Zanzibar Travel Cost: Budget Guide & Daily Expenses

Planning your budget right makes all the difference when figuring out the cost of travel in Zanzibar. This spice island can suit any wallet, from backpackers spending $30 a day to luxury travelers dropping $500+ daily.

Budget Overview: Daily Costs in Zanzibar

Budget Travel: $30-50 per day

• Accommodation: $15-25 (guesthouses, hostels)
• Food: $8-12 (street food, local restaurants)
• Transport: $5-10 (public dala dala, walking)
• Activities: $5-15 (beaches, self-guided tours)

Mid-Range Travel: $75-150 per day

• Accommodation: $40-80 (boutique hotels, beach resorts)
• Food: $15-25 (restaurant meals, some hotel dining)
• Transport: $15-30 (taxis, some private transfers)
• Activities: $20-40 (organized tours, water sports)

Luxury Travel: $200-500+ per day

• Accommodation: $150-400+ (luxury resorts, private villas)
• Food: $40-80 (fine dining, resort restaurants)
• Transport: $30-60 (private drivers, helicopter transfers)
• Activities: $50-150+ (private tours, exclusive experiences)

These ranges cover solo travelers. Couples can often share accommodation costs, making per-person expenses lower.

Understanding Zanzibar’s Price Structure

Zanzibar operates on a two-tier pricing system you need to understand. Tourist prices and local prices can differ dramatically.

What Affects Your Costs:

• Season: Peak season (June-October) costs 50-100% more than low season
• Location: Stone Town and northern beaches cost more than eastern villages
• Booking method: Direct booking often cheaper than through hotels
• Group size: Solo travelers pay more per person than couples or groups
• Bargaining skills: Expected for markets, taxis, and some activities

According to the Tanzania Tourism Board, international visitors spend an average of $95 per person per day in Zanzibar, including accommodation, meals, activities and local transport (source).

The key is knowing where you can save money and where it’s worth spending more.

Accommodation Costs by Category

Where you sleep takes the biggest chunk of your budget. Your choice here affects your entire trip cost.

Budget Accommodation ($15-40 per night)

Backpacker Hostels:

• Dorm beds: $10-18 per night
• Private rooms in hostels: $25-35 per night
• Usually include: Breakfast, WiFi, common areas
• Best locations: Stone Town, Paje, Nungwi

Local Guesthouses:

• Simple private rooms: $20-35 per night
• Family-run establishments with local character
• Basic amenities but authentic experiences
• Often negotiable for longer stays

Budget Tips:

• Book directly to avoid booking fees
• Stay longer for weekly discounts
• Choose fan over AC to save $5-10 per night
• Hostels in Stone Town cost more than beach areas

Mid-Range Hotels ($50-150 per night)

Boutique Beach Hotels:

• Oceanfront rooms: $60-120 per night
• Usually include breakfast and airport transfer
• Pool, restaurant, organized activities
• Best value in shoulder seasons

Stone Town Heritage Hotels:

• Restored Swahili buildings: $70-140 per night
• Historic character with modern comforts
• Rooftop terraces, cultural atmosphere
• Higher prices during cultural festivals

Resort-Style Properties:

• All-inclusive options: $90-180 per person per night
• Beachfront location, multiple restaurants
• Water sports equipment included
• Good value for active travelers

Luxury Accommodations ($200-800+ per night)

High-End Beach Resorts:

• Oceanfront suites: $250-500 per night
• Full-service spas, multiple restaurants
• Private beach areas, premium service
• Peak season prices can double

Exclusive Private Villas:

• Entire villa rental: $400-1000+ per night
• Perfect for groups or special occasions
• Private staff, custom experiences
• Best value when shared among multiple guests

Ultra-Luxury Resorts:

• Premium suites: $500-800 per night
• Michelin-level dining, helicopter transfers
• Private butlers, exclusive experiences
• Limited properties at this level

Budget Eating Strategies

Street Food Winners:

• Zanzibar pizza (chapati with fillings): $2-3
• Urojo soup (tangy local specialty): $1-2
• Fresh tropical fruits: $0.50-1.50
• Samosas and bhajias: $0.50-1 each
• Local restaurants serve rice and curry: $3-5

Shopping for Yourself:

• Local markets: Very cheap but requires cooking facilities
• Supermarkets in Stone Town: Western products cost more
• Fresh fish from fishermen: Great prices, need cooking skills

Mid-Range Dining

Tourist Restaurants:

• International cuisine: $12-20 per meal
• Fresh seafood dishes: $15-25 per meal
• Hotel restaurants: Usually $18-30 per meal
• Beachfront dining adds 20-30% to costs

Fine Dining and Luxury

High-End Restaurants:

• Stone Town rooftop dining: $25-40 per person
• Resort fine dining: $35-60 per person
• Private chef experiences: $50-100 per person
• Wine and premium drinks: $8-25 per glass

Transportation Costs

Getting around Zanzibar ranges from super cheap local transport to pricey private transfers.

Budget Transport Options

Dala Dala (Local Buses):

• Stone Town to beaches: $1-2 per ride
• Between villages: $0.50-1.50 per ride
• Crowded but authentic experience
• Fixed routes, infrequent schedules

Motorcycle Taxis (Piki Piki):

• Short rides in town: $2-4
• Stone Town to nearby beaches: $8-12
• Longer trips: $15-25
• Negotiate prices beforehand

Mid-Range Transport

Regular Taxis:

• Stone Town to airport: $15-20
• Stone Town to northern beaches: $25-35
• Stone Town to eastern beaches: $30-40
• Full-day taxi hire: $50-80

Rental Scooters:

• Daily rental: $15-25
• Weekly rates: $80-120
• Fuel costs: $5-8 per day
• International license required

Luxury Transport

Private Drivers:

• Full-day hire: $60-100
• Airport transfers: $25-40
• Multi-day packages: $80-120 per day
• English-speaking guides available

Helicopter Transfers:

• Airport to resort: $200-400 per person
• Scenic tours: $150-300 per person
• Private charters: $800-1500 per hour
• Ultimate luxury but very expensive

Activity and Tour Costs

Activities range from free beach time to expensive private charters.

Free and Cheap Activities ($0-15)

No-Cost Experiences:

• Beach swimming and sunbathing
• Stone Town self-guided walking
• Sunset watching from any beach
• Local market browsing
• Village interactions

Low-Cost Activities:

• Jozani Forest entry: $10 per person
• Local bus tours: $5-10 per person
• Beach equipment rental: $3-8 per day
• Local guide services: $10-15 per day

Popular Tour Prices ($20-65)

Standard Day Tours:

• Spice farm tours: $25-35 per person
• Prison Island trips: $30-40 per person
• Stone Town guided tours: $20-30 per person
• Village cultural tours: $20-35 per person
• Safari Blue tour: $45-65 per person

Water Activities ($25-100)

Marine Experiences:

• Snorkeling trips: $35-55 per person
• Diving (2 dives): $65-85 per person
• Dolphin tours: $40-55 per person
• Sunset dhow cruises: $25-45 per person
• Deep-sea fishing: $80-150 per person

Premium Activities ($80-200+)

Exclusive Experiences:

• Private boat charters: $200-500 per day
• Helicopter scenic flights: $150-300 per person
• Private diving instruction: $100-150 per day
• Luxury spa treatments: $80-200 per session
• Private cultural tours: $100-200 per day

Seasonal Price Variations

When you visit dramatically affects your costs. Check our best time to visit Zanzibar guide for detailed seasonal planning.

Peak Season (June-October)

Price Increases:

• Accommodation: 50-100% higher than low season
• Tours: Limited discounts available
• Restaurants: Full pricing, no specials
• Transport: Higher demand, premium rates

Budget Impact:

• Budget travelers: $40-65 per day (vs $30-50 low season)
• Mid-range travelers: $100-200 per day (vs $75-150 low season)
• Luxury travelers: $300-700 per day (vs $200-500 low season)

Low Season (April-May)

Savings Opportunities:

• Accommodation: Up to 50% off published rates
• Tours: Package deals and discounts common
• Restaurants: Set menus and specials available
• Transport: More negotiable prices

Trade-offs:

