Zanzibar travel cost, If you’ve ever wanted to see white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a rich cultural heritage, Zanzibar is probably on your bucket list. This beautiful group of islands off the coast of Tanzania is known for its spice farms, historic Stone Town, and clean beaches. You might be wondering how much it costs to travel to Zanzibar before you buy your ticket.
This guide gives a full list of costs for trips in different price ranges, from cheap to expensive. It was made to last, giving you reliable price ranges based on long-lasting travel factors like where you stay, how you get around, what you do, and what you eat. This way, you can plan well no matter when you travel.
Important Things That Affect the Cost of Traveling to Zanzibar
It’s helpful to know the main things that affect the total cost of your trip to Zanzibar before we get into specific price ranges:
- Seasonality: Prices for lodging and activities are higher during the high season (June to October and December to February), but they are lower during the low season.
- Type of lodging: Prices for places to stay range from hostels to beachfront villas.
- Transportation: Flights, ferries, taxis, and rental cars can all add up.
- Food options: Street food and fine dining are very different when it comes to how much you spend each day.
- Things to do and see: Zanzibar has everything from free days at the beach to private yacht rentals.
- Length of stay: Your total budget will grow the longer you stay, but your daily costs may be lower on average.
International Flights to Zanzibar and What to Expect
Most people who come to Unguja fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Prices change based on the city you leave from, the time of year, and the airline.
- $500 to $1,200 for a round-trip from Europe
- Round-trip from North America: $800–$1,600
- From Africa (flights within the region): $150 to $500 round trip
If you book your flights three to six months in advance and use flexible date searches, you could save hundreds of dollars.
Flights Within the Country and Region
If you’re already in Tanzania, it usually costs $40 to $120 to fly one way from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar.
Different Types of Places to Stay in Zanzibar and Their Prices
In Zanzibar, you can stay in anything from cheap hostels to very fancy resorts.
Affordable Places to Stay
- Cost: $15 to $40 a night
- Examples: Hostels, simple guesthouses, and cheap hotels in Stone Town or small villages.
- Amenities: Basic rooms, shared bathrooms, a fan or basic AC, and free Wi-Fi.
- Best for: People who travel on a budget and backpackers.
Mid-Range Stays
- Cost: $60–$150 a night
- Examples: Boutique hotels, beachfront bungalows, and mid-range resorts.
- Amenities: Private bathrooms, better locations, swimming pools, and breakfast included.
- Best for: Couples, families, or people who want to be more comfortable.
Luxury Stays
- Cost: $300 to $1,000 or more per night
- Examples: All-inclusive packages, private villas, and 5-star resorts.
- Amenities: Private pools, oceanfront views, fine dining, and spa services.
- Best for: Honeymooners, travelers who like to spend a lot of money, and special events.
Prices for Food and Drinks in Zanzibar
There are many places to eat in Zanzibar, from cheap street food to fancy gourmet restaurants.
Eating on a Budget
- Price: $3 to $8 for each meal
- Where: Street food stalls, local restaurants (“mama’s kitchens”), Forodhani Night Market
- Examples: Zanzibar pizza, samosas, skewers of grilled seafood, coconut bread.
Dining in the Middle Range
- Cost: $10 to $25 per meal
- Where: Cafes on the beach and mid-range restaurants in Stone Town or coastal towns.
- Examples: Platters of fresh seafood, curries, pasta, continental dishes.
Fine Dining
- Cost: $40 to $100 or more per meal
- Where: Restaurants at high-end resorts, private dining events.
- Examples: Five-course tasting menus, wine pairings, lobster dinners.
Prices for Drinks
- Water in a bottle: $0.50–$1
- Drinks with sugar: $1–$2
- Local beer: $2 to $4
- Bottle of imported wine: $15 to $40
How to Get Around Zanzibar and How Much It Costs
There are a number of ways to get around Zanzibar, and each one costs a different amount.
- Taxis: $5 to $50 depending on the distance.
- Private drivers: $40 to $80 a day to take you around the island.
- Dala-dala (shared minibus): $1 to $3 for short trips — cheap but crowded.
- Scooter rental: $20 to $30 per day.
- Bicycle rental: $10 to $15 a day.
- Getting to and from the airport:
- Private car: $15 to $40 depending on destination.
- Shared shuttle: $10 to $15.
Prices for Activities and Excursions in Zanzibar
The best part of traveling to Zanzibar is the things you do. Prices change based on whether you choose cheap or expensive things to do.
Options That Don’t Cost a Lot
- Free time on the beach
- Free to explore Stone Town on your own
- Tour of the spice farm: $10 to $15
- Snorkeling with local companies: $20 to $40
Mid-Range Experiences
- Guided tour of Stone Town and the spice market: $40 to $60
- Snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll: $50 to $80
- Boat trip to Prison Island: $25–$40
- Visit to Jozani Forest: $15–$25
Luxury Adventures
- Private yacht rental: $500 to $1,200 per day
- Deep sea fishing: $400 to $800
- Private diving trips: $150 to $300
- Picnic on a private sandbank: $200 to $500
Average Daily Costs for Different Types of Travel
| Style of Travel | Accommodation | Food & Drinks | Activities | Getting Around | Total per Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $20–$40 | $10–$20 | $5–$10 | $5–$20 | $40–$90 |
| Mid-range | $60–$150 | $20–$50 | $10–$30 | $20–$60 | $110–$290 |
| High-end | $300–$1,000+ | $40–$100+ | $20–$80 | $50–$300+ | $410–$1,480+ |
Other Costs to Think About
- Fees for visas: About $50 for most travelers.
- Travel insurance: $40 to $80 for two weeks.
- Tipping: 5–10% in restaurants for good service; $5–10 for guides.
- Souvenirs: $5 to $50 or more.
- Internet and SIM card: $10 to $30 for a data plan.
Different Types of Trips Have Different Budgets
Budget Traveler (7 days)
- Flights: $700
- Housing: $200
- Food: $120
- Transportation: $50
- Activities: $70
- Total: $1,140
Traveler in the Middle (7 days)
- Airfare: $900
- Staying: $700
- Food: $280
- Transportation: $150
- Activities: $250
- Total: $2,280
Luxury Traveler (7 days)
- Airfare: $1,200
- Stay: $4,000
- Food: $800
- Travel: $400
- Activities: $1,200
- Total: $7,600
Traveling to Zanzibar? Here Are Some Useful Tips for Saving Money
- Travel during the shoulder season (April–May, November) to get lower rates.
- If you can, book tours in person instead of online.
- Eat at restaurants or food stalls in the area.
- Split the cost of transportation with other travelers.
- When traveling between islands, choose public ferries over private boats.
Why Zanzibar is a Great Place to Get Your Money’s Worth
The cost of travel to Zanzibar can vary widely depending on how you like to travel, but the island is a great value. You’ll have unforgettable experiences for every dollar you spend, from beautiful beaches and rich culture to one-of-a-kind activities. No matter if you stay in a cheap guesthouse or a fancy resort, the memories will be worth more than money.
Final Thoughts
If you know how much it will cost to travel to Zanzibar ahead of time, you can plan a trip that fits your style and budget. The island welcomes all kinds of travelers, with prices ranging from $40 a day to more than $1,000. The key is to plan well, balance cheap choices with splurges, and enjoy Zanzibar’s timeless beauty to the fullest. The experience will be worth it no matter how much you spend.
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