Zanzibar Holiday Costs

Zanzibar Holidays: What Are Your Options?

Thanks to its diverse selection of activities and accommodations, Zanzibar can accommodate a wide range of budgets and tastes in vacationers. The activities you want to do, the kind of lodging you choose, whether you want a secluded retreat or a more communal experience, and the season all play a role in determining how much a Zanzibar holiday will cost.

Your total expenditure is also affected by your destination choice. Some places are easy to go to, but others, like smaller or more isolated islands, may necessitate more planning, such boat transfers, which can drive up your costs. The variety of Zanzibar can be best appreciated by combining visits to other parts of the island, such as Stone Town and a beach in the north. However, this may increase the time and money needed to reach each location.

• Fly-In Safaris & Charter Flights: Short flights connect mainland Tanzanian cities including Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and the Serengeti to the island of Zanzibar. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are two of Tanzania’s most famous game reserves, and a beach vacation in Zanzibar is the ideal way to unwind after a safari. Travelling between islands or to and from outlying safari lodges is a breeze with charter flights, and the scenery of the Indian Ocean archipelago is second to none.
• Dhow Cruises & Boat Transfers: 
Dhow tours, on which visitors can embark on authentic wooden sailboats that have been in use for centuries along the coast of East Africa, are a must-do while visiting Zanzibar. A romantic sunset ride or island hop on one of these boats is the perfect way to take it all in on the spice island.
• Stone Town Strolls & Cultural Discovery:
 Stone Town, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, is a very “alive” city because to its maze of narrow streets, crowded marketplaces, and elaborate wooden doors. From the Sultan’s Palace to the Old Fort and the lively Forodhani Night Market, Zanzibar’s central city—best explored on foot with a local guide—offers insights into its Arab, Persian, Indian, and African influences. Those seeking adventure can journey into the heart of Zanzibar by visiting one of its world-renown spice plantations. On the less busy island of Pemba in particular, you can combine your tour with a leisurely bike excursion through small towns and coconut plantations. Step away from the beach and into a fragrant, all-encompassing island experience.
• Beach & Relaxation Holidays: It goes without saying that a luxury beach vacation in Zanzibar would be perfect for those seeking azure waters and sandy beaches. Get away to the peaceful southeast coast in Michamvi and Paje, or unwind at 5-star oceanfront resorts in northern locations like Nungwi and Kendwa. The perfect island getaway following a safari through Tanzania’s golden plains, with its world-class spas, infinity pools, and beachfront access. Zanzibar is the perfect destination for those who value seclusion and quiet. &Beyond Mnemba Island is a secluded sanctuary offering beachside bandas and spectacular marine adventures. Book a stay there for ultra-luxury. As a result of their unparalleled peace and quiet, private island retreats in the Zanzibar area are perfect for small wedding ceremonies and honeymoons.
• Marine Adventures & Ocean Safaris:
 The crystal-clear waters of Zanzibar are ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. In the Mnemba Atoll, you may do scuba diving or snorkelling; in the Kizimkazi area, you can swim with dolphins; and for the most opulent view of the coral reefs, take a glass-bottom boat trip. Along the northern coast, you may spot sea turtles and enjoy activities like kite surfing and kayaking, which take place above the waves.
• Bush & Beach Holidays:
 Mix a visit to Zanzibar with a traditional Big Five safari in one of Tanzania’s prime reserves, such as Tarangire, Selous, or the Serengeti (now Nyerere National Park). Start your journey following lions over the plains and finish it with a toe-in-the-sand beach on a picturesque island. Among the most picturesque African vacations is a bush-beach combo, which combines the two most popular activities into a single, personalised plan.

How Much Does a Holiday Cost in Zanzibar?

Like any vacation, the total cost will depend on your activities and the location you choose to visit. You can see the breakdown of low- and high-season Zanzibar vacation costs per person, per night, in the table below:

Please Note: All prices are approximate and based on one person sharing a room during high and low season. Foreign flights, visas, and extracurricular activities are not included. Keep in mind that conservation levies, taxes, and permits can and will alter. Typically, the busiest times of year are between July and October, as well as throughout the holidays and new year.

Zanzibar Accommodation & Associated Costs

There is a vast selection of Zanzibar hotel alternatives available to accommodate all travel styles. Relaxing beach-side resorts, well-appointed hotels, and cosy cabins with ocean views are all on the list. The island’s friendly locals and relaxed pace are perfect for anyone seeking a more authentic experience, and there are plenty of guesthouses and beach bungalows to choose from.

Zanzibar Accommodation Prices

Please Note: The price guidelines in the table above are based on sharing a room with one other for one night during both peak and off-peak seasons.

How Does The Time Of Year Affect The Cost Of A Zanzibar Holiday?

The best time to visit Zanzibar is subjective and based on your desired experience. Although there may be brief showers every now and then, the shoulder months of March and November are perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and save money. Heavy rains can disrupt travel plans and some resorts may close their doors from the middle of March to the beginning of May, so it’s usually best to avoid going at this time. On the other hand, adventurers can enjoy the island at a more tranquil and affordable pace during this off-peak season.

Additional Costs

Be wary of “all-inclusive” packages; they might not include everything you need. It is usually a good idea to understand what is not included when you are in Africa, because that can entail a lot of different things on vacation. To start, you might want to check out our blog post about African countries that do not require a visa for US citizens. That could solve one problem with the prices right there. Are there any potential hidden expenses that you might encounter? Below is our list for your perusal:

• International flights / getting to the country – as a rule of thumb, consider this excluded
• Getting from place to place – internal transfers may be included with some accommodations; however, some others may be at your own cost. Charter flights are popular available in Zanzibar, but road transfers are available to several destinations.
• Vaccinations – certain destinations require vaccinations prior to arrival. These are excluded and you will need to contact your healthcare professional to ensure the requirements are met. In Zanzibar, routine vaccinations (e.g. chickenpox, measles, hepatitis A etc) are recommended. Please visit the CDC website for more information on Zanzibar’s recommended medicines and vaccines.
• Tipping is always optional but highly recommended. It’s always worth carrying cash during your travels as it’s the easiest way to go about this. Consult our tipping guide for more information.
  Personal and travel insurance
• Additional activities – A broad range of activities is usually available in your all-inclusive itinerary, but excursions, like scuba diving, boat rides, and cultural visits, may come at an additional cost depending on your chosen package.
• The exchange rate – International card payments may incur a small fee for currency conversion. Zanzibar uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) as its national currency. However, US dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas, though smaller purchases may still require payment in local currency.

Our Africa Safari Experts can help you design the perfect Zanzibar holiday. Supported by extensive local knowledge and years of expertise designing personalised itineraries. We are here to assist you in planning your perfect Zanzibar vacation, from deciding when to go and what to see to finding the perfect lodging and activities to fit your individual preferences.