overall, Zanzibar isn’t exactly a destination with a ton of activities. It’s more of a place to chill. If you want to scuba and snorkel, you should stay on the east side where the nicer beaches are located and there is more access to such activities. Stone Town is a good place to see, either on a day trip from the east side of perhaps spending 2 nights there and 4 nights somewhere else.

Hey. We are looking to go next week to Zanzibar. We really wanted to do some sort of a safari but we are on a budget. Do you have any recommendations of closer ones to Zanzibar? Also what would the weather be like now end of February time. Thanks!

Hey Farah – Since Zanzibar is an island, you won’t be very close to places that offer a safari. You would need to fly somewhere and to be honest, if you’re going to be in that region, you might as well go to the Serengeti for the safari as that is one of the best you can experience anywhere!

Hi, My husband and I are going on a Safari in Kenya and then flying to the Ocean Paradis Resort, Kijangwani, Zanzibar to extend our holiday. We have a choice of different board options and normally we would just go for the basic breakfast option but I have heard food and drink is quite expensive and that it isn’t that safe to go out at night. I am hoping that this is just scare mongering and that to go out and find restaurants at night would in fact not only be a great way to experience the culture but also to feel part of the local community. What are your thoughts? Thanks

Hey Janet – To be honest, I’m not too sure. Where we stayed was a small village in Zanzibar and so there really wasn’t much to do at night. We did walk along the beach to a restaurant a couple of times at night without any issues but there wasn’t much going on in this village. The restaurants in the village were great and not expensive at all, but I don’t know too much about the more touristy areas of Zanzibar. I’m sure in those areas the restaurant prices will be more expensive (usually happens around resorts where they know people are paying a lot of money per night) but I’m not sure about safety in those areas.

Derek, your article is so so perfect. We are spending 15 days with my wife in zanzibar on May 2021, just relaxing, and swimming on the white sand turquoise water, which beach or island u think has the best view, and its the best beach for you?. Also how far away is each beach from each other

Hey Juan – The island is full of beaches but it can take a couple of hours to get from one end to the other. The north part of the island is the more tourist part with resorts and bigger hotels and the south / southeast corner of the island is more relaxed and quiet. So I would choose based on the kind of experience you want. I personally like the southeast corner away from the crowds.

Awesome blog! I am looking to travel end of May into June for about 2 weeks. I haven’t decided weather to go North than south around the island or South around to North… Any suggestion is appreciated. Also what items are a must to take. Thank you!

Hey Yvie – Either one works. I wouldn’t spend too much time thinking about it as the island isn’t that big. South to north or north to south are both doable and should be great experiences! There really isn’t any reason why I would choose one over the other.

Great post! I have just came back from Zanzibar, I have stayed at Clove Island and I can say for sure that this was my best travel experience so far!

Hey Derek! Just came upon your article and now I’m even more confused 🙂 I’ve been tossing up which area to stay – Nungwi or something a little more “local” like where you stayed. The reason I’m still deciding is because I’ll be a solo female traveller. I’ll just have spent a month in East Africa by myself on a pretty full itinerary, so I know I’ll be ready for down time (and Mango Beach looks perfect for that!) but I’m also not sure about whether a beach like where you stayed is ok for a solo female traveller? Hope you are well – not sure if you remember but we met at TravelCon in Austin a few years ago (I was sitting at your table in the lobby bar the day before the conference started), was great to meet you after all these years of following your blog!

Hey Rebecca – Very nice to hear from you and yes, I do remember meeting you in Austin! As for your question, that’s a tough one. On one hand, Mango Beach is such an awesome place but on the other hand, it is a little isolated and might not be the best time for someone who’s looking to do more than just chill out by the beach. Being a solo female traveler wouldn’t be a problem as the people are very nice and there are other guesthouses and hotels around, on the same beach. It’s just much quieter overall than the more touristy parts of the island. Definitely a tough call! If you want more activity and to be around a bigger group of other travelers, another area might be best. If you’re looking for peace and quiet and a cool local, chill experience, Mango is the way to go!

Appreciate it, thanks Derek! I’ll have to see how I’m going after a few weeks travelling… I think by then I’ll probably be very ready to do absolutely nada, so Mango sounds perfect for that!! 🙂

Your Article is amazing. We would like to go to Zanzibar for our Honeymoon in November. How is the weather in November?

Thank you so muchh 🙂

Joanna and Alexis

Hey Joanna – It’s a decent time to go there but you can expect heavy rain for short periods during the day.

Hello Derek! Is there any vaccination required in order to get into a boat to Zanzibar? Thanks in advance!

Hey Olga – Nothing is required so it’s a personal decision. But there is a high risk of malaria and it’s always good to have your general Hepatitis vaccinations for any country.

Jambo Derek!;) Very informative article, thanks a lot! I’m arriving in Zanzibar next month. I will be staying in Makunduchi (Clove Island – cloveisland.com) and although the place itself is really awesome, I’m hungry for seeing new spots and doing a lot of different things. Your article inspires me!:) Thanks once again! Can’t wait 🙂

Hey Doris – Enjoy!! I’m sure you’ll love it over there!!

Hi there. I am going to Zanzibar in September and flying from the uk so I won’t go into any yellow fever risk countries. Will I still need a certificate?

Hey Harry – If you’re coming from the UK, you won’t need to show proof of a certificate.

Hi there, Thanks for the great informative post :-)Are scooter/motor bikes freely available for rental in Zanzibar in stead of a car? How much would a rental cost per day? Thanks so much.

There were scooter rentals available but I’m not sure how much it would cost per day. The island is quite large and the roads not that great, so I don’t think a scooter would be too comfortable for exploring. It would take a long, long time to get around. But there are definitely places to rent them, at least in the bigger tourist areas.

So we are flying to and from Zanzibar but have 3 weeks to play with during which we want to safari in Tanzania. What do you recommend!? Thanks Sara

Hey Sara – Well, that’s plenty of time of course but keep in mind that the safari areas of Tanzania are quite a distance from Zanzibar. You’ll most likely want to fly from Zanzibar to Arusha and then start your safari experiences from there.

we going to Jambiani in November. where we can hire a car? airport? we planning to be quite active so car would help us out a lot. and travelling between airport 4x as going to safari too in Tanzania can save us a lot. thank you Judit

Hey Judit – Just do a quick search on any car rental booking site and you’ll see your options. It’s probably best to rent a car from the airport or from Stone Town.

You can get a little suzuki or toyota 4 seater for $25 dollars a day from here https://www.ztrans.co.tz/cars.php . They are technically 4×4, but are not suitable for extreme terrain… will be fine for just cruising around Zanzibar though 🙂 You also need to get a permit to drive on Zanzibar (these cost $10) and watch out for corrupt traffic police – they are always after bribes, especially from tourists. An alternative to hiring a car is using the shuttle bus run by http://www.thezanzibus.com – these are door-to-door transfers and cost $10 per person to go to/from anywhere on the island. The shuttles are a good budget option, although if there are more than four of you it will be about the same price to book your own taxi. By the way, November is low season so try to negotiate a discount with your hotel!

hi there – just wondering if you could advise me re going with family (6) in December 2019 and if I really need to book in advance or would it likely be that I could just wander around and find something reasonable, I am much keener to follow my nose than book something in advance and be stuck with it, however don not want to get here and find no room at the inn ! many thanks for your time – Luke

Hey Luke – That depends on what kind of accommodation you’re looking for. If you have 6 people and need 3 rooms or so, it can be a little risky as places can easily fill up. December is one of the high tourist seasons. I would recommend booking in advance. You could probably find something if you didn’t but it will take much longer and you might only have a couple of options left.

Hi This is a great post. thanks for sharing ! We are looking to go somewhere a bit different with our 3 children 2, 7 and 9 years. would you say this was a good place to stay and is there anything we should consider. Sorry if this has been asked already. thanks lisa

Hey Lisa – It’s a great place if you’re looking for something laid back. You could easily book their family room or two of their regular rooms and you’d have plenty of space, right on the beach at a great price. There aren’t many amenities as it’s not a proper resort or anything like that but the staff are wonderful, the breakfast is great and if you want a relaxed experience, you’ll definitely have that here.

Hi Derek! Thank you very much for all the info and advice. I will be staying in Jambiani and I wonder if I can rent a car from there. I understand one can contact the car rental in Stone Town to deliver the car to Jambiani, but do you know if one can directly rent it from Jambiani village? I will be staying at the Mango Beach House. Thanks for your time in advance 🙂

Hey Marcela – There are no car rental companies in Jamibiani but if you ask Kiddo, the owner of the Mango Beach House, he will help you out I’m sure. Please tell him I say hello!

Hi Derek, all the information that you provided here are very helpful! Me and my fiance are planning to go there from 1st of May (for 10 days), but we are not sure about the weather conditions at that time. What is you suggestions for visiting Zanzibar on early May?!

Hey Bessy – May is a good time. There can be some rain though so that should be expected. But overall, if you don’t mind some rain, the temperatures are quite warm and the water should be quite warm too.

Hi Derek I am going for a week only. I already found a guesthouse but I was wondering what budget should I bring along. I wanted to visit 3-4days out of 7 and go to market to buy some local gifts. What budget would you advice me to take? I will be on my own. Thank you.

Hey Fatim – That is hard to say as it really depends on what you want to buy in the markets and also on how you will get around the island. Buses will cost much less than taxi for example. But for normal things – meals, water, general things you need to buy – I would say that $25 – $35 USD per day would work. This would be for good, simple meals. It does not include accommodation or transportation.

Be extremely cautious with nightlife as there is a lot of scam going on. I would not recommend you go out of the disco with the local girl as they might rob you. We met a guy who was robbed. Try to go with somebody you know as a suport. I does not mean it will happen to you, just be carreful. Good trip to you! Zanzibar and Tanzania are so exotic and beautiful!

Nice and helpful post Derek!

How about nightlife in Zanzibar? Are there some bars/clubs options and is it safe?

Hey Mario – Where we were there wasn’t any nightlife as it was a quiet village on a nice stretch of beach. There are a couple of areas up north where there are bigger tourist hotels grouped together and I’m sure there’s some options there. However, keep in mind that the main religion on the island is Islam and it’s very difficult to find alcohol in general as a result.

Hi Derek, I am going for 8 nights to Tanzania from Zambia. Wanted to spend 3 nights in Zanzibar and 3 nights doing game viewing. Would you suggest tours and a budget for a basic trip…no frills but clean comfortable time. Thanks Snigs

You’ll have to do some research for that. I simply visited Zanzibar for 2 weeks. But for a game drive, you can organize that out of Arusha and you don’t need a tour for Zanzibar. You can easily do that on your own.

HI Derek, What about mosquitos on zanzibar island? My girlfriend and me eventually stay in an Airbnb but we are not sure about getting bitten and so on.. What’s your experience due to Maleria/mosquitos =)

Honestly, I don’t remember many mosquitos. When there are mosquitos in a destination, we simply spray in the evenings and that’s about it. I don’t take malaria pills as I don’t like the side effects. It really comes down to covering yourself and spraying when the mosquitos are out and about!

Hi Derek Just making a little detour on the way home to SA – and stopping in Zanzibar for two weeks. Just wanted to thank you for all the great info. Just the sort of information, I was looking for !! 🙂 Many thanks again Regards Craig

Hey! Did you stay in Dar at all? If so, do you have any suggestions for places to stay?

Hey Sue – We just spent one night at a guesthouse near the Dar es Salaam airport before our flight out the next day. I don’t even remember the name as it was a simple place that had good reviews, about 1 mile from the airport.

Hi, does anyone know of spots where you can snorkel straight off the beach, rather than taking a boat trip?

Thanks for this, such an informative post.

We traveled to Zanzibar three years ago when living in Arusha and had a lovely time.

Is Uber available and did you have any issues driving on the roads? I know on Tanzania mainland Uber has a strong presence.

Thanks again,

Hey Nic – I don’t know if Uber is available. I don’t think so. Most people we met just hired a car or you can easily negotiate with locals you meet to take you places. The distances are quite large between towns/beaches/etc. But there were no issues driving on the roads. They were in pretty good condition.

good to read such blogs about affordable and safe options to visit Zanzibar. Last night we stumbled upon blogs and comments that only mentioned how expensive and how unsafe Tanzania in general is.

Let’s hope we can squeeze Tanzania in our budget 🙂 BTWm is it safe to drive on Zanzibar roads?

Hey Enzo – It’s quite safe to drive over there. Most of the roads are pretty good, paved and there’s not a lot of traffic outside of Stone Town. Enjoy it if you go!

Hi Derek, First of all, thank you so much for useful info’s and tips particularly on cost saving. I’m intrested in visiting Ngorongoro crater, tanzania. Need your opinion / rating art ngorongoro compared to masai marra? is it possible to big 5’s in ngorongoro? planning to visit with 7 yrs old daughter. is it safe to take my daughter? thanks in advance. Ravikumar.

It’s safe for sure, but it’s recommended to join a group or at least hire a driver to organize the trip for you. I personally prefer Masai Mara…I love that place as it is generally much less crowded than Ngorongoro. But yes, you do have a chance to see the Big 5 in both parks.

Hey! Great post. I booked tickets to Zanzibar from 24th of March and didn’t realize it was rainy season at that time. Do you think I will be strongly affected by the rain or do you still think Zanzibar will we be worth visiting? Thank you!

Hey Victoria – You should be fine. It can rain in the morning and evenings usually, but it shouldn’t rain all day. So you’ll probably face some wet weather but you should still have much of the day to enjoy. Of course, it’s difficult to actually predict but that’s the general idea.

could still be amaizing!!! mostly 9 hours of sunshine and about 6 rainy days in march..will be fun and worth visiting..Enjoy!!

Looks AMAZING! Thinking of heading to Zanzibar for a “working” holiday and just had an internet question. Did you tether the internet to your computer from the sim card? Or did you only use the internet on your phone for working? Do you remember if the wifi provided at Mango Beach House was decent?

Hey Vicky – Yes, we just tethered from our local SIM cards. The wifi at Mango Beach House was okay at best, which was pretty much how it is all over the island. We didn’t find any place that had fully reliable internet unfortunately. It’s best to get SIM cards from a couple of the networks that operate on the island so that you’ll be connected wherever you are.

Nice post! I went there in February. It was my first solo trip 🙂 I really enjoyed my stay there and felt safe the whole time (I’m a woman). I stayed in Stone town and did day tours to explore the Island. + 1 for Luukman restaurant! I mostly ate there and at fodorhani garden.

Hello Ayana Did you use a tour company? If yes what’s the name please? I am travelling solo in a couple of weeks and I am a bit apprehensive.

Great article; full of good and useful info. I am traveling to Kenya then on to Zanzibar in a few weeks. After researching, I am still confused about needing a visa for each country. Tanzania’s official website writes about a transit Visa, do you have any advice? Thanks!

It depends on your nationality but most countries do need a visa to travel to these destinations. But you can usually get the visa on arrival at the airport (for most nationalities).

Zanzibar sounds great! This is 2. or 3rd time i am reading this post and i know that i will definetely go there some day 🙂 Thank you for informing us about such great places Earl! I have been following you and learning a lot from your posts about 5 years now and you have been truly inspiring to me 😉 Go Earl, we will follow you!

Thanks for the comment! Looking forward to hearing about your travels to Zanzibar once you do make it there!

Great post Derek. I was in Zanzibar in January. Travelled by road from Kenya, stayed in Moshi for two nights then proceeded to Dar es Salaam to cross to Zanzibar by ferry. I only toured Stone Town though. I hope to go back soon to explore the East coast.

Fabulous place to stay for a week or two. Beach is looking just perfect. I am planning to take a break and relax at some place like this. Thanks for the details and recommendations 🙂

Just returned from Kenya and Tanzania….loved the latter in particular.

I have a friend who’s a small, Tanzanian-based tour operator; I live in Melbourne, Australia. He’s keen to grow his business and, given you’re probably a bit of an East Africa expert by now, I thought you might be about to give me/us some suggestions on how to do this, and also your thoughts on joint ventures/partnerships with Western-based companies.

Hey Rosemary – If you want to send me an email through my Contact link at the top of my blog, I’ll be happy to answer any questions and offer some suggestions!

Perfect timing… I’m going in three weeks! Was it easy to book things as you went along? We’ve booked three nights in stone town but that’s it so far.

You should be fine. We just walked up and down the beach in Jambiani, checked out each place and went with the one that was best for us. It’s also low season now…actually, many places close for the months April and May (restaurants, beach huts, etc.). So there might be fewer options but also fewer people, so you should be able to find something by just showing up!

Did you get a chance to visit Freddy Mercury’s childhood home while you were in Zanzibar? 🙂

Lukmaan! I love that place. And Zanzibar in general. I also stayed near Jambiani and mostly just went from the ocean…to lunch…to the pool…back to the ocean…to dinner… It was so relaxing. Good memories :).

Is it only nice for couples or are there more solo travellers? What about safety for women?

Hey Martha – There was definitely a mix of travelers, both couples and solo. In the village of Paje, there were more foreigners overall, so more solo travelers there too. As for safety, everyone we spoke with said the same thing – the island is very safe if you use the same common sense you would use pretty much anywhere. It’s best not to walk alone at night but apart from that, during the day, all was good. We didn’t hear of any problems or meet anyone who had any safety issues during their stay.

I stayed at Zenji when I was there about 2 years ago. I loved the hotel and its location! One of my favorite things to do was go to Fordhani Gardens in the evening, grab a few kabobs and a cup of sugar cane juice, and sit and smoke hookah while people watching. It was pretty incredible. Zanzibar remains one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to.

And, my boyfriend and I are already making honeymoon plans to visit more of that area. We’re thinking Madagascar, but I can’t wait to read your Seychelles article to see if it makes sense for us to go there as well.

So happy to have read this, Earl! I wanted to go to Zanzibar before (and actually looked at the options of having a wedding there) but then shied away. At Jambiani, were there often many people on the beach selling stuff? I mean those who don’t take no for an answer? From your photos it seems like a more secluded spot further from the resorts. Thank you!

Hey Veronika – There were a handful of people that would appear every now and then selling stuff but they left if we said ‘no’ once. I didn’t come across anyone who wouldn’t take no for an answer. It is a very laid-back beach/village and even the beach sellers were extremely relaxed and friendly.

That’s great to hear, thank you Earl 🙂

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A budget guide to Zanzibar

Good news if you want to experience the white sand palm-fringed beaches and azure waters of Zanzibar   without a hefty price tag – the East African island destination is perfect for travellers on a budget.

Here’s our budget guide to Zanzibar to inspire you to plan that perfect island holiday!

How to travel to Zanzibar on a budget

Zanzibar, which lies just less than 60 kilometres off the coast from mainland Tanzania, in the Indian Ocean is made up of an archipelago of two large islands, Unguja (normally referred to as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba, as well as several smaller islands. There are direct international flights to Zanzibar Island, but you can also get to the island from Dar es Salaam by inexpensive ferry.

The most budget-friendly way to get around Zanzibar is on a dala-dala – a shared minibus taxi.

Zanzibar also has great budget eating options, if you’re happy to eat the local food. The best budget eats are street food – try chapatis (flat breads), barbecued fish and seafood and urojo – a mango and ginger soup served with kachori (spicy mashed potato balls).

Budget accommodation in Zanzibar

While Zanzibar has many expensive luxury lodges, it is also blessed with loads of budget-friendly accommodation options. There are some fantastic backpackers on the island with private rooms that start at $15 per person, such as Mustapha’s Place (which is just steps away from beautiful Bwejuu Beach), Dudes Guesthouse on Jambiani Beach and Sagando Hostel on the east coast.

Zanzibar packages and budget safaris

We have a range of budget packages and safaris to Zanzibar that include accommodation, transport and meals. The packages also include some of Tanzania’s other attractions, such as the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Here are some of our most popular tours:

10 day Highlights of Tanzania

10 day East Africa (Dar es Salaam to Nairobi)

11 day Victoria Falls to Dar es Salaam

Budget activities in Zanzibar

If you’re happy to spend all your time on Zanzibar lazing in perfect beaches and swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, then you won’t be spending any money at all! Beaching and swimming are the two most budget friendly activities in Zanzibar. Nungwi, Kendwa and Pongwe are three of the most popular stretches of sand.

You could easily spend a day in Stone Town and not spend much money: explore the town’s narrow streets, browse the local markets and be sure to take a stroll through Forodhani Gardens in the evening when food sellers cook up delicious local meals. The Old Fort and the slave market are also worth visiting if you want to find out more about Stone Town’s centuries-long history.

There are tons of other fun things to do in Zanzibar that won’t break the bank. While diving is more expensive, snorkeling trips are affordable and not to be missed – you’ll get to see some of the hundreds of species of fish recorded here, or if you’re lucky, turtles, dolphins and whale sharks. Then there’s kite surfing and surfing on the south east coast. Get a ride on a dhow (a traditional sailing boat) to sail around the island and stop off for swims. Rent a bicycle for the day and explore the island’s villages and beaches by bike, or take a cooking class to learn how to make island specialties.

When to go to Zanzibar

June to October is the cool dry season, which is the best time to visit Zanzibar. December to February is the other dry season period, but during these months it’s much hotter. Avoid travelling to Zanzibar in the rainy seasons – mid-March to May and November.

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Zanzibar on a Budget – It’s Easy

• Destinations
• Zanzibar on a Budget –…

Pack your bags, and let’s embark on an unforgettable adventure to Zanzibar on a budget.

For many travelers, a trip to Zanzibar seems like a distant dream. With its idyllic beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture, Zanzibar has long been associated with luxury and exclusivity. Celebrities like Gabrielle Union, Dwayne Wade, the Bahatis, etc., have flocked to this paradise, leaving conscious wanderers wondering if they can ever experience its magic.

But the truth is that exploring this tropical paradise on a budget is easier than you might think. Whether you’re a backpacker, a budget-conscious adventurer, or someone who wants to experience Zanzibar without breaking the bank, there are plenty of ways to make your dream trip a reality.

Our ultimate guide to Zanzibar on a budget will unveil the secrets to unlocking the affordable side of Zanzibar, from finding budget accommodations and dining options to discovering off-the-beaten-path attractions and engaging in low-cost activities.

Get ready to dive into the turquoise waters, stroll through charming Stone Town, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, all while keeping your wallet happy.

Read more travel guides

Travel essentials for your trip 15 romantic things to do on a vacation Best African Safari Parks and Destinations How to Book An Affordable African Safari

Table of Contents

Visiting Zanzibar

Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa, is a captivating destination known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. Here’s a little background on Zanzibar and why it has become a top tourist destination:

• Stone Town:  The historic heart of Zanzibar City, Stone Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its labyrinthine streets are lined with ancient buildings, bustling markets, and impressive architecture influenced by Arab, Persian, Indian, and European cultures.
• Spice Plantations : Zanzibar’s nickname, the “Spice Island,” is well-deserved. Explore the fragrant spice plantations and learn about the history and cultivation of spices like cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
• Beaches : Zanzibar boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in the world. From the powdery white sands and turquoise waters of Nungwi and Kendwa to the secluded shores of Paje and Jambiani, you’ll find a beach to suit your taste.
• Mnemba Atoll : This coral atoll, located off the northeastern coast of Zanzibar, is a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers. Swim among colorful coral reefs and encounter a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and tropical fish.
• Prison Island : Just a short boat ride from Stone Town, Prison Island (also known as Changuu Island) offers a fascinating historical site and a chance to spot giant Aldabra tortoises that roam freely on the island.
• Jozani Forest : This protected area is home to the rare Red Colobus monkeys, found only in Zanzibar. Take a guided tour through the forest and witness these playful creatures in their natural habitat.
• Cultural Experiences:  Zanzibar’s cultural heritage blends African, Arab, and European influences. Visit local villages, attend cultural performances, and immerse yourself in Swahili traditions, music, and cuisine.
• Forodhani Gardens:  Located on the seafront in Stone Town, Forodhani Gardens come alive in the evenings with a vibrant night market—sample local street food, including Zanzibar’s famous seafood delicacies.
• Chumbe Island Coral Park : This marine protected area offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities, with pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life. It also features a stunning eco-lodge that offers a unique and sustainable stay.
• Historical Sites : Zanzibar has a rich history as a hub for trade and exploration. Visit the Old Fort, House of Wonders, Sultan’s Palace, and the Hamamni Persian Baths to explore the island’s fascinating past.

Don’t cancel a trip to Zanzibar if you’re traveling on a budget – plan and use our tips and recommendations to make a memorable vacation.

Zanzibar on a budget zuri zanzibar via dpa

Is it Possible to Visit Zanzibar on a Budget?

It is possible to visit Zanzibar on a budget. While Zanzibar may have a reputation for luxury and exclusivity, there are several ways to make your trip affordable without compromising the experience.

Zanzibar on a Budget

We have 10 ultimate travel tips for enjoying Zanzibar on a budget. But before we discuss them, here is a quick highlight on how to travel on a budget of KES. 38,000 to Zanzibar for five days:  

Zanzibar Budget Travel Tips

You can visit Zanzibar on a budget. While Zanzibar may have a reputation for luxury and exclusivity, there are several ways to make your trip affordable without compromising the experience. Here are some tips to help you visit Zanzibar on a budget:

Travel During the Low Season

Consider visiting Zanzibar during the off-peak season that falls between March and May, and November. Accommodations and flights are generally lower during off-peak season as tourists seek other warmer destinations.

Opt for Budget Accommodations

Look for guesthouses, hostels, Airbnbs, or budget-friendly hotels in areas like Nungwi, Old Town, Kendwa, or Paje. These options often provide comfortable stays at more affordable prices compared to high-end resorts.

Explore Local Cuisine

Sample the delicious and inexpensive street food available in Zanzibar. From local snacks like Zanzibar pizza and samosas to fresh seafood dishes and Swahili cuisine, you can enjoy the flavors of Zanzibar without breaking the bank.

Bargain and Negotiate

Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices, especially when shopping in markets or for transportation. Bargaining is common in Zanzibar, so try your hand at getting the best deals.

Take Advantage of Free or Low-Cost Activities

Zanzibar offers plenty of attractions and activities that won’t cost you a fortune. Explore Stone Town on foot, visit the public beaches, enjoy sunsets, and participate in cultural experiences like attending local music and dance performances.

Utilize Public Transportation

Instead of relying solely on taxis or private transfers, use public transportation options like dala-dalas (local minibusses) to get around the island. They are a more affordable mode of transportation.

Plan your Own Excursions

Instead of booking expensive guided tours, research and plan your own excursions. This way, you can visit attractions at your own pace and save money on tour costs.

Choose Wisely Between Water Sports and Activities

While Zanzibar offers an array of water sports and activities like diving, snorkeling, and boat tours, carefully select the ones that fit your budget. Look for budget-friendly options or consider group bookings to share costs.

Documents Needed to Travel to Tanzania and Zanzibar

You’ll need some documents to travel to Zanzibar and Tanzania. Here’s a breakdown of the required documents:

• Visa:  If you are an East African citizen, you do not need a visa to travel to Tanzania or Zanzibar. However, you may require a visa if you are from another country. It’s recommended to check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality and duration of stay.
• Passport:  A valid passport is essential for entry into Tanzania and Zanzibar. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date. You can get a temporary passport online if you don’t have one. Go to  ecitizen.co.ke  and log in or sign up if you don’t have an existing account. You’ll need your ID, two passport-sized photos, and a fee of KES. 250. The process is quick, and you get your passport immediately
• COVID-19 Certificate : You also need a COVID-19 certificate. If you are fully vaccinated but don’t have a certificate, visit  portal.health.go.ke  and download and print before your travel date. If you are not vaccinated, you must show a negative PCR test taken not more than 72 hours.
• Yellow Fever Card : You’ll need a yellow fever certificate. Get this beforehand, especially when using a bus. Busses are often in a hurry and will need you to have the certificate before boarding. But you can always get a shot at the border if you’re using private means. It costs KES. 1,500 at the border and around KES. 2,500 – 3,000 at any Kenyan government hospital. If you fear the jab like me, you’ll be pleased to know that it isn’t so painful and your arm won’t be in pain after the shot.
• Spirit of adventure : You’ll need these to explore Zanzibar fully.

The entire process of clearing with immigration at the border takes between 1-2 hours.

Fun Fact Your passport will be stamped when you enter Tanzania and also stamped when you enter Zanzibar. But when you leave, your passport will only be stamped at the Tanzania border.

Your dream of visiting Zanzibar on a budget is not only possible but also highly rewarding. Despite its reputation for luxury and exclusivity, Zanzibar offers numerous opportunities for budget-conscious travelers to experience its breathtaking beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Author:  Travel Moran

Olivia Kibaba is the founder of Travel Moran, a platform dedicated to sharing information about travel destinations in Africa. With a passion for travel and exploration, Olivia created Travel Moran to showcase the beauty and diversity of the African continent. Through her platform, Olivia aims to inspire others to discover the unique cultures, landscapes, and experiences that Africa has to offer.

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10 Best Things to Do in Zanzibar: the Top Zanzibar Island Activities

Posted by Stephanie Parker on February 03 2023 in Adventure Travel & Activities Enquire Now!

There are so many things to do in Zanzibar that you’ll be spoilt for choice and, no matter how long your stay is, you'll definitely wish it was longer!

To help you make the most of culture-rich Zanzibar Island, here’s the lowdown from our team of African travel experts on the things you won’t want to miss!

Firstly a little orientation… 

The Zanzibar Archipelago sits in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania. It’s actually made up of 3 main islands (Unguja, Pemba, and Mafia) and a number of smaller islands.

Unguja, the largest island, is the place most people are referring to when they talk about Zanzibar Island, and that’s what we’re covering in this article.

Things to Do in Stone Town, Zanzibar Island

The capital of Unguja is Zanzibar City, and the historic section of Zanzibar City is Stone Town - an ancient culture-rich melting pot, where Persian, Arabic, Indian, and European influences have merged over centuries offering a unique and fascinating destination.

Stone Town is an ancient trading town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is really the heart and soul of Zanzibar Island .

There’s so much to see in this captivating town, but here are some of the key things you won’t want to miss in Stone Town...

1. Wander the Ancient Alleyways

Simply walking the streets of Stone Town has to be top of your list of Zanzibar attractions.

You can easily spend hours soaking in the Swahili culture and admiring the historic Zanzibari architecture and craftsmanship.

Wood carving is a unique part of Swahili culture and the beautiful Zanzibari-carved wooden doors are truly a sight to behold!

With so much to see and so much history to take in, a walking tour is a great idea - this will take you to many of the main sights in town, whilst explaining the history of the island too.

2. Take a Stroll to Freddie Mercury’s house

Yes, Queen’s famous frontman was born in Stone Town in 1946!

The family’s former home is now a small museum paying homage to Zanzibar Island’s most famous inhabitant.

3. Visit the Old Fort

The oldest building in Stone Town, the Old Fort is located on the seafront.

Built in the 17th century to protect the island from the attacking Portuguese, nowadays the Old Fort is one of the main sights in Stone Town.

4. Eat at Forodhani Gardens Food Market

Grabbing a bite to eat with the locals at this buzzing nighttime food market has to be top of your list of things to do in Zanzibar!

These gardens in central Stone Town are transformed every night into a spectacular evening food market, teaming with some of the most delicious and authentic culinary delights.

The aromas are fabulous and the range of dishes is extraordinary.

Come with a large appetite and soak up the delicious smells and vibes!

The market’s mix of cultures and flavours, coupled with its proximity to the Indian Ocean, means that Swahili cuisine is possibly the best food in all of Africa!

Expect fresh fish and food cooked with traditional spices and plenty of coconut.

5. Enjoy Sunset Drinks or Dinner at a Rooftop Restaurant

Stone Town is famous for its rooftop restaurants, which are the best spot to enjoy golden hour over Zanzibar Island.

Watch the sunset with panoramic views and listen to the evening Call to Prayer for an exotic-feeling evening.

6. Take a Zanzibar Spice Tour

Zanzibar is sometimes called ‘The Spice Island’ because of the abundance of spices grown there, including cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, turmeric, and cumin.

As a key stop on the trading route between Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, spices, along with gold, ivory, and many other precious minerals, were just some of the valuable commodities traded here. As a result, trade of one kind or another has been an intrinsic part of this island’s culture and has shaped its history for thousands of years.

Taking a tour to find out more about the spice island’s history, trying different locally grown spices, and hearing how they are traditionally used is a great thing to do in Zanzibar.

7. See the Former Slave Market

Another thing traded on Zanzibar Island for many years was slaves, marking a much darker side to this island’s history.

Stone Town was host to one of the world's last slave markets until it was shut down by the British in 1873.

An Anglican church now stands on the site of the former market, with a memorial statue.

Outside the cathedral, there is an exhibition centre that documents the history of slavery in Zanzibar, Tanzania .

Top Things to Do in Zanzibar - Beyond Stone Town

8. Sun Yourself on one of Zanzibar Island’s Perfect Beaches

This island’s white sand beaches, fringed with palm trees and gently lapped by the crystal clear Indian Ocean, make Zanzibar a true tropical paradise.

Because of this, you’d be crazy not to prioritize some serious beach time as one of your top things to do in Zanzibar, Tanzania!

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Zanzibar beaches but, to help guide you, we asked our knowledgeable African travel experts for just a few of their favourites

Paje Beach - Zanzibar South

Located on the southeast coast, Paje Beach has all the makings of paradise: beautiful white sand, swaying palm trees, clear turquoise waters, and some lovely beach bars and restaurants, definitely making it one of the top Zanzibar attractions.

Bordered by a small village on one side, Paje is peaceful and quiet, with a relaxed backpacker vibe. It’s a great alternative to some of the more popular beaches in the north of Zanzibar Island.

The beach is known for its watersports, particularly kitesurfing, drawing enthusiasts from all over the world.

It’s also great for scuba diving, with the reefs offshore here home to turtles, starfish, and many other colourful creatures.

Nungwi Beach - Zanzibar North

Nungwi Beach, in the northwest of the island, is one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful and popular beaches. And it’s easy to see why!

Its soft sand beaches and clear blue waters are idyllic and, facing west, Nungwi also has some of the best sunsets on the island.

A sunset cruise on a traditional dhow sailing boat is a not-to-be-missed Zanzibar activity if you visit this beach!

Nungwi is also one of the liveliest areas on Zanzibar Island, with beach resorts, hotels, restaurants, and bars offering a variety of night-time entertainment, so a great option if you’re looking for some nightlife.

But, this isn’t just a beach for party-goers, as Nungwi also has incredible coral reefs - ideal for diving and snorkeling. If you’re lucky, you may even spot dolphins or turtles!

Kendwa Beach - Zanzibar North

Sometimes referred to as the “little sister” of Nungwi, Kendwa Beach - a 10-minute drive from Nungwi - is much quieter than its sibling.

There is still some nightlife to be found though - after the sun goes down, this small coastal spot comes alive with relaxed beach parties.

This is one of the few beaches on Zanzibar Island where the tide doesn’t really change, which means it’s perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.

And the sunsets at Kendwa Beach are legendary, so sit back and enjoy it when the sun starts to go down over another day in this tropical paradise!

9. Dine at the Rock Restaurant near Paje - Zanzibar South

Perched on a rock just offshore, about 20 minutes from Paje, this tiny restaurant has become world-famous thanks to its iconic location!

To reach it when the tide is in, take a small boat, while at low tide, you can simply walk to it.

Lunch is definitely the best time to go, as by dinner time it’s usually too dark to appreciate this unique setting properly. The food here is more expensive than in most places on the island, but it’s an unforgettable experience so certainly makes for one of the best things to do in Zanzibar, Tanzania .

But be warned: with only 12 tables, it’s often fully booked, so reserve your spot well in advance!

10. See the Giant Tortoises on Prison Island

Commonly referred to as Prison Island, Changuu Island is a 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town on the main Zanzibar Island .

The island’s unofficial name developed when, in a dark chapter of Zanzibar’s history, slave traders used Changuu Island as a holding space for slaves in transit.

Today, the island is a popular relaxation spot for Zanzibar locals and tourists, who come to swim, snorkel and sunbathe. There's a resort on Prison Island, complete with a swimming pool, sun loungers, and a restaurant, so it has everything you need for a day trip.

But what also makes this island special is that it’s now a sanctuary for Aldabra tortoises - one of the largest tortoises in the world, and thought to be one of the longest-lived creatures in the world.

It’s estimated that the oldest tortoise on Changuu is 196 years old - now that’s a Zanzibar attraction!

Zanzibar Island Awaits!

With so many things to do in Zanzibar, this tropical paradise shouldn’t be missed when visiting Tanzania and East Africa.

We offer a range of African trips that include time on the fabulous Zanzibar Island - check out our Zanzibar trips here  or to plan your island getaway today,  speak to one of our African travel experts

If you liked this post, these trips cover similar ground…

• 4 Day Zanzibar Beach Resort Package
• 4 Day Zanzibar Vacation - Beach, Stone Town & Spice Tour
• 5 Day Zanzibar Holiday - Adventure Package
• 6 Day Zanzibar Honeymoon Package
• 8 Day Best of Zanzibar Vacation Package
• 12 Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holiday Package
• Mara, Serengeti & Zanzibar Overland Camping Tour
• 10 Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Vacation - Overland Camping
• 5 Day Zanzibar Vacation - Stone Town & Beach Resort Package

About the Author

Stephanie parker.

Places Mentioned in this Post

1. Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

2. Nungwi Beach, Tanzania

3. 67WP+9QW, Kendwa, Tanzania

4. Paje, Tanzania

5. Pingwe, Michamvi, Tanzania

6. Changu Island, Tanzania

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How to Visit Zanzibar On A Budget

Zanzibar has a reputation for being an expensive destination, but incredibly enough once you land you may find this pretty misleading.  If you’re looking to be a traveling budget backpacker, you can avoid much of the hyped-up stuff and average $20 a day the moment you set in. You could also bring your costs much lower if you team up with other travellers and split the costs.

Many people don’t believe that Zanzibar can be cheap. Stone Town especially can be a good option if you’re on a budget. If you feel the content in travel brochures that advertise honeymooner’s paradises, you will end up getting ripped off over everything and anything, but if you dig deeper, you could end up finding pretty affordable rooms going for $12 per night to $2 street-food snacks. As a rule of thumb, here’s what you’d expect to spend in Zanzibar while on a budget:  

Zanzibar Holiday Packages 

Affordable flights

Many popular airlines fly to Zanzibar. About 25 airlines operate out of the Zanzibar’s only airport, Kisauni, daily and offer 14 non-stop flights to 14 cities. Each week, at least 90 international flights depart from Kisauni Airport. Here are the cheapest fares you can pay to reach Kisauni:  

Affordable ferry from Dar Es Salaam

From the airport, you may need to take a taxi to the ferry docks. The cost is about $20, and this will depend on how good you are at bargaining taxi fares in Dar es Salaam. You can purchase your ferry ticket at the ferry docks windows.  The ferry ticket to Zanzibar is $35, and it takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours to reach Stone Town, Zanzibar. There are several ferries during the day and sailing times are 7.00 am, 09.30 am, 12.30 pm and 15.45pm

Accommodation

Unless you’re the lazy type, if you widen your search around Stone Town, you can get a hostel with dorm rooms that have double beds. You can have curtains around your bed to accord you privacy and your power socket and light too. It's not clear how the janitors screen travellers but all dwellers appear pretty well behaved and polite. There is a fun atmosphere, and the rooms are quiet at night. You can part with $11 per room. The Lost and Found Hostel in Stone Town is an excellent place to start. Others are Al Minar, Tembo House, and Asiya Beach Bungalow.  

Transportation in Zanzibar

The cheapest way to move around Zanzibar is through the  Dala Dala.  (This is a single cabin minivan widely used in East African cities and has its origins in Kenya). They’re usually recklessly driven at high speeds and accidents and other mishaps are common in Zanzibar. The fare from Stone Town to most destinations in the island is US$1.50 per person and passengers are packed and squeezed tightly together. You can share a taxi for around $10, and if your pockets are thicker, you can fork out US$50 for a tour of the island.

One of the most popular car rental services in the island is the Zanzibar Express Car Hire. They have a fleet of more than 60 cars available for hire from about $25 per day. They’re located about 5 km from the main airport, and they offer various types and models including 4 x 4 vehicles for both self-drive or chauffeur driven. They have experienced drivers who are fluent in several languages including French, German and Spanish.  

The food in Zanzibar is incredible, and you can eat your heart out. You need not struggle to find budget eats in places like Forodhani Gardens Night Market, where its cheap to grab dinner for a couple of dollars. Sometimes some of the meals can be covered in your budget tours, which helps keep costs down. A hot favourite for many visitors is the  Zanzibari Pizza , which is a cross between a chapatti and crepe, which is stuffed full of your choice of meats, eggs and vegetables and chili smothered on top. Other food options that are served in large portions include Biryani, Pilau rice, Octopus curry, Mandazi, Mshikaki, and many others.  You could eat Zanzibar pizza for weeks without hungering for other recipes. The total cost for food, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, could come to say, $45. A week.

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Home » Africa » Tanzania » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking Tanzania Budget Travel Guide 2024

I’ve written the best travel guide to backpacking Tanzania on a budget, for I can think of few other countries that better represent the African continent.

Lush, verdant, rich in lore and industry, and home to some of the noblest creatures and mountains in the world, Tanzania is a world wonder.

Tanzania has been romanticized countless times by the greatest Western authors. Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and many more from the Lost Generation traveled to Tanzania in search of a greater truth.

Philanthropy legend Jane Goodall started her career here. So many people over the years have fallen in love with Tanzania and I’m sure you will too.

With this travel guide to Tanzania, you’ll gain valuable information about how to have an amazing trip in the country.

We’ll cover a wide range of topics over the course of this article, covering vital topics like what to do in Tanzania and the best places to stay.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with all of the necessary tools to go backpacking around Tanzania on a budget!

Why Go Backpacking in Tanzania?

Backpacking Tanzania is one of the best experiences a traveler can have.

On a journey through this marvelous country, backpackers will find a menagerie of exotic wildlife, heavenly beaches, and friendly and warm people. Moreover, they may discover an elusive piece of themselves that has escaped so many journeymen before them.

Think great food, stunning beaches, interesting cultures, and—last but not least—the mighty Kilimanjaro. There are so many different backpacking routes in Tanzania, but no matter which backpacking route you choose they will all be amazing.

We’re going to break down the best places to visit in Tanzania soon, but before we get to that section we need to talk about specific routes for backpacking Tanzania.

Below are a couple of itineraries for backpacking Tanzania that are meant to inspire you. Each one is specially drafted to give you the best experience possible. Though if you wish, please feel free modify them in any way that you like.

Afterward, we’re going jump into the meat of the article – the destinations – and then follow up with some more specific information e.g.  Costs, Food, Diving , etc.

Hang tight my fellow broke backpackers; we’re getting into the meat of the article now!

Best Itineraries for Backpacking Tanzania

I have written four travel itineraries for backpacking Tanzania. They are titled Sea to Sky, Time to Enjoy Tanzania, More Sun and Savannah , and the Grand Tour .

These vary from 1 week to 3 weeks in length and cover the majority of the best places in Tanzania to travel to.

Backpacking Tanzania 7 day Itinerary #1: Sea to Sky

With so little time to go backpacking in Tanzania, you’ll have to settle for its two greatest attractions: Zanzibar and the landscape around Arusha (poor you). On this 7-day Tanzania itinerary, you’ll either fly into Zanzibar or Arusha, head to the other and then fly out.

Go on a quick safari in the Tanzanian Nationa Park , Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater . Be sure to keep an eye for Mt. Kilimanjaro (I hear it’s quite big…).

Afterward, relax on the beaches of Zanzibar and drink a Kilimanjaro beer. You can go snorkeling or scuba diving, kite surfing, or maybe go on a sailing trip in a traditional dhow.

If you’d like, reverse this itinerary and start in Zanzibar, then go to Arusha afterwards!

Backpacking Tanzania 10 day Itinerary #2: Time to Enjoy Tanzania

This 10-day itinerary for Tanzania is very similar to the one above except now you have more time to really enjoy all of the best places in Tanzania!

Visit all of the hidden gems around Arusha including Lake Natron and Ol Doyino Agani ! Scuba dive off the coast of Pemba Island near Zanzibar! Maybe even attempt to climb the mighty Kilimanjaro! All of this and more is possible because you have more time to spend in this amazing country.

Backpacking Tanzania 2 week Itinerary #3: More Sun and Savannah

On this 2-week itinerary for backpacking Tanzania, you’ll have time to explore the more distant locations, but only a little…

With the extra 4 days, you’ll be able to visit Mafia Island , which is the best place to go diving in Tanzania! Whale sharks are common here and swimming with them is an unbeatable experience. Aside from the diving, Mafia Island also has some of the best beaches in the country; bonus, they are completely deserted.

Backpacking Tanzania 2 week Itinerary #4: The Grand Tour

Now we’re talkin’! With 3 weeks to backpack Tanzania, you’ll be able to experience this country properly. In addition to all of the locations discussed prior (Arusha, Serengeti, Kili, Zanzibar, Mafia, etc), you’ll have time to venture deep into the south the Southern Highlands , where some of Tanzania’s great treasures are located.

Make the long(ish) bus journey through Mikumi and Udzungwa on the way to Iringa . If you like, stop for the chance to see some big game and awesome scenery.

Once you’ve arrived in Iringa, head straight for Ruaha , which is one of the best national parks in Tanzania . While here, you’ll get to see most of the wildlife that the Serengeti has but without the tourist crowds!

Places to Visit in Tanzania

Backpacking dar es salaam.

Dar es Salaam or simply Dar is the largest city in Tanzania and the center for most of the country’s business. It’s a typical Africa city, one defined by equal parts of urban growth and apparent chaos. Regardless, Dar is one of the most important economic centers in all of Africa.

Because it is a city mostly aimed at business, those who are backpacking around Tanzania usually end up skipping Dar or simply use it as a base to organize tours. While Dar does offer less in the way of tourist attractions compared to powerhouses like Arusha or Zanzibar, it still has its own merits!

Dar has a ton of markets to visit, some of the best restaurants in Tanzania, and interesting cultural sites as well for that matter.

Shopping is the name of the game in Dar es Salaam. All of the markets are amazing and offer an awesome array of goods. Note that bartering is practiced in full force in Tanzania!

The Kariakoo Market is the most famous in Tanzania, renowned for its huge selection and very low prices. The Mwenge Market is great for woodcarvings while the Illal Market has lots of kitschy little secondhand stuff. Be sure to also drop by Kivukoni for a fresh albeit smelly seafood experience.

Some of the most interesting cultural sites in Dar include the Makumbusho Village Museum , the National Museum , the Azania Front Lutheran Church , and the Askari Monument .

There are several beaches in Dar that are of a respectable quality. Coco and Mikardi are two of the most popular, so usually pretty busy. Just across the channel is Zanzibar, which is one of the great jewels of the Tanzanian coastline.

Backpacking Zanzibar

Zanzibar is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of East Africa and some very significant historical architecture as well. Consequently, it is one of the most popular places in Tanzania and probably ground zero for travelers.

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region, having only joined Tanzania in the last 50 years. As such, it has its own immigration offices for both air and sea. You’ll have to pass through customs when traveling both in and out Zanzibar so keep your passport handy!

It should be noted that Zanzibar, along with much of the Tanzanian coastline, is predominantly Swahili, which means that Islam is the prevailing religion. Please dress and act respectively. Refer to the section on People for information on local taboos.

Zanzibar is a fairly large island with several villages with their own unique vibe. Stone Town is the historical center and a UNESCO heritage site because of its significant Arab-Africa architecture. Some important landmarks in Stone Town include the Fort , House of Wonders , Livingstone’s House , and the Palace Museum .

Fun fact: Freddie Mercury of Queen was born in Stone Town! There are several restaurants and bars around town that are dedicated to Mercury. Many will make bold claims of their connection to him, some being more authentic than others.

The northern tip of Zanzibar is where much of the action takes place due in part to its excellent beaches that are visitable at all tides. Nungwi is the busiest village in this region and Kendwa is a close second.

The beaches of Zanzibar are obviously the biggest draws. Some of the best budget accommodations in Zanzibar are on this part of the island as well. That said, you’ll also find some of the fancier beachside accommodation too.

Adventurous people can go to check out one of the many caves and islands located on the rim of Zanzibar. Kiwenge and Mangapwani are two cool caverns. Changuu (aka Prison Island )is a great place to see giant tortoises, and idyllic Mnemba Island has some great snorkeling.

Backpacking Paje

Paje is the largest village on the quieter southeastern coast of Zanzibar Island. Paje and many of the other proximitous villages have a much more relaxed vibe than the northern shores of Zanzibar.

Paje appears to be much more Swahili than the northern tourist areas. Buildings here are built in traditional style with the palm leaves and thatched roofs. Locals tend to keep to themselves here and go about their daily business, though in the evening it feels like the entire village (the men at least) move to the beaches to play football, which is the favorite sport in Tanzania.

The beaches in Paje are very long and beautiful. You could walk along them all the way to Jambiani or Dongwe , which are each about an hour away from Paje in opposite directions.

The beaches are often best for swimming when the tides are high. Kitesurfing is another popular activity here as the conditions are quite good.

If you can manage it, I definitely suggest hiring a dhow and captain for the day. Sailing in these watercrafts is an amazing experience because they are fun but mostly for the story! Dhows are sometimes nothing more than a hallowed-out tree and sail made of old t-shirts. The prospect of braving the seas in one of these whimsically precarious boats is a blast (for me at least)!

The southern villages of Zanzibar are notably more expensive but not prohibitively so. You can still find budget accommodation in Zanzibar’s southern reaches.

Though to really travel around Zanzibar on a budget, you should probably stick to the northern beaches. On that note, try and use the local dala-dalas as much as possible – private taxis are expensive on Zanzibar.

Backpacking Arusha

By now, we’ve left the coastline behind and entered into the heartland of Tanzania – a region characterized by vast savannahs, celestial mountains, great animal herds, and tribal peoples. This area truly looks like the stereotypical Africa and it’s, regardless of any predispositions, an amazing part of the country.

Arusha is the largest city in the region and the primary hub for organizing safaris and trips to Kilimanjaro. Many people just blow through town, eager to start their safaris and climbs. Though Arusha is, admittedly, an aesthetically unattractive town, it still deserves to be visited.

The markets of Arusha are the central nervous system of the city and are well worth seeing. There is a Maasai market as well that is more for tourists and souvenirs. Keep an eye for the rare tanzanite in the city as it’s famous here.

Arusha is surrounded by many coffee plantations as well and a tour of them is mandatory for any caffeine fiend! Visit one of the many cafes in Arusha (a good one is Africafe ) and inquire about visiting a plantation.

If you’re looking for a way to acclimate for a Kilimanjaro climb or just want to climb something quieter, Mt. Meru is right next to Arusha and makes for a great adventure. The mountain is 4500m tall so it will require several days to summit. Competent climbers may not need a guide but will need an official escort.

If you can manage it, try to organize a trip to the Oldupai Gorge , which is considered the “Cradle of Civilization.” Aside from being one of the most anthropologically significant places in the world, it’s also very unique looking.

Nearby Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai are even weirder destinations that offer some truly surreal experiences.

Backpacking Moshi

Moshi is the primary gateway to Mt. Kilimanjaro and, like Arusha, often used simply as a base for tourists. Much of Moshi’s attractions are hidden gems, much in the same way Arusha’s attractions are.

There’s a grand market, plenty of coffee plantations, the chance to visit Maasai villages, and two of the highest mountains in Africa nearby. Moshi does offer a few unique attractions of its own too.

One of the best things to do in Moshi is explore the surrounding countryside; there are plenty of awesome little wonders like waterfalls, hikes, and a gorgeous lake.

Lake Chala is on the border of Kenya and Tanzania and totally worth checking out. It is a very relaxed and totally lush place as well. You’ll see plenty of monkeys here and maybe the occasional elephant or two.

Marangu Falls and Materuni Falls are two very picturesque waterfalls located on the outskirts of Moshi. Both are great for swimming but be careful as the water can be freezing cold! If you searching for warmer water, head to the Kikuletwa Hot Springs  to feel your toes again.

For those who want to stay in Moshi long term, there are plenty of social welfare programs and rehabilitation centers that could use extra help. With these NGOs, you’ll often help children and abused women learn English and other vital skills that will prepare them for the modern world.

Note that many of these organization still require to you pay for your own food and board, though discounts may be offered. Ask around town to see which of the NGOs need help.

For information on climbing Kilimanjaro, refer to the Climbing Kilimanjaro section near the bottom of the article.

Backpacking Iringa and Ruaha

Iringa is the primary tourist hub for Tanzania’s Southern Highlands , which is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. This is one of the most alluring regions of Tanzania, not to mention the setting for some of its most magnificent game reserves.

The bus ride from Dar es Salaam to Iringa is worth making the trip alone. Along the way, you’ll pass through both Mikumi National Park , one of the best places to spot big game, and the Udzungwa Mountains . While driving to Iringa, there is a good chance you’ll see elephants and other animals just chilling on the side of the road.

Try and stop by the Udzungwa Mountains. Aside from being an ecological marvel, the mountains also host one of the greatest waterfalls in East Africa: Sanje Waterfall .

Upon arriving in Iringa, you may notice that it looks a bit different from other Tanzanian towns. This town was originally settled by the German Empire and so it has a distinctive Teutonic flair. Many of the local attractions in Iringa either relate to the original German colonization or their glorious defeat at the hands of the Wahehe. Some notable cultural landmarks include Kalenga Museum and the Gangilonga Rock .

The main reason to visit Iringa, however, is for the chance to visit Ruaha , one the greatest places to go on a safari in Tanzania; it is arguably better than the Serengeti!

I think Ruhaha is potentially superior to the Serengeti because it receives far fewer tourists. This means you won’t have to deal with crowds and can easily relatively affordable safaris!

You can organize a safari in Iringa or  Tungamalenga village, which is at the boundary of the park. Should you choose the latter option, you should take a bus to the village and sleep at a local campground.

Backpacking Mafia Island

Mafia Island is a much quieter version of Zanzibar, devoid of the raucous crowds and rampant tourism that can make the latter somewhat unattractive at times. It’s quickly gaining a reputation as an eco-friendly destination, yet the same time dangerously close to being discovered by the masses.

Those backpacking in Tanzania should definitely check out Mafia Island before it’s spoiled by those hordes of Zanzibarbarians.

Most travelers will fly to Mafia Island via Dar es Salaam. Tickets can be bought in advance though I’ve heard that you’ll pay less if you book in Dar itself within 2 weeks of the flight.

The other option is to grab a ferry from Nyamisati , which is about 4 hours south of Dar by bus. The ferry costs $8 and leaves at 3 am every morning though delays and/or cancellations are regular.

Upon arriving in Kilindoni , the largest town on Mafia, you’ll find it is much less busy than Zanzibar. There are very few vehicles on the island, so we suggest that you find a rental bike as a means of getting around.

The beaches of Mafia Island are gorgeous and often empty. You could spend your entire trip just being a beachbum, and chances are you’ll encounter less a handful of Westerners. The best beaches are on the west coast as the east has a lot of mangroves.

Mafia Island has the best snorkeling and diving in Tanzania! Whale sharks are very common and swimming with them is actually pretty affordable ($60 w/Afro Whale Shark Safari).

If you can, try to book a dhow to pay a visit to the beautiful lagoon and visit the surrounding islands:  Chole, Bwejuu, Jimbondo , and Juani .

Off the Beaten Path in Tanzania

Some of the best places in Tanzania are way out in the middle of nowhere! Backpacking to Tanzania’s farthest corners can be extremely rewarding and chances are you’ll be the only mizunga (white person) for miles. Sounds adventurous, right?

Below is a list of Tanzania’s most worthwhile off-the-beaten-path destinations. The journey to these will be long ( Swahili time will be in full effect!), the destinations themselves will sometimes be rough, and the locals will look at you funny.

For those who enjoy this sort of traveling, these remote locations prove to be irresistible.

Backpacking Pemba Island

If you liked the idea of Mafia Island’s solitude, then you’ll love Pemba Island just as much. Yet another tame alternative to Zanzibar, this island may be the most infrequently visited of them all.

Here you’ll find rolling hills, fishing villages, and few tourist lodges. Consequently, the beaches are pristine and the diving the best in Tanzania.

You can reach Pemba via plane from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar for around $150. There’s also a direct ferry leaving from Dar es Salaam twice per week and another from Tanga. Both schedules are highly variable and very prone to delays.

Chake Chake and Wete are the two main villages on the island and both have little in the way of tourist infrastructure. There are a few resorts and dive schools but not much else. Granted, there are still plenty of residents on Pemba Island; they tend to the fields and live a very quiet life.

The few lodges on the island are pretty expensive. You’ll have to look very hard to find an affordable lodge. As of now, I’ve not heard of any campgrounds around the island.

As you’d expect from an island off the tourist track, the beaches are amazing and completely devoid of tourists. There are a lot of mangroves to sort through but once you arrive at the sand you’ll be shocked by the purity of it. The north of the island has plenty of jungle to explore as well.

The diving around the island is also top notch and receives its fair share of whale sharks. Humpback whales have been spotted during the migratory season.

Backpacking Western Tanzania

The far western provinces of Tanzania that border Burundi, Rwanda, and the DRC, are among the least visited areas in the whole country. Here are some of Africa’s most magnificent lakes as well as a number of significant wildlife refuges that receive far fewer tourists than likes of the Serengeti and even Ruaha.

The two gateways to the West of Tanzania are Mbeye in the south and  Mwanza in the north. For the sake of simplicity, we’re going to highlight the top attractions in the area starting from Mwanza.

Note that there are commuter trains from Dar es Salaam to many of the major cities in Western Tanzania, including Mwanza, Kigoma, and Mbeya. These trains are reliable and relatively comfortable.

Sitting on the banks of Lake Victoria , Mwanza is a regional hub and a popular stopping point for those heading to Rwanda and Burundi. It can be accessed by road from more popular locations in the East via Dodam , the administrative capital of the country.

Trips to the Serengeti can be arranged in Mwanza but the shores and many islands of Lake Victoria are the more unique attractions.

Heading southwest from Mwanza, you’ll eventually hit Kigoma on the banks of Lake Tanganyika . This is a fabulous freshwater lake with sandy shores and crystalline waters that can be compared to the likes of the superlative Lake Malawi. Relaxing and swimming around the lake are highly recommended activities.

Within a day’s journey from Kigoma is the Mahale Mountains , which is perhaps the most significant sanctuary for the chimpanzee monkey.

To reach the Mahales, you will have to take the historical MV Liemba boat to Lagosa , whereupon you organize treks into the mountains for chimpanzee viewing. This endeavor is rarely undertaken by foreigners, though it is extremely rewarding.

From Kigoma and the Mahales, you’ll head south again until you reach Mbeye, passing  Katavi and Lake Rukwa along the way.

Backpacking Kilwa

One of the most significant historical sites in all of Tanzania is located way down south in the Kilwa Islands. These islands are the very essence of off the beaten path travel but reaching them will be totally worthwhile.

Buses depart to Kilwa Masoko , the main village in the area, from Dar es Salaam. Be sure to catch the early bus as it’s a long drive and later buses have been known to drop off passengers at Nangurukuru .

There is very little to do in Kilwa Masako besides visiting the nearby ruins. There are the usual attractions on the Swahili coastline, like deserted beaches, mangrove forests, local markets, and fishmongers, but you should be accustomed to these by now.

You can also visit neighboring Kilwa Kivinje if you like; this town is more modern than Masako and has some interesting German history.

The primary and perhaps sole reason to visit Kilwa is for the ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani. Kiswani is considered to be the most important Swahili historical site and dutifully a UNESCO World heritage site now.

To visit the ruins, you will need a permit from the local government as well as a dhow . The island itself is not too far away from the mainland. Note that you will also have to pay entrance at the ruins.

Kilwa Kisiwani is a huge complex full of decrepit buildings, crumbling walls, and shadows from the old Islamic Sultanate. There was formerly a palace, a grand mosque, and an imposing fort, though they are in ruins.

Songo Mnara is near Kiswani, a stone town that is equally as impressive. Between these two archeological sites, you could easily spend the entire day getting lost.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Top Things to Do in Tanzania

1. go on safari.

There are over 40,000 square km of protected park in Tanzania, much of which offers amazing opportunities for wildlife viewing. Go on a safari for both yourself and for the local community – your support helps to protect these lands and bring jobs to the people.

2. Explore Stone Town in Zanzibar

Stone Town is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Tanzania. It is a testament to the old days of Arab rule and a wonder to walk around.

3. Climb Kilimanjaro

This is a bucket-list item for many of those backpacking Tanzania and Africa altogether! Climb the continent’s highest peak and touch the “Roof of Africa.”

4. Dive with whale sharks

Tanzania has some of the best diving opportunities in all of Africa. To really reach the best diving, you’ll have to head to some of the more off-the-beaten-path locations, like Mafia Island or Pemba Island.

5. Sail in a dhow

For seafaring Swahilis, the dhow is like an extension of their own body. Everyday they captain their boats for work, pleasure, and sometimes for no reason at all. Joining a Swahili on his dhow is truly a spiritual experience.

6. Visit the markets

Tanzanians love to shop and the markets are absolutely bonkers! You can find just about anything at a Tanzanian market from little baubles to rare tanzanite.

7. Hang out with local tribes people

Among the myriad of tribal communities in Africa , Tanzania has some of the most interesting well known of them. Visit one of the many villages in the heartland of the country for a peek into the local lives. Just remember to be RESPECTFUL and to not treat the tribes people like zoo animals.

8. Chill on the beach in Zanzibar

The beaches of Zanzibar are among the most beautiful places in Tanzania. With their bleached sand, sapphire water, and the occasional dhow sailing by, few parts of Tanzania are more enchanting than Zanzibar’s beaches.

9. Witness the Great Migration

The Great Migration of Africa is often described as one of the most incredible natural wonders of the world. Seeing the wildebeest, among other beasts, travel across the plains in such an epic fashion is truly one of the best things that you can do while backpacking in Tanzania.

10. Explore Western Tanzania

Tourists rarely visit Western Tanzania, yet it offers some of the best attractions in the country! Go swimming in Lake Tanganyika and explore the Mahale Mountains for a chance to see a chimpanzee in its natural habitat.

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These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Backpacker Accommodation in Tanzania

Tanzania has been on the backpacker radar for some time now and so the country has a lot of different forms of accommodation, many of which are affordable! Between the many hostels, campgrounds, apartments, and bush lodges, you should have no trouble choosing between some of the best places to stay in Tanzania.

Hostels in Tanzania are generally good quality. Areas popular with tourists, like Zanzibar and Arusha, will have a greater selection. Some of the hostels in these places are pretty slick as well!

Staying in a lesser visited location, like Iringa or Mafia, will mean you have to stay in more basic lodges (such is Africa).

In order to save money, I definitely suggest bringing your own tent and staying in the campgrounds as much as possible. You can also bring a hammock but make sure it’s sealed to keep away the mosquitoes.

If you’re going on safari, you’ll be camping anyway! What is more, many hostels in Africa have campgrounds that share facilities. Taking advantage of hostels like this means that you have access to the communal showers and kitchens.

If a hostel doesn’t have a designated campsite, you can convince them to let you pitch your tent in the garden.

Staying in an apartment can be an awesome experience, especially in places like Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam. Airbnb is my favorite way to book an apartment, no matter where I travel.

Consider couchsurfing in Tanzania as well! Doing so will unlock another side of the country.

Where to Stay in Tanzania

Travel costs for backpacking tanzania.

Like the rest of Africa, Tanzania can be both very cheap and very expensive at the same time. Whereas the costs of living can be very low, going on a safari or a multi-day hike can turn out to be exorbitant.

All of that hard work of sticking to a budget while traveling Africa – those days of spending less than $10 – can be eradicated by a couple of days in the Serengeti or Kilimanjaro.

You can travel on a budget in Tanzania though! You just need to have the right practices, my eager broke backpackers.

A comfortable daily budget for Tanzania should be around $30-50 per day . With this, you should have no problem finding a dorm bed, groceries, beer money, and cash for transport. This does not include safaris.

Hostels can cost anywhere from $15 for a large dormitory to $35 for a private room. Conventional Western lodging can be expensive in Tanzania and the costs add up quick. Note that Zanzibar is more expensive then mainland Tanzania. Check out the hostels in Zanzibar for the lowdown.

The best way to go backpacking in Africa on a budget is to bring a tent with you! Carrying around your own shelter while traveling in Tanzania allows you to take advantage of campsites and skip on renting tents for safaris.

Food, drink, and transport can all be cheap if you stick to the local methods. Eat at the little cafes and street vendors where a meal costs between $3-$5.

Stick to the crowded minibusses where even long hauls cost a matter dollars. Domestic flights will not be cheap; ferries and buses will save you hundreds of dollars, but will take hours or possibly days of travel.

Stick to these local habits and you save lots of money while backpacking in Tanzania. This way you can splurge on the big ticket items, like a diving trip or safari.

Budget Safaris in Serengeti and Elsewhere

Going on a safari in the Serengeti or anywhere for that matter is one perhaps the #1 reason people visit Tanzania in the first place. How many dream of going off-roading in the plains of Africa in search of elephants, lions, and the rest of their favorite childhood animals?

Going on a safari in Tanzania is an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it can also be a very expensive one.

Never fear my broke backpackers! Where there’s a will, there’s a way and there’s certainly a will for finding budget safaris in the Serengeti and elsewhere in Tanzania.

There are plenty of budget safaris in Tanzania. These multi-day tours are usually pretty basic, consisting usually of a guide or two, a single 4×4, and a group of enthusiastic backpackers.

You may camp out in the middle of nowhere but most likely you’ll end up staying in a shared campground with other groups of travelers.

Tents will be pretty rudimentary and you’ll probably be expected to bring your own equipment, like a sleeping bag, mat, and headlamp, though you should have all of these things for backpacking Africa on a budget anyway!

There are a ton of companies that offer budget safaris in Tanzania and it’s just a matter of doing your research. You should have little problem finding the right safari in tourist hubs like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Iringa, so shop around!

Don’t be afraid to go on a safari in a lesser-known wildlife park. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater get all of the attention but places like Ruaha , Tarangine , and Lake Manyara can be just as beautiful and even cheaper! Taragine and Lake Manyara are very close to Arusha as well and make for relatively easy trips.

Money in Tanzania

The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling . As of October 2018, the official conversion rate for the Tanzanian shilling is 1 USD=2,289 shilling.

For small transactions in Tanzania, the kind you accrue at local markets, bars, cafes, street carts, etc, shillings will be requested. Most vendors will only accept smaller bills and may look at you irritatingly if you whip out a large bill. (Who could blame them for breaking a 10,000 note when something like a beer costs 600 shillings?) Try to save small notes as much as possible for situations like these.

You can buy shillings at one of the many currency exchange businesses, which are primarily located in the more popular tourist areas. You’ll get a better exchange rate for larger and newer bills as well.

Often times you will see hotels, safaris, and activities priced in USD, Pounds and/or Euros. These currencies are the most commonly accepted form of payment when it comes to larger, more tourist-related activities – entry into National Parks is a good example of when you need to pay with USD.

More often than naught, you will be expected to pay with foreign currency, which can be frustrating since you probably bought a shit ton of shillings in the first place!

If you are planning on going on a safari, or have any unpaid bookings for that matter, bring USD, Euro, or Pounds to settle these up. If you only have shillings, most tourist businesses will still accept them with a little convincing.

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

• Camp: With plenty of gorgeous places, Tanzania can be a great place to camp. Check out this post for a breakdown of the best tents to take backpacking. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a backpacking hammock.
• Cook your own food: If you are on a tight budget, you can save money by cooking your own food. I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove.
• Book your transportation early: Both plane and bus tickets are much cheaper if you purchase them in advance.
• Couchsurf :  Tanzanians are awesome, and I am so grateful I was able to explore its cities with local friends. Check out Couchsurfing to make some real friendships and see this country from the perspective of locals.
• Pack a travel water bottle : Save money and the planet every day!

Why Should You Travel to Tanzania with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful!

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller.

STOP USING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC! If you’d like some more tips on how to save the world .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

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Best Time to Visit Tanzania

Due to its size and geographic location, Tanzania has a unique climate that can be hard to characterize or predict. In the broadest sense, Tanzania has two rainy seasons: the “long rains” from March-May and the “short rains” from November-December.

The long rainy season is characterized by large tropical deluges that occur in the afternoons. Humidity is very high during this time and, for much of the country, the temperatures are still quite high.

Washouts are common during this season and the vegetation is overgrown; both of these factors allow for very poor safari conditions.

The long dry season that follows the long rains (June-October) is generally seen as the best time to go backpacking in Tanzania. Rains become erratic, temperatures fall to a comfortable level, and the skies are the clearest all year.

That being said, the Long Dry is still not the best time of year for safaris as the rivers and watering holes are still full, which makes animals less inclined to go out in open.

If you wanted to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti, you’d be too early as well. This time of year is best for activities like island hopping or climbing Kilimanjaro.

Following the Long Dry, Tanzania enters another short rainy season in November and December that is much less dramatic. Following this is another short dry season from January to February before the whole cycle starts again. Depending on the year’s precipitation, the line between these two short seasons may be vague as rain.

Together, the short seasons are another excellent time to visit Tanzania. Game will be out in the open, the Migration will have returned to the Serengeti, and the weather will be reliable. Note that temperatures will be very hot at this time.

Festivals in Tanzania

Tanzania has some of the craziest and most unique festivals in East Africa! From cultural to musical to just downright weird, there’s a celebration for everyone in Tanzania.

Watch men lash each other (civily) to settle beefs from last year! Participate in a marathon at the base of Mt. Fuckin’ Kiliamnajaro, which has to be the coolest setting for a race that I’ve ever heard of. All of these and more are really happening in Tanzania!

Here’s a list of some of the most interesting festivals taking part in Tanzania:

• Wanyambo Festival (January) – Traditional festival that features song, dance, performances, and food. Held in Makumbusho, slightly north of Dar es Salaam.
• Sauti za Busara (February) – A big musical festival featuring jazz, pop, afrobeat, and more. Held on Zanzibar.
• KiliMan Challenge (February) – Perhaps the greatest triathlon ever. Includes a climb up Kilimanjaro, a mountain bike race around it, and, finally, a marathon at the base.
• Unification Day (April) – Celebration of the day Zanzibar joined with Tanzania. Lots of nationalistic ceremonies and flag waving.
• Mwaka Kogwa (July/August) – Multi-day festival where men beat each other with banana leaves to settle arguments. A ceremonial straw hut is set on fire too. Held on Zanzibar.
• Eid al-Fitr (dates changes on account of the Muslim calendar) – The celebration of the end of Ramadan. There is feasting, gift-giving, praying, and dancing involved.

What to Pack for Tanzania

On every adventure, there are six things I never go traveling without:

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full  backpacking packing list.

Staying Safe in Tanzania

Tanzania suffers from much the same crime that is endemic to Eastern Africa: theft is ordinary, corruption is rampant, and violence is not unheard of.

When backpacking in Tanzania, you must be alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in empty streets or when it’s dark out. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard of backpackers getting in trouble because they were not careful; myself included.

There are a lot of petty criminals and desperate opportunists in Tanzania that have no problem targeting a tourist. Law enforcement often likes to get a cut of the business and will often solicit backpackers for bribes as well.

Even the odd taxi driver may attempt to screw over a backpacker and hold him hostage for a bribe. I’ll never forget the story my friend told me about how a simple a taxi ride turned into a stand-off and eventually led to an awkward conversation with a local mob boss (but that’s a long story).

We suggest to everyone to study our  guide on being a safe backpacker . In this article, we cover a lot of scams and how to avoid them. We also cover a lot of practicalities like avoiding the display of expensive items, traveling in groups, and using the proper safety garments. Be sure to check it out.

We mentioned before that cops like to pick on tourists by soliciting bribes. Usually, they’ll invent some sort of infracture on the spot and say that you need to pay them right there. If you’re positive that you’ve done no wrong, just hold your ground and insist on credentials. The cop will get annoyed and most likely walk away.

Staying Safe Around Tanzanian Wildlife

Tanzania is deep in malaria territory so you will need to consider your antimalarial options. Consult a doctor beforehand to see if malaria medication is right for you. I didn’t use malaria medication once in Africa – I wore long clothes and used lots of repellent instead – and probably got lucky.

Also be very cautious around the wildlife. Most of the animals that you encounter on a safari will be skittish. On the off chance you take the wrong step and encroach on a beast’s territory, things can get really hairy.

You don’t want to fuck with a charging bull elephant or a hungry lion. You especially don’t want to get caught up with a hippo, which are the number one killers in Africa.

Always ask your safari guide if it’s ok to leave the car, campsite, etc. Do not wander into areas that marked off or labeled as dangerous.

For a proper briefing on safety on safaris, read this guide here . The article discusses Kenya specifically but is still applicable to Tanzania.

Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Tanzania

Tanzania is a fairly laid back country that doesn’t attract so many party animals. People tend to unwind by drinking a beer at the campground with a nice bonfire rather than getting pissed drunk at a bar. That being said, there are definitely ways to party in Tanzania!

The best parties in Tanzania will be on the coast in either Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar generally has more casual beach bars while Dar can be a little posher.

There are a couple of noteworthy bars in Dar es Salaam like Q Bar, Samaki Samaki, The Savannah Lounge , and New Maisha Club . A lot of these places are restaurants during the day and clubs at night, so if you arrive at a spot and it looks tame, it’s because you’re too early.

From what I’ve heard from fellow travelers, each bar in Dar has a certain night where things get wild. A good example is Mediterraneo , which is usually stuffy, but every third Saturday goes fuckin’ crazy. Ask around to see when is the “good night” for each bar.

Zanzibar has more beach bars and the scene here is more intimate than Dar es Salaam. Most of the bars are pretty small but you do get the occasional big one in Stone Town or on the north of the island.

Of local infamy is Zanzibar’s own Full Moon Party at Kendwa Rocks . If you’ve been to the ones in Thailand, then this will feel familiar albeit less rowdy. There will be bonfires, DJs, and lots of drunk Zanzibarbarians.

Please be aware that both Dar and Zanzibar are Muslim communities. Most of the locals look the other way at drinking, some even partake themselves, but they will not appreciate dealing with wasted tourists. Please be respectful of them.

Travel Insurance for Tanzania

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional, and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Getting Into Tanzania

There are lots of international airlines that provide service to Tanzania. Most of these international routes are centered around Tanzania’s top landmarks like Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.

There are 3 international airports in Tanzania: Julius Nyerere International in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International between Arusha and Moshi, and Abeid Amani Karume International on Zanzibar.

Most international flights will arrive at Dar es Salaam, whereupon you’ll disembark or catch a connecting flight. That being said, there are still many major airlines going to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar – Turkish, KLM, Emirates , and Ethiopian all offer frequent flights to some if not all of Tanzania’s international airports.

There is one luxury train that connects Tanzania and Zambia, which is called the Tazara . Riding it is an awesome way to experience the African countryside. Many ride this train as far as Mbeya and then catch a local bus to start backpacking in Malawi. For for information on the Tazara, refer to this informative website here .

Adventurous backpackers can catch a cargo freighter from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to the tiny island nations of Comoros and Mayotte , halfway to Madagascar. There are no online resources for these islands, so interested parties will have to go to the local docks to start their journeys to these islands. If you’re lucky, you may find a more comfortable yacht that can give a ride in exchange for being a deckhand.

For more information on traveling to and from Tanzania by road, refer to the Onward Travel section.

Entry Requirements for Tanzania

Nearly every foreign country can receive a visa-upon-arrival in Tanzania. Visas-on-arrival cost $50 for a single entry 90-day visa or $100 for a double-entry 90-day visa. Note that American citizens can only obtain a multiple entry visa for $100. Most African nationalities require no visa to enter Tanzania and so only a passport is required to visit.

The Tanzanian government, as well as many foreign governments, advise that you arrange a visa beforehand. While I can see the logic in this – you won’t have to deal with bureaucracy as much in Tanzania – you may actually have to pay more when applying for a visa ahead of time. By all means, get the visa in your home country and risk paying more but I’d rather save a buck and wait in line a bit longer.

For more information, refer to the official visa website for Tanzania here .

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How to Travel in Tanzania

The best way to get around Tanzania is by the local bus system. Between the large intercity buses and the ubiquitous minibusses (referred to as dala-dalas in Tanzania), you can get just about anywhere in Tanzania.

Getting around the urban centers of Tanzania can be a somewhat harrowing experience depending on your constitution. Roads are in poor condition, sidewalks disappear without warning, and motorists are generally reckless.

You’ll have to have the courage to navigate the city streets in Tanzania, or you can just do what I do and head straight to the beach!

The most common form of public transit is the dala-dala , which costs next to nothing to ride and is usually jam-packed. Be aware of your belongings and where you’re going on these.

There are lots of taxis and rickshaws that ply the streets of Tanzania as well. Be sure to negotiate prices prior to entering one and be sure that they’re legit – people sometimes get mugged while riding unmarked taxis.

Driving between cities is a matter of catching another dala-dala , one that travels longer distances, or a larger mainliner.

The intercity mainliners are definitely more comfortable than the clown car minibusses but don’t expect too much luxury. Breakdowns occur all the time and often the AC and/or recliners don’t work either.

Hitchhiking in Tanzania should be a relatively straightforward task since many African people use it as a common mode of transport. Just be sure to follow all of the usual rules of hitchhiking and to be aware of your surroundings.

A special note on hitchhiking in Tanzania: instead of using your thumb, wave your hand with the palm up to indicate that you need a ride; having your palm face down means you want to pay.