• Some hotels and restaurants closed
• Weather can affect activity schedules
• Fewer flight options increase airfare
• Some tour operators reduce schedules

Shoulder Seasons (March, November)

Sweet Spot Pricing:

• Accommodation: 20-30% savings available
• Tours: Some promotions and packages
• Restaurants: Happy hour specials common
• Transport: Standard pricing with some flexibility

Money-Saving Tips and Strategies

Accommodation Savings

Book Smart:

• Compare prices across multiple platforms
• Book directly with hotels for best rates
• Stay longer for weekly discounts (20-30% off)
• Choose accommodations slightly inland from beaches

Alternative Options:

• House-sitting opportunities occasionally available
• Apartment rentals for longer stays
• Work exchanges at hostels and guesthouses
• Camping allowed at some beach areas

Food Cost Cutting

Eat Like Locals:

• Street food costs 70% less than tourist restaurants
• Local markets offer fresh ingredients cheaply
• Cook your own meals when facilities available
• Eat at local hours (lunch 12-2pm, dinner 7-9pm)

Smart Dining:

• Hotel breakfasts often provide good value
• Share large portions (Swahili food serves big)
• Drink local beer instead of imports
• Buy fruits directly from roadside vendors

Transport Savings

Public Transport:

• Dala dala costs 90% less than taxis
• Shared taxis split costs with other travelers
• Walk when possible (Stone Town is compact)
• Rent bicycles for short-distance travel

Group Bookings:

• Split taxi costs with other travelers
• Share tour costs for private guides
• Organize group activities through hostels
• Use ride-sharing with fellow tourists

Activity Budget Hacks

Free Alternatives:

• Self-guided Stone Town tours using maps
• Beach activities instead of organized water sports
• Visit spice farms independently (arrange transport only)
• Cultural interactions through accommodation hosts

Package Deals:

• Multi-day tour packages offer discounts
• All-inclusive resorts can provide good value
• Combination tickets for multiple attractions
• Group bookings reduce per-person costs

Sample Budget Breakdowns

7-Day Budget Trip ($210-350 total)

Daily Costs:

• Accommodation: $18 (hostel dorms, budget guesthouses)
• Food: $10 (street food, local restaurants, some cooking)
• Transport: $8 (dala dala, walking, shared taxis)
• Activities: $12 (mostly free activities, one paid tour)
• Total: $30-50 per day

Trip Highlights:

• Stone Town hostel (3 nights)
• Paje beach guesthouse (4 nights)
• One spice farm tour
• One snorkeling trip
• Lots of beach time and cultural walks

7-Day Mid-Range Trip ($525-1050 total)

Daily Costs:

• Accommodation: $65 (boutique hotels, beach resorts)
• Food: $22 (mix of local and tourist restaurants)
• Transport: $25 (taxis, some private transfers)
• Activities: $38 (several organized tours and activities)
• Total: $75-150 per day

Trip Highlights:

• Stone Town boutique hotel (2 nights)
• Nungwi beach resort (5 nights)
• Safari Blue tour
• Spice farm and cultural tours
• Several restaurant meals
• Diving or snorkeling trips

7-Day Luxury Trip ($1400-3500 total)

Daily Costs:

• Accommodation: $320 (luxury resorts, private villas)
• Food: $55 (fine dining, resort restaurants)
• Transport: $45 (private transfers, some helicopter)
• Activities: $80 (premium tours, spa treatments)
• Total: $200-500+ per day

Trip Highlights:

• Luxury Stone Town hotel (2 nights)
• High-end beach resort (5 nights)
• Private boat charters
• Spa treatments and fine dining
• Helicopter scenic flights
• Personal guide services

Hidden Costs and Unexpected Expenses

Visa and Entry Fees

• Tourist visa: $50 per person
• Airport departure tax: Usually included in ticket
• Yellow fever certificate: Required from certain countries

Health and Safety

• Travel insurance: $30-80 for week-long trips
• Malaria prophylaxis: $50-100 depending on medication
• Sunscreen and insect repellent: $15-25 (expensive locally)

Tips and Service Charges

• Restaurant service charges: 10% often added automatically
• Hotel staff tips: $2-5 per day recommended
• Tour guide tips: $3-10 per day per person
• Expected tipping adds $10-20 per day to costs

