Zanzibar Holiday Costs

Whether you're after an island getaway, a romantic interlude accompanied by private dinners on the beach, or a culturally immersive experience with Swahili warmth at its core, Zanzibar welcomes travellers of all kinds. Below, we explore what a holiday in Zanzibar might cost. From tranquil beach days to sunsets aboard a traditional dhow, this what you can expect to spend on your Indian Ocean escape.

Zanzibar Holiday Costs

Zanzibar Holidays: What Are Your Options?

Zanzibar offers a wide range of experiences and places to stay, making it suitable for an array of travel preferences and budgets. The cost of a Zanzibar holiday depends on factors like your chosen activities, choice of accommodation, whether you're looking for a private getaway or a more social group experience, and the time of year you travel.

Where you choose to go will also influence your overall costs. While some destinations are easy to reach, others, especially smaller or more secluded islands, may require extra logistics such as boat transfers, which can add to your budget. Combining multiple destinations in Zanzibar, like Stone Town and one of the northern beaches, is a great way to experience the island's diversity, though it may also affect travel time and cost.

• Fly-In Safaris & Charter Flights
: Zanzibar is easily accessible via short flights from mainland Tanzania, including Arusha, the Serengeti, and Dar es Salaam. Fly-in safaris to Tanzania's iconic game reserves like the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater pair perfectly with a post-safari beach break in Zanzibar. Charter flights between the islands, or from remote safari camps, ensure seamless journeys and unbeatable views of the Indian Ocean archipelago.
• Dhow Cruises & Boat Transfers: 
Traditional dhow cruises are a quintessential Zanzibari experience; these wooden sailboats have been used for centuries along East Africa's coast. Whether transferring between islands or enjoying a romantic sunset cruise, these boat journeys are a slow-paced, scