Great value, no compromises on safety
Zanzibar doesn’t have to mean a five-star price tag. Friendly guesthouses, relaxed three-star beach lodges, shared excursions and local food make a memorable trip possible on a sensible budget — and our packages include the essentials so there are no surprises on arrival.
Prices peak in July–August and over Christmas and New Year. Early June, November and the weeks either side of the long rains usually bring better rates. April and May are the cheapest, but it is the wettest time and some hotels close.
Well-run guesthouses and three-star lodges on the east coast or in Stone Town offer clean rooms, breakfast and a great location for much less than beachfront resorts. For families, all-inclusive can be good value because meals and drinks are covered.
Shared excursions — spice tours, Prison Island, Safari Blue and Mnemba snorkelling — cost far less per person than private trips and are a fun way to meet other travellers.
Our package prices include accommodation, the listed tours, private airport transfers, the Zanzibar visa fee and mandatory travel insurance, so you can compare real totals instead of teaser prices.
Each area has good-value options; the right one depends on how you want to spend your days.
Village guesthouses and laid-back lodges on long beaches. Great for kitesurfers and anyone happy to plan swims around the tide.
Where to stay in JambianiCharacterful guesthouses in historic buildings, walking distance from street food at Forodhani and the start point for most excursions.
Where to stay in Stone TownBusier and a little pricier, but with swimming at most tides and good-value lodges set back from the beach.
Where to stay in NungwiBig experiences, sensible spending.
Guesthouse stay, a shared spice tour and Prison Island, and dinner at the Forodhani night market.
Transfer to Paje or Jambiani with a stop at Jozani Forest.
A shared snorkelling trip, a village walk in Jambiani, sunset at a beach bar and plenty of free time.
Private transfer to the airport (included in our packages).
Prices are per person with two sharing and include transfers, tours, the visa fee and mandatory insurance.
BudgetDhow Evening Sunset Cruise Tour at Nungwi&Kendwa Beach
From
$393
per person · 2 sharing
BudgetJozani Forest, Kuza Cave, Paje Beach and The Rock Restaurant
From
$583
per person · 2 sharing
BudgetStone Town and Prison Island from Zanzibar
From
$831
per person · 2 sharing
April and May usually have the lowest prices because of the long rains; some hotels close and boat trips can be affected by the weather. For a balance of price and weather, look at early June, November or early March.
It can suit most budgets. Beachfront luxury resorts are expensive, but guesthouses, three-star lodges, shared tours and local food keep costs sensible. Our travel cost guide breaks down typical prices.
Accommodation with breakfast (or all-inclusive where stated), the listed tours and activities, private airport transfers, the Zanzibar visa fee and mandatory travel insurance. International flights are not included.
Often, yes. Tell us your budget in the trip planner and we’ll suggest alternatives — a different area, a smaller lodge or fewer nights — and show you the difference.
Share your dates and budget. A Zanzibar specialist will suggest the best-value options — free, with no obligation.