Souvenir and Shopping

• Spice purchases: $10-30 for good selection
• Artwork and crafts: $20-200 depending on quality
• Clothing and textiles: $15-100 for authentic pieces
• Bargaining expected, start at 30-50% of asking price

Regional Cost Differences

Stone Town

• Most Expensive For: Accommodation, dining
• Best Value: Cultural activities, walking tours
• Daily Premium: 20-30% above other areas

Northern Beaches (Nungwi, Kendwa)

• Most Expensive For: Beachfront hotels, water sports
• Best Value: Group activities, sunset cruises
• Daily Premium: 15-25% above eastern beaches

Eastern Beaches (Paje, Jambiani)

• Most Expensive For: Kitesurfing lessons, luxury resorts
• Best Value: Local guesthouses, village experiences
• Cost Advantage: 20-30% cheaper than north coast

Southern Areas (Kizimkazi)

• Most Expensive For: Getting there (transport costs)
• Best Value: Accommodation, local experiences
• Cost Advantage: 30-40% cheaper than tourist areas

For detailed area breakdowns and accommodation recommendations, see our guide on where to stay in Zanzibar.

Budgeting by Travel Style

Backpacker Budget Strategy

• Stay in dorms or budget guesthouses
• Eat street food and cook when possible
• Use public transport exclusively
• Focus on free activities and cultural experiences
• Travel during low season for maximum savings

Family Budget Considerations

• Mid-range accommodation with family rooms
• Mix of local and international food options
• Private transport for safety and convenience
• Age-appropriate activities and tours
• Plan for higher food costs with children

Couple’s Romantic Budget

• Boutique hotels or luxury resorts
• Special dining experiences and sunset cruises
• Private tours and transfers
• Spa treatments and premium activities
• Splurge on accommodation, save on other areas

Solo Traveler Budget Reality

• Single occupancy rates increase accommodation costs
• Join group tours to reduce per-person activity costs
• Stay in social hostels to meet other travelers
• Use shared transport when possible
• Consider longer stays for weekly discounts

Money Management in Zanzibar

Currency and Cards

• Tanzanian Shilling (TZS): Official currency
• US Dollars: Widely accepted, sometimes preferred
• Credit Cards: Limited acceptance, mainly high-end places
• ATMs: Available in Stone Town, limited elsewhere
• Cash: Essential for most transactions

Banking Tips

• Bring US dollars in good condition (post-2009 series preferred)
• Exchange money at authorized dealers for best rates
• ATM fees: $3-5 per transaction plus bank charges
• Notify banks of travel plans to avoid card blocks

Tipping Guidelines

• Restaurants: 10% if no service charge included
• Hotels: $2-3 per day for housekeeping
• Tour guides: $5-10 per day per person
• Taxi drivers: Round up fare or add 10%
• Service staff: Small bills (500-1000 TZS) appreciated

Final Budget Planning Tips

Before You Go

• Set realistic daily budget based on travel style
• Book flights early for better prices
• Research seasonal price variations
• Get travel insurance and necessary vaccinations
• Download offline currency converter apps

Money-Saving Mindset

• Embrace local experiences over tourist versions
• Travel slowly to reduce daily costs
• Cook some meals when facilities allow
• Use free activities to balance expensive ones
• Remember that authentic experiences often cost less

When to Splurge

• Accommodation if traveling during peak season
• Safari Blue tour (consistently rated as worth it)
• One fine dining experience in Stone Town
• Diving courses if you’re interested in learning
• Private transport for airport transfers

The key to managing your travel costs is understanding what matters most to you and budgeting accordingly.

Your Zanzibar experience doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re backpacking on $30 a day or living it up with unlimited funds, understanding the real cost of travel in Zanzibar helps you make smart choices that match your style and create amazing memories.

For comprehensive trip planning including activities, accommodation, and timing, check our complete Zanzibar travel guide to coordinate all aspects of your island adventure.

Planning your budget properly ensures you can focus on what really matters: experiencing this incredible cost of travel in Zanzibar that offers something special for every type of traveler and budget.

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• Is Zanzibar Safe for Tourists? 
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