Onwards Travel from Tanzania

Whilst most travelers choose to pair their trip to Tanzania with a backpacking adventure to South Africa , why not explore the countries nearby? Tanzania shares a border with 7 other nations and all of the borders are open to tourist crossings. Buses ply these routes very often and, regardless of the usual border town craziness, will get you safely to your onwards destination. You can be backpacking in Kenya, Zambia, Burundi, or whichever you please in no time! If you’re going to Nairobi, you’ll want to book your accommodation ahead of time – the city is a bit hectic and wandering around looking for a place to stay wouldn’t be much fun.

Most Tanzanian buses bound for a bordering country will start in Dar es Salaam, so you should have no trouble finding the right one. If you’re in a major satellite city like Arusha, Mwanza or Mbeya, you are usually close enough to a border and shouldn’t have trouble finding a bus going over it either.

Backpacking Mozambique is another popular route for travelers but note that the border between Mozambique and Tanzania is a bit rough since it requires crossing of the mighty Zambezi River. Crossing this border at one of the two major checkpoints is certainly possible but just keep in mind that it’ll be an all-day affair.

Below is a graph outlining all of the major border crossings in Tanzania.

Volunteering in Tanzania

Volunteering overseas is a great way to experience a culture whilst doing some good in the world. There are lots of different volunteer projects in Tanzania which you can join ranging from teaching, to animal care, to agriculture to pretty much anything!

Tanzania is a developing country that benefits greatly from volunteer contributions. English teachers are in high demand, and there are loads of opportunities in childcare. Whether you choose social work or contribute your skills in manual labour, you’ll get to connect with local communities and have a lasting impact on your surroundings. Volunteering for 90 days or less will require you to get a visa on arrival, whereas long-term travelers should apply for a Residence Permit ‘C’.

Worldpackers

If you want to find volunteering opportunities in Tanzania, then we recommend that you Signup for Worldpackers –  a volunteer platform that connects local hosts directly with traveling volunteers. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10 when you sign up. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers are usually very well-managed and reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering, do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children.

Alternatively, Workaway is another excellent common platform used by travellers searching for volunteering opportunities. Workaway is pretty massive, with over 40,000 hosts registered (that’s 40,000 opportunities) and over 350,000 reviews on the site. With a database base that big, odds are you’ll be able to find something that strikes your fancy. You can  read our review of Workaway  for more info on using this terrific platform.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers and platforms like Workaway are usually very well-managed. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children.

Global Work and Travel

Global Work and Travel is another viable option for finding volunteer opportunities in Tanzania. What sets Global Work and Travel apart from other volunteering platforms is the amount of assistance they give, from a 24/7 global help-line, help with VISA processing to airport transfers and continued support once you are in Tanzania. It may be a smaller platform, but the projects you’ll find are high quality and immaculately organised. There are new programs and opportunities listed constantly as Global Work and Travel continues to grow its reach.

For those interested in volunteer work in Tanzania, Global Work and Travel offer community outreach projects in Arusha and Zanzibar Island where you’ll be working with children or promoting women’s empowerment. As with all volunteer abroad programs, there’s a cost, but you’ll be able to pay it off in interest-free instalments. Don’t forget to bring your camera and make sure you are between the ages of 18-85 to qualify!

Staying Connected in Tanzania

Internet access and connections are more commonly found in the major urban areas of Tanzania, like Dar es Salaam and Arusha, and are fairly reliable. You can often find internet connection at your lodge or at a local cafe that will give you the password if you buy something.

Internet becomes dodgy out in the African wilderness. You can expect to find little to no internet while on safari or while staying on a remote island. Probably a good thing, as unplugging sometimes can be hugely refreshing. In my experience, when there was internet in remote places it was extremely slow, and only efficient for simple tasks like texting, not for loading web pages, streaming or downloading.

Those who need to stay connected more regularly while backpacking through Tanzania should consider buying a local SIM card and getting a data plan. Like WiFi, data will be strongest in the more developed parts of the country.

Several local telecommunications companies offer special tourist packages that have a lot of data for a low price.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

What to Eat in Tanzania

The origin stories of Tanzanian cooking are as rich as the ingredients themselves! Taking inspiration from the various cultures that have passed in and out of the nation’s ports and history, Tanzanian food is varied, full of flair, and at the end of the day, very tasty.

Arab traders had a huge influence on Tanzanian cooking, thanks to the many exotic ingredients that they brought with them. The spicy meat and rice dishes that prevail in contemporary Tanzanian cooking are thanks to these traders.

The various colonial powers left their mark as well. The Portuguese introduced cashews and cassava, the British popularized tea and boiled vegetables, and the Germans cultivated coffee plantations.

The result of all of these mingling culinary styles is a form of cooking that will certainly make you smack your lips. Below is a list of the best Tanzanian foods to try.

• Ugali  –   cornmeal w/ sauce
• Ndizi Nyama   –   fried banana w/ meat or beans
• Nyama Choma  –   grilled meat
• Pilau –  spiced rice
• Wali Wa Nazi   –  coconut rice
• Ndizi Kaanga –   fried plantains/bananas
• Mshikaki –   marinated meats
• Chipsi Mayai –   eggs w/ fried potatoes
• Chapati –   flatbread
• Mandazi –   fried bread flavored w/ coconut

Tanzanian Culture

The first thing that you need to know is that “Tanzanian” is a pretty board term. There are over 120 ethnic groups currently inhabiting this country and each has their own social dynamics.

Throw in some European customs, which were introduced during colonization, and you have a very complex system of civics. To say that all Tanzanians fall into a neat little category would be an injustice.

Generally speaking, the coastline is dominated by Swahili culture, which is predominantly Muslim. Swahili people are often religious or not semi-practicing, so you should be aware of all the proper behaviors when it comes to Islam.

Swahili people are the most cosmopolitan in the country and are exposed to foreigners quite often – they’ll understand if you don’t know everything about their beliefs.

The deeper you travel into Tanzania, the more varied and traditional the cultures become. You’ll encounter Arusha people, Iraqw people, Maasai and probably a lot (a whole lot) more once you arrive in the heartland.

It is very important to not lump all of these cultures into one because a) it’s presumptuous and b) it could get you in trouble as not every ethnic group is friendly with the other.

The Maasai are one of the most well-known tribal groups and Africa. They are a very fascinating people, as refined and enlightened as they are raw. They practice several traditions that are meant to enrich the mind, soul, and body and are accomplished healers. Meeting a Maasai in his/her natural habitat would be a very positive experience.

There are so many different people in Tanzania that it could require a whole post to explain their cultures and traditions.

I could talk more about some general traits of each, like how the Meru are accomplished agriculturists or how the Baraig are excellent metallurgists, but these would be great understatements. To understand the cultures of Tanzania, you’ll just have to visit.

Language in Tanzania

Swahili is the official language of Tanzania and is spoken/understood by the grand majority of the population.

That being said, Tanzania has over 100 different languages that are recognized by the government and most Tanzanians can speak at the very least 3 different languages. Among these is English, which is a remnant of colonial times when Tanzania was a vassal of the British Empire.

Swahili is primarily a Bantu language that can be traced back hundreds of years. It was heavily influenced by the Arabic language due in part to the large amount of traders visiting Tanzania from the Arabian Peninsula.

When the European powers first arrived, they sought to standardize Swahili as a means to improve trade and communication. Upon successful implementation of standardized Swahili, it quickly became the de facto language of Tanzania, Kenya, (now) Rwanda, and the DRC.

Fun fact: the local dialect from Zanzibar was at the time chosen to be the model for a standardized Swahili.

Aside from Swahili, English is widely spoken by those in business and tourism. If you stick to the general Tanzania backpacking route, you shouldn’t have a problem communicating with the locals.

Some Useful Phrases for Traveling in Tanzania

If you do find yourself in a situation where no one speaks English, it would definitely pay to know a Swahili word or two. For your benefit, I’ve created a list of 10 useful Swahili travel phrases for backpackers traveling to Tanzania.

• Hello –  jambo
• How are you? –  habari gani
• See you later –  tutaonana
• Nice to meet you –  nafurahi kukuona
• Yes/No –  ndiyo/hapana
• Thank you –  asante
• No plastic bag –  Hakuna mfuko wa plastiki
• No plastic cutlery please –  Hakuna plastiki cutlery tafadhali
• Please –  tafadhali
• Excuse me –  samahani
• Can I take a picture –  naomba kupiga picha
• Where is…? –  ni wapi…?

Books to Read on a Trip to Tanzania

These are some of my favorite travel reads and books set in Tanzania, which you should consider picking up before you begin your backpacking adventure…

• The Book of Secrets –  A retired school teacher comes into possession of a mysterious diary and becomes entangled in its history. Written by M.G. Vassanji, a Canadian author who was raised in Tanzania who is among the most respected writers of the country.
• Green Hills of Africa – Hemmingway’s memoirs of his safaris in the Serengeti.
• The Snows of Kilimanjaro and Other Stories – The Snows of Kilimanjaro is widely regarded as Ernest Hemingway’s greatest short fiction. This anthology contains several other short stories.
• The Tree Where Man was Born – One of the finest travel novels ever written about East Africa. Truthful and revealing accounts of the bushman and ecosystems of Tanzania, as observed by Peter Matthiessen.
• By the Sea – Two Tanzanians, one a refugee and the other a professor, who reside in London meet on the streets and reignite an age-old feud. Written by the fantastic Abdulrazak Gurnah.

Brief History of Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the great crossroads of the African continent. Many different cultures and ethnic groups have visited Tanzania over the years in search of better game, trade, resources, and treasures. The Romans, Persians, Germans, and an uncountable number of Africa nomads have all visited Tanzania.

For several hundred years, Arabs regularly visited the Tanzanian coast for trade purposes and eventually established their own outposts. Their presence would have a huge influence on Africans. The local tribes came to adopt Islam as their religion and began speaking a form of Bantu heavily influenced by Arabic; this is the origins of the Swahili language.

The first Europeans, specifically Vasco de Gama and the Portuguese, arrived in Tanzania in the 16th century. The Portuguese were initially complacent in the region but soon became aggressive and started taking the land. For most the century, they controlled the East African coastline until the Arab powers retaliated. The Portuguese were expelled in the 17th century by the Arab Sultans.

In the 19th century, the British and German powers lead expeditions to Tanzania. The two countries began to contest over Tanzania, which eventually lead to the partition of the country into two parts.

The continental landmass became German – and was later called Tanganyika – and Zanzibar became English. Both quickly developed the land and began to build infrastructure, much of which still exists today.

The Tanzanians would not go quietly. For the duration of the European occupation, there were many revolts and proxy wars. The Germans were successful in squashing the uprisings but stretched thin. They remained in Tanzania until the Empire collapsed following World War I. Afterwards, the English took control of the greater landmass.

It wasn’t until the 1950s that the modern state of Tanzania became a plausible reality. Following much political movement, the Tanzanians, lead by Julius Nyerere, took control of the government via democratic methods in 1957. Zanzibar was reunited with Tanganyika and Tanzania was born.

Unmissable Adventures in Tanzania

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Safari Parks in Tanzania

There are a lot of places to go on a safari in Tanzania; a lot. Choosing which one can be a daunting task. You’re about to drop big bucks on one of these trips so it had better be what you want.

For your convenience, I’ve created a list of the best areas to go on a safari in Tanzania. Besides being full of wildlife, they’re among the most beautiful places in Tanzania as well.

• Serengeti – Absolutely massive park that would need weeks to explore. One of the busiest safari parks in the country, in terms of both wildlife and human spectators. Can be expensive and crowded. Best known for the Great Migration.
• Ngorongoro Crater – Perhaps the most epic place to go on a safari. Lots of big game inside an astounding natural amphitheater, where animals live year-round due to fertile soil and reliable water sources.
• Ruaha – Equal to the Serengeti in biological diversity but far fewer tourists. Hotter and drier than Serengeti.
• Lake Manyara – Smaller safari area that is often combined with Serengeti or Ngorongoro. Impressive in itself.
• Mahale Mountains – Arguably the most important sanctuary in the world for chimpanzees. Very off the beaten path so not many people visit here.
• Mikumi and Udzungwa – A small but dense series of parks that has a lot of threatened wildlife.
• Katavi – A very remote safari park that has excellent wildlife.
• Tarangire – A smaller park that hosts decent game given the right conditions.
• Selous – One of the largest safari parks in Africa. Requires a guide, 4×4, and plenty of time.

Climbing Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is one of the greatest achievements that many could accomplish in their lifetime. It is an epically imposing mountain – a monolithic figure that casts a shadow on landscapes and aspirations alike – and a beautiful one too.

Should you decide to summit this peak, your time will have been very well spent regardless if you reach the top or not.

Kilimanjaro is best attempted in the dry months between June and October and sometimes in January and February if it has been dry.

Climbing time is an average between 4 and 7 days. Don’t be fooled by the steamy jungles around Kili as well – it’s frigid cold, even glaciated, at the summit, though not for long .

There are several routes that lead to the top of Kilimanjaro and each offers a different experience. The most popular route to the top is the Marangu because it’s relatively quick (3-4 days) and cheap.

This route also has one of the lowest success rates because people often have trouble acclimating (but that’s what happens when you rush a 6000m peak).

The other routes to the summit of Kili include Machame, Rongai, Mweka, Umbwe , and Shira . Machame is gaining popularity because people succeed in greater numbers.

If you want to climb Kilimanjaro, you’ll have to reach out to a local climbing company. Expeditions can be arranged in Arusha or online, and a good price is around $1000-$2000 depending on how many days the climb takes.

Final Advice Before Visiting Tanzania

Try and book locally to save cash – foreign companies are often way more expensive. Also, try not to go too cheap – you’ll be taking money away from local porters/guides who need deserve your support and you’ll be putting your own life in danger as many safety expenditures are done away with.

There are a ton of good times to be had while backpacking in Tanzania but everyone, myself included, can get carried away sometimes. It is important to keep in mind that you are an ambassador for your country, which is awesome.

We can make a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of any ugly stereotypes that may be associated with your country.

If you visit villages or small communities outside of the Tanzanian cities always ask before taking photos, especially when it comes to taking photos of women (you should ask in the cities as well).

The people who live in these villages are not exhibits in a museum. They are normal folks just living their lives. Always show them the complete respect that they deserve.

When buying local crafts or knick-knacks, do not haggle so low that the price is unfair to the person who spent countless hours crafting it. Pay people what they are worth and contribute to the local economies as much as possible.

Backpacking through Tanzania, or any region for that matter, often illuminates some of the great socio-economic inequalities of the world. Never take it for granted that you are healthy and financially able to go traveling.

Show the world around you some gratitude and help to make a positive impact on it. Most of all have the time of your life and spread the love in Tanzania!

• Backpacking Kenya
• Responsible Travel
• Backpacking Mozambique
• Choosing the BEST Travel Backpack

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Wow this is well articulated and written, providing all the information, about Tanzania as a destination, thanks.

This is such a fantastic read!

We recently got back from a safari in Tanzania and we couldn’t have enjoyed it more!

You make a really good point about the park you go to. It doesn’t have to be the most famous. You can still get a wonderful experience in one of the lesser known ones!

We also booked our safari direct with the guide, which also would’ve cut out some costs for having to go through a larger company!

Thanks for all your info!

Great information. However, safari in Tanzania is not suitable at all for a broke backpacker. Very expensive indeed.

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

Yes we agree that Safari’s in Tanzania are expensive. We have pointed this out in the post and are not trying to mislead anybody.

This is quite informative Ralph. I love the details of it including the border experiences. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks for all the great information! I’m super excited for my trip to Tanzania but I am a bit concerned about the cost for a Serengeti safari. Most blogs and forums I’ve read suggest booking a safari tour online in advance, but the prices I’ve seen online are fairly steep (600 to 800USD). In other places I’ve traveled (primarily South America) I have always found it is much cheaper to book upon arrival. What would you suggest for the Serengeti? Should I book in Arusha, or through a site like safaribookings.com? Thanks!

Hey Kelly! I agree that it’s always cheaper to book safaris upon arrival than ahead of time. Arusha would be a good place to do this. You might want to book accommodation ahead of time though if you plan on doing any independent safaris – lodges do fill up fast at the parks.

I really like what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and reporting! Keep up the good works guys I’ve you guys to blogroll.

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Backpackers Guide to Zanzibar

Backpackers guide to zanzibar when travelling on a shoestring  budget, flights and ferries to zanzibar.

You only have two options to get to Zanzibar from mainland, flight or ferry. Flights  to Zanzibar start at $60 one way, and while a company like Precision Air might be tempting with the lower prices, they do not have the best reputation with regards to punctuality or reliability.

For 80 USD per person, you are best advised to book with Coastal Aviation. Zan Air flight from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar could be found from 40 USD. However, the ferry is obviously cheaper with $35 one way economy class and 40 USD for first class.

There is a cheaper night ferry to Zanzibar, but it can be difficult to get on that one as a non-resident plus you are spending the entire night on a boat (as opposed to the two-hour crossing during day-time). Read more about air travel in Tanzania to see all Tanzanian airlines and small aircrafts flying to Zanzibar.

Getting Around Zanzibar on Low Budget

If you arrive by ferry and base yourself in  Stone town for the first night, you do not need a taxi or transfer – just exit the ferry building and turn right, ignoring all the taxi drivers and papasi (touts) and you are at Forodhani Gardens next to the old city centre of Stone Town.

You can walk to almost any accommodation within Stone town – just be patient as you will get a lot of papasi (touts) offering their help or trying to tag on to you, and you will get lost in the maze of alleys. You can offer a local a tip of 1,000 TSH to help you with the shortcuts through the city centre, but you can also just ask shop owners for your accommodation of choice.

From Zanzibar airport, you will need to get out of the airport to your right, the bus station is only about 300m away from terminal. Local transport takes you to the Stone Town centre for 300-500 TSH the cars usually have U/Ndege as their sign and they will drop you near Darajani Market from where you can enter the old town in search for your budget accommodation.

Read also: Cheap Taxi on Zanzibar Guide to Public Transport in Tanzania

Getting Away from  Stone Town

If you are true backpacker on Zanzibar, then you will probably go for public transport. Public transport  on Zanzibar is pretty easy although it comes with the typical African chaos. There are dala dala (converted pick up trucks with benches which fit up to 22 people) or convoys (buses).

Every  mode of public transport has two people working together: the conductor (konda) is the person you should do all the talking to – the driver only drives, any other person is just meddling in and might not always help you. You recognise the conductor as they are supposed to wear blue/yellow shirts.

The buses to the North (Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe, Kiwengwa) leave near Darajani Market. For the South (Kizimkazi, Jambiani, Paje, Bwejuu, Michamvi), they sometimes start at Darajani, but you might have to walk towards the East German Heritage apartments blocks around the corner to the right or take a bus with the sign M/KWEREKWE (not more than 500 TSH) where all the buses/daladalas to the South East coast leave.

BEWARE of the touts again: there is always someone who pretends to help by showing you the right bus and then asking the fare beforehand, usually asking double the price or more to make their share.

Contrary to what they will tell you, you do NOT pay before boarding the bus, and you should only pay to the conductor when you are already close to your destination. Prices are not higher than 2,000 TSH per person one way.

Sometimes they ask you to pay for your bags, but you shouldn’t pay more than 1,000 TSH per bag. If there is two of you, negotiate (directly with the conductor!!) 5,000 TSH for both of you plus bags, it is a fair price.

Backpacker Budget Friendly  Sleeping Options on Zanzibar

True backpacking options on Zanzibar are limited, unfortunately. The reason that accommodation prices are higher in Zanzibar is due to two factors – Zanzibar is an island, so a lot of materials and goods have to be imported, and the government is pursuing policies aimed at the high-end market (completely wrong in our opinion as Zanzibar has a lot to offer for every pocket).

For example, the bed night tax that accommodation establishments have to pay to the government is a minimum of 9 USD per person per night, and that is before they have paid for the workers, the breakfast or the maintenance cost.

As a result, it takes a bit of work to find the real cheap stuff, and if you pay anything less than 15 USD per person per night, you can be sure that the accommodation is dodging the taxes. It is up to your morals whether you want to support or avoid this kind of behaviour.

How to Find Cheap Places to Sleep on Zanzibar?

You can sleep for free, at least in  Stone Town, if you sign up with Couchsurfing.com – it is a great way to meet locals and expats and get insider tips. There are a few Couchsurf hosts in Stone Town, unfortunately less people offering a couch or bed on the beaches – in that case try Airbnb.com, and you will find a couple of decent budget options.

To save some more if booking a room on Zanzibar on Airbnb , register here and get free 35 USD discount on first booking .  

A quick google search will give you some ideas about what places in Zanzibar are backpacker-friendly, and in every village, there are budget places for the shoestring traveller. With a bit of pre-arrival research and leg-work, you can find some cheap stays  on Zanzibar in every village. General tips to get the most out of it:

•  Find Facebook groups (such as Karibu Zanzibar, Backpacking in Zanzibar,  Zanzibar Residents, etc) and post your query or message there, you are bound to get some tips for the region you are looking at
• If you just walk in to places, you can usually negotiate the prices down. The level of negotiation depends on the time of the year and the place itself. If you are going into a mid-market hotel, starting with half the price as an offer is not always warmly greeted but acceptable as long as you are prepared to meet somewhere in the middle. The higher the price, the more aggressive you can be with your negotiation, but also accept that every hotel or guesthouse has its limitation.

• Anything within 20-40% discount should be possible . If you are in a budget place, prices are already tight, so don’t expect more than 10-20% discount.
• During Christmas and New Year, you cannot negotiate, and don’t try your luck too much as it is peak season and without a pre-arrival booking during that time, you can end up without accommodation or paying premium prices. In fact, everything gets crazy during those ten days because EVERYONE visit Zanzibar during that time.
• The complete opposite is true in May ( low season on Zanzibar ) – you will be able to negotiate prices down 50-60% as hotels and guesthouse are happy about any guests during that month (and it is actually a nice time to be in Zanzibar for budget travelling as the rainy season is not that bad as everyone likes to make it out, that applies more to the mainland Tanzania and the safari parks). You can negotiate further with some details if you don’t want breakfast or not bothered about some of the perks offered.
• The further away from the beach, the cheaper the prices – don’t be afraid to go into the second row, and even if you are away from the beach, there is no accommodation in Zanzibar further away than 1km from the beach.

Guide to Zanzibar Beaches

Eating and Dining on Zanzibar on a Low  Budget

One thing for sure, you won’t starve in Zanzibar! And if you eat like the locals, you can save a few bucks while backpacking on Zanzibar.

In Stone Town, the choice of restaurants is endless, but many of the tourist establishments carry the tourist price. Especially Forodhani Market in the evening is great for its atmosphere and selection of food, but it is overpriced. Only a Zanzibar pizza with a sugar cane juice has a decent price, and you should try that one.

Another great spot for lots of yummy local Zanzibari cuisine at low prices is the very popular Lukman near the Slave Market – for 5,000 TSH or less you can fill your tummy with great dishes and fresh juices.

All through Stone Town, you find small kiosks selling chapatti, French fries, mandazi and other local snacks for little money. Don’t be afraid to look into the side streets – it is usually the small places tucked away in a corner or a side street where you will discover yummy local food at local prices.

Same applies in the villages along the beach: walk through the village and you will find locals selling home-made food in small vitrines. The easiest way to find out the best local restaurant is to ask the employees in your guesthouse where they go for food.

Most will be happy to share their insider tip. In Jambiani, for example, ask for Haji Muha – the small local restaurant makes the best Pilau rice for lunch, and for 3,000 TSH you get a nice plate and a glass of avocado-passionfruit juice.

Local food that you should try during your stay in Zanzibar includes :

• Urojo (soup with potato balls),
• chipsi mayai (Omelette with French fries),
• pilau (spiced rice),
• cow soup (popular breakfast for locals),
• mishkaki (French fries with a small kebab of beef or chicken)

Activities On Zanzibar for Backpackers

Trips and tours  on Zanzibar are cheapest if you do them by yourself. For example, you can get a guide in town to take you to Prison Island – but you can also go to the captain of one of the many boats and negotiate the rate directly (approx 50,000 TSH).

For the dolphin tours on Zanzibar  it is the same – go to Kizimkazi  village  for dolphin tour and talk to the boat owners or captains yourself (approx 60,000 TSH per boat for dolphins)

Snorkeling at Mnemba Island is best done from Matemwe village , Blue Lagoon snorkelling is near Michamvi and the famous The Rock restaurant. Anywhere along the East coast, you can also do snorkelling with a fisher boat so find them on any beach and negotiate a nice fee directly with them (for 15,000-20,000 TSH per person you will find someone on the beach to take you out on the sea, a bit more for Blue Lagoon).

Trip to Jozani Forest can be done by public transport but then you might need to plan most of the day.

If you don’t want to do it all yourself, you can get someone else to do the tours for you. The tour operators and hotel-affiliated tour guides tend to be pricier, so the cheaper option is to go with one of the beach boys or papasi in town.

They tend to offer better prices, fully aware of the prices in hotels and guesthouses, but when you deal with them directly, make sure that you agree on what is included beforehand to avoid any negative surprises (if someone in Paje offers to take three of you to Jozani Forest for only $30, that is probably only the taxi but nothing else included).

Also, NEVER give any money beforehand – they can ask you for money at the beginning of the trip to pay as you go along, but there is hardly any reason to take any deposit.

Free Internet on Zanzibar and Free Swimming Pools

Most places now have Internet on Zanzibar, but not always the backpacker places. However, since every hotel has caught on to the Internet addiction of travellers, there is usually free Wifi available everywhere as long as you consume something.

Even a soda or water is enough if you need half an hour free Internet. Amazingly, considering that everything else seems to be more expensive in Zanzibar, there are free hotspots in Stone Town, at least in the Forodhani Garden, Mercurys bar, Travellers Cafe, Tatu Bar. . (tip: check where all the locals are sitting and staring at their smartphones).

If you are backpacking on the East coast of Zanzibar and happen to be around when the low tide falls right into the middle of the day, no panic. There are a couple of hotels that are happy for you to use the pool for free as long as you drink or eat something. Just ask, that is for free anytime.

Additional Tips on Low Budget Travel on Zanzibar

A few last things regarding prices in Zanzibar and to make sure that it is budget traveling all the way with a nice experience:

• The more you are traveling together around Zanzibar, the more you can negotiate a better price, be it tours or accommodation
• Ask the locals, but not those in the hotel or on the beach . Buy fruits on the road, let them practice their limited English, ask them what they enjoy (and not what they think the tourists enjoy) – the more friends you make, the more options you have!
• Use as much local currency as possible – locals sell at Dollar and Euro prices, but the exchange rates always changes, so you will save a few cents every time you pay with local money
• There are no ATMs on the  Zanzibar coast and only very few hotels do cash back – plan your money when leaving Stone Town and make sure you have enough without having to go back into town
• Be fair – all the prices above are fair prices (as of end of 2015) that benefit you and the local. Don’t forget that Zanzibar is still a developing country and everyone needs to survive – if you try to push it so much that they only make 5,000 TSH = profit, it won’t be enough to feed the family, and after all, you might be travelling on a budget, but you are not poor (you were able to come on this trip in the first place, so don’t pretend that you have no money at all)

Written by: Sine Heitmann   – Expat in Zanzibar for 5 years. Married to Zanzibari, mom to little daughter. Living and working on the South East Coast of Zanzibar, finds it fab.

Follow African Adventures on  Instagram  or  Facebook  

About the Author: Safari Junkie

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25 comments.

Great review!! Just a question: is it still worth to visit Zanzibar in March/April/May to enjoy a bit of sun and sunbathing on beach? Thank you so much for this review. I appreciate any kond of feedback! Tomas

Hello Tomas, i think March is the rainiest season on Zanzibar, but later on its ok. Lets see what Sine says! I have only been to Zanzibar in summer and winter months so i cant say a lot. Nina

Hey In my opinion, any time of the year is good for Zanzibar. You have the main rains any time between March and May, but usually the rain comes early morning and disappears by lunchtime. There is only about one or two days where the rain doesn’t stop. Also, the North and the West coast always get much more rain than the East coast. Bring a good book for the rainy day, but do come during that time – it is beautiful! Sine

Hello Sine,

I appreciate your feedback, thank you!! Flight tickets booked and I can hardly wait to spend time with my Gfriend on Zanzibar from February 27th till March 13th…

Hi Sine Thank you for your guide. It’s fantastic information and I can’t wait to get to Zanzibar in Feb!

Does anyone know about camping options? I hear it’s forbidden in public areas, but private areas are OK. Does anyone know the true legal information regarding camping?

Great article! I love reading about less-traveled destinations and what it is like to travel there.

Another fantastic detailed guide. I have pointed some young cousins your way this time!

Thanks Katie! hope they find it useful:)

This is a really useful guide. I particularly like the way you include budget options and encourage readers to use public transport.

You can always find budget options on Zanzibar of course with some compromises.

Great guide, lots of useful information in it, I am pinning it for later – this is exactly the kind of information as I am looking for when I travel 🙂 I definitely wouldn´t mind visiting in a rainy season, it is rarely so bad as people think…

Rainy season on Zanzibar is not at all something terrible. A bit of rain, more showers and then sunny again, except in March and maybe April sometimes..

I’ve always wanted to visit Zanzibar but for some reason never made it there. It looks idyllic. I didn’t know Zanzibar was such a popular spot for budget travellers! There’s lots of useful information here.

It is idyllic once you come to the beach side:)

Hi everyone!

Im so glad I found this page with alot of good tips!

From what I can read, I understand that when it’s the rain seasons in doesn’t rain all the time? I’m planning to go in the beginning of November cuz that’s when I got off from work. So my question is to you all experience guys if it rains all the time in November?has anyone been there in November? I got not problem with some rain during the day as long as it doesn’t rain all the time:)

Would be so greatful for respond:)

Peace, Emelie

November is ok, i have been there almost in all months except from March to June and if it rains its a shower 20 minutes then its so hot you will forget within 20 minutes it actually rained. No worries about the weather on Zanzibar in November!

Thank you soooooo much for this post…Planning on visiting before end of year and this just made my planning easier.

Will definitely post queries here if any…

Thanks heaps.

Regards, Wangechi

Hi, Do you guys organize the whole trip? Ive heard of a backpacking/ camping tour in zanzibar while canoeing. Do you guys know about stuff like this in zanzibar? Regards Marnus

hi Marnus, I am not familiar with any canoeing tour on Zanzibar.

Thanks a lot Sine,now high chances I will go to Zanzibar along with some friends(15) in December.

Hi, tks for the information! I heard about a slow ferry at 12h departing from Dar, that takes 4hs. Do you think is ok or the conditions are veeeery bad? It cost 20usd! Tks

Hi, I have no idea, I usually use Kilimanjaro ferry.

This is, by a mile, the best article for advice on Zanzibar I have come across. I have searched and searched for hours but YOU give actual detailed advice – not just the “useless” – “you can get a dala dala everywhere, they’re very cheap”.

Now I know exactly where the main terminal is in Stone Town, and where the other terminal is for the south east.And much more useful information as well.

My Ugandan girlfriend and I will be there in Jan/Feb. Any other tips we find useful, we’ll pass on.

Thank you, thank you, for your excellent information

Hi Richard, thanks for reading the blog and am pleased you found information helpful which is the purpose of this website:) Hope you enjoy the Zanzibar!

Comments are closed.

• Travel Planning Guide

Travel Budget for Zanzibar Visit Zanzibar on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Zanzibar Costs

• Zanzibar Hotel Prices
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Zanzibar
• Best Luxury Hotels in Zanzibar
• Best Beach Hotels in Zanzibar
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Zanzibar
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• Is Zanzibar Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Zanzibar cost?
• Tanzania Costs
• Serengeti National Park
• Dar es Salaam
• How much does it cost to travel to Zanzibar? (Average Daily Cost)
• Zanzibar trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

Is Zanzibar expensive to visit?

• How much do I need for a trip to Zanzibar?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Zanzibar?

You should plan to spend around $52 (TZS132,825) per day on your vacation in Zanzibar. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $17 (TZS42,860) on meals
• $11 (TZS29,202) on local transportation
• $49 (TZS126,419) on hotels

A one week trip to Zanzibar for two people costs, on average, $723 (TZS1,859,549) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 52 TZS 132,825
• One Week Per person $ 362 TZS 929,775
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 723 TZS 1,859,549
• One Month Per person $ 1,550 TZS 3,984,749
• One Week For a couple $ 723 TZS 1,859,549
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 1,447 TZS 3,719,099
• One Month For a couple $ 3,100 TZS 7,969,497

Are You an Experienced Traveler?

Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. Click here: let's do it!

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Zanzibar cost?

A one week trip to Zanzibar usually costs around $362 (TZS929,775) for one person and $723 (TZS1,859,549) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Zanzibar on average costs around $723 (TZS1,859,549) for one person and $1,447 (TZS3,719,099) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Zanzibar will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Zanzibar on average costs around $1,550 (TZS3,984,749) for one person and $3,100 (TZS7,969,497) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to Zanzibar has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Zanzibar is a reasonably affordable place to visit. Located in Tanzania, which is a moderately priced country, visitors will appreciate the relatively low cost of this destination. It is in the top 10% of cities in the country for its affordability . If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.

Within Africa, Zanzibar is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Africa for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Dahab, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Dar es Salaam.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Zanzibar Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Zanzibar?

The average Zanzibar trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Zanzibar travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Zanzibar

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Zanzibar is $25 (TZS63,210). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Zanzibar is $49 (TZS126,419). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 25 TZS 63,210
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 49 TZS 126,419

Hotel Prices in Zanzibar

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Zanzibar based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $63. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Emerson Spice Hotel Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 126
• Tikitam Palms hotel Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 171

Transportation Budget in Zanzibar

The cost of a taxi ride in Zanzibar is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $11 (TZS29,202) per person, per day, on local transportation in Zanzibar.

• Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 11 TZS 29,202

Recommended Services

• Airport /Hotel Transfers Viator $ 25
• Airport transfer to Nugwi, Paje and Kiwengwa Hotels Viator $ 45

Flights to Zanzibar

Rental cars in zanzibar, food budget in zanzibar.

While meal prices in Zanzibar can vary, the average cost of food in Zanzibar is $17 (TZS42,860) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Zanzibar should cost around $6.67 (TZS17,144) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Zanzibar is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 17 TZS 42,860

Recommended

• Full-Day Private Tour in Zanzibar with Cooking Class Viator $ 150
• Cooking Class Tour Viator $ 77

Entertainment Budget in Zanzibar

Entertainment and activities in Zanzibar typically cost an average of $13 (TZS33,159) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 13 TZS 33,159

Recommended Activities

• Zanzibar Stone Town Historical City Tour Viator $ 20
• Stonetown Private Half-day Walking Tour Viator $ 35

Tips and Handouts Budget in Zanzibar

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Zanzibar is $3.45 (TZS8,869) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Zanzibar is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 3.45 TZS 8,869

Alcohol Budget in Zanzibar

The average person spends about $6.91 (TZS17,770) on alcoholic beverages in Zanzibar per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 6.91 TZS 17,770
• Zanzibar: Pub Crawl & Club Experience Get Your Guide $ 30

Water Budget in Zanzibar

On average, people spend $0.81 (TZS2,084) on bottled water in Zanzibar per day. The public water in Zanzibar is not usually considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 0.81 TZS 2,084

Related Articles

Zanzibar on a budget.

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Travel blog

Budget Travel Hacks for Your Zanzibar Adventure

Published 19 February 2024

Flight Centre

If your wanderlust is yearning for the pristine beaches and rich culture of Zanzibar but your budget is raising an eyebrow, don’t worry – we’ve got just the solution to an affordable and memorable Zanzibar adventure.

We are passionate about creating the perfect tropical  escape and have come up with a list of the ultimate budget travel hacks for the Spice Islands.

In this blog

• Budgeting tips
• Getting around the island
• Things to do
• Choosing accomodation

1. Can You do Zanzibar on a Budget?

Absolutely! Zanzibar's allure isn't limited to luxury travellers. Venture beyond the tourist hotspots, and you'll find a world of budget-friendly gems. Opt for guesthouses in local neighbourhoods or cosy hostels that not only save you money but also immerse you in the vibrant local culture.

2. How Much does it Cost to go to Zanzibar?

Budgeting is the backbone of any successful trip. On average, plan for a daily expenditure of R 2500 - R 3000 per person, covering accommodation, food, drinks, airport to hotel transfers, and return flights. Indulge in the local cuisine at affordable eateries and consider a mix of self-catering and dining out to keep your wallet happy and your taste buds satisfied.

3. What is the Cheapest Month to go to Zanzibar?

Timing is your secret weapon. If you're looking to stretch your budget, aim for the low season, spanning mid-April to mid-June and mid-October to mid-December. During these periods, not only will you escape the tourist crowds, but you'll also enjoy discounted accommodations and activities.

4. How do You get Around Zanzibar Cheaply?

Navigating this tropical paradise without draining your funds is easier than you think . Embrace local transportation options like dala dalas, and shared minibuses connecting different parts of the island. Take leisurely strolls through compact areas to soak in the local atmosphere, or kick things up a notch by renting a scooter or bike. Bargain-savvy travellers can also negotiate taxi fares or turn to ride-sharing apps for a more economical ride.

5. Explore Local Markets and Street Food

One of the joys of travelling on a budget is indulging in local flavours without the hefty price tag. Zanzibar's markets are a treasure trove of spices, fresh produce, and handmade crafts. Dive into the vibrant chaos of Stone Town's Darajani Market, where you can haggle for spices to take a piece of Zanzibar home with you. Street food vendors offer budget-friendly bites—try Zanzibar pizza or a serving of mishkaki (grilled meat skewers).

6. Choose Your Accommodation Wisely

While Zanzibar boasts luxurious resorts, there's a plethora of budget-friendly accommodation options that don't compromise on comfort or charm. Explore local guesthouses, hostels, or budget hotels in areas like Paje, Nungwi, or Jambiani for a more authentic experience. Not only will you save money, but you'll also have the chance to connect with locals and fellow budget-conscious travellers.

7. Discover Free and Low-Cost Activities

Zanzibar's beauty extends beyond its beaches. Explore Stone Town's narrow alleys, adorned with historic architecture and intriguing tales. Visit Forodhani Gardens for a taste of local life, especially during the nightly street food market. For a budget-friendly day out, head to Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park to spot endemic red colobus monkeys and immerse yourself in the island's lush nature.

8. Embrace Water Activities on a Budget

Zanzibar's aquamarine waters beckon, and you don't need a full wallet to enjoy them. Snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll or Prison Island is a must, and many budget-friendly accommodations can help arrange affordable boat trips. If you're a water sports enthusiast, consider bargain-hunting for diving or kite-surfing deals, especially during the low season.

9. Scuba Diving Delights and Islands Beyond

For those seeking underwater adventures, Zanzibar offers fantastic scuba diving opportunities, with coral reefs teeming with marine life. Consider extending your exploration to nearby islands like Mafia Island and Pemba Island for a more secluded and budget-friendly escape.

10. Local Food Delights and Spice Tours

Indulge your taste buds in Zanzibar's culinary wonders on a shoestring. Sink your teeth into local dishes, explore spice markets and embark on a spice tour to discover the secrets behind Zanzibar's nickname as the "Spice Island."

11. Travel Smart: Tips for a Thrifty Adventure

Stretch your rand further with travel tips tailored for the budget-conscious explorer. From finding cheap flights to navigating local markets, these nuggets of wisdom will keep your expenses in check while maximising your Zanzibar experience.

12. Island Hopping and Boat Trips

Explore the gems scattered around Zanzibar with affordable day trips to Mnemba Island, Prison Island or even a venture to the serene Pemba Island. Embrace the beauty of the Indian Ocean without breaking the bank.

13. Solo Traveller's Paradise

Zanzibar warmly welcomes solo travellers. From budget-friendly dorm rooms to private tours tailored for the independent explorer, navigating this island solo is an enriching and cost-effective experience.

14. Super Tight Budget Survival Guide

For those on an exceptionally tight budget, fear not! Discover the secrets of making every cent count, from finding the cheapest accommodation to embracing local ways to save money without compromising on the Zanzibar experience.

15. Beyond Zanzibar: Exploring East Africa

Extend your adventure beyond Zanzibar by exploring the wonders of East Africa. From visiting Dar es Salaam to experiencing the rich culture of local villages, this region offers a myriad of budget-friendly opportunities.

16. Health and Safety: Travel Clinic and Insurance

Ensure a worry-free journey by considering travel insurance and visiting a travel clinic for any necessary vaccinations.

17. Zanzibar's Diverse Beaches: From Nungwi to the East Coast

Explore the diverse beaches of Zanzibar, from the bustling Nungwi Beach to the serene East Coast. Each stretch of white sand offers a unique experience for beach lovers on a budget.

A Complete Guide to the Best Zanzibar Dive Sites

CHECK IT OUT

18. Saving Money on Accommodation: Cheap Stays and Dorm Rooms

Discover the art of securing cheap accommodation without sacrificing comfort. From dorm rooms to budget-friendly guesthouses, find the perfect place to rest your head without emptying your wallet.

19. Zanzibar's Hidden Gems: Jozani Forest and Local Villages

Delve into the heart of Zanzibar by exploring hidden gems like Jozani Forest and local villages. Discover the rich biodiversity and cultural tapestry that makes Zanzibar a unique and budget-friendly destination.

20. Zanzibar's Culinary Scene: Cooking Classes and Local Restaurants

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Zanzibar by taking cooking classes and indulging in local restaurants. Experience the authentic flavours of the island on a without a high price tag.

21. Must-Do Activities on a Budget: Dolphin Tours and Spice Plantations

Embark on unforgettable budget-friendly activities, from dolphin tours to exploring spice plantations. Dive into the vibrant culture and natural wonders that make Zanzibar a must-visit destination.

22. From Stone Town to the Northern Beaches: A Budget Explorer's Guide

Traverse the enchanting streets of Stone Town and venture to the northern beaches , all while keeping your budget intact. Uncover the cultural riches and stunning landscapes of Zanzibar.

23. Safety Tips for Solo Female Travellers

For solo female travellers, Zanzibar is a welcoming destination. Navigate the island safely with insights tailored for solo female explorers, ensuring a secure and enriching experience.

24. Unique Experiences: The Rock Restaurant and Private Tours

Indulge in unique experiences like dining at The Rock Restaurant and embarking on private tours. Elevate your Zanzibar adventure with memorable moments that fit seamlessly into your budget.

25. Connectivity on a Budget: Local SIM Cards and International Flights

Stay connected without breaking the bank by acquiring a local SIM card. Ensure smooth international travel with flight deals and tips for by speaking to one of our travel experts who will source you the best deal for your pocket.

26. Coral Reefs and Marine Marvels: Diving into Zanzibar's Underwater World

Explore Zanzibar's mesmerising coral reefs and marine life on a budget. Uncover the beauty beneath the waves without splurging, making the most of your scuba diving adventures.

27. Low Tide Explorations and Whale Shark Encounters

Embrace the natural wonders of Zanzibar during low tide, offering unique opportunities for exploration. Encounter magnificent whale sharks, creating memories without straining your budget.

28. Budget-Friendly Excursions: Day Trips to Prison Island and Mnemba Island

Embark on budget-friendly day trips to iconic locations like Prison Island and Mnemba Island. Discover the historical and natural wonders of these destinations without breaking the bank.

29. Practical Tips for Budget Travellers: All Your Tips in One Place

Consolidate your budget travel knowledge with practical tips and tricks. From navigating night markets to savouring Zanzibar pizza, make the most of every moment on this budget-friendly adventure.

Zanzibar on a budget is not just a dream; it's a practical and exciting reality. With a bit of strategic planning, embracing local experiences, and being mindful of your spending, you can savour every moment of this East African paradise without breaking the bank.

Book your Zanzibar holiday package with Flight Centre today!

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• Budget Friendly Zanzibar Holidays

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By Vihann Van Wyk

Safari Travel Planner

Zanzibar can certainly be done on a budget, but you’ll need to pick your regions with care. Starting in Stone Town , you’ll find a range of affordable guesthouses offering basic double rooms and B&B .

Further afield, there are two main budget areas between Paje and Jambiani . 

Matemwe , northern Kiwengwa , Bewjuu , and Kizimkazi Mkunguni all have one or two good budget guesthouses, but the choices are more limited, and you may have to settle for something a bit back from the beach of Zanzibar.

Pemba and Mafia are not great budget destinations, although you’ll find some more affordable guesthouses in Chake Chake, Kilindoni, and Utende.

That said, to make the most of these and the other smaller islands in the archipelago, you’ll most likely need to spend a bit more.

Highlights of Budget Friendly Zanzibar Holidays

Happily, lying on the beach is always free, and snorkeling gear can be hired for a few dollars almost anywhere. Local dive trips start at $40 a person, and dhow excursions can be from $30 to $80 a trip, depending on where you go and how many are in the boat. 

If you’ve never dived before, Zanzibar is a superb place to start. Full PADI certification starts at around $500 a person, but for $100, you can try an introductory ‘Discover Scuba’ course which includes a pool dive, some theory, and a shallow sea dive to around 12m (39ft). 

Whatever you do, don’t leave Zanzibar without doing a spice tour . These can be arranged in Stone Town , with prices starting at around $30 a person.

Travel Tips for Budget Friendly Zanzibar Holidays

• If you’re planning to stay in Stone Town for a while, then book accommodation in advance for a few nights. This will give you somewhere to aim for when you arrive but won’t tie you down if it turns out to be less desirable. Once there, you can explore the old town on foot and move to a nicer spot if you need to. Don’t try this if you’re visiting in July, however, when Stone Town is packed for the Festival of the Dhow Countries.
• You can employ this same strategy in Nungwi , Paje, and Jambiani , where there are plenty of good budget options within walking distance along the beach. You’ll find huts and bungalows that don’t even take advance bookings and survive exclusively on walk-in guests. As with Stone Town in July, there’s always some risk, and along the northern and eastern coasts, it’s busiest from July to October. Jambiani is currently one of the quieter stretches of beach and a good place to start if you’re worried about availability.
• Be aware that the smaller, cheaper guesthouses almost always require cash, and there’s nowhere to draw money outside of Stone Town, Kiwengwa , and Chake Chake. Officially all accommodation must be paid for in US dollars, though Euros are increasingly accepted, and some budget hostels may take Tanzania shillings. The best option is to arrive with all your dollars in cash as you’ll get better rates than if you exchange on the islands. If you do need to change money (a few shillings can be useful for smaller purchases such as street food), then use a private bureau de change in Stone Town. The larger hotels often provide a FOREX service, but usually at much poorer rates.
• Expect to pay $10 to $15 for a dorm bed in Stone Town and $40 to $60 for a clean double room anywhere. Single rooms are rare in Zanzibar, and you’ll often be charged the full rate for a double. Local food and basic drinks will set you back about $25 a day, so all-in-all, you’re looking at around $50 a person a day sharing for a decent guesthouse on a fairly tight budget.

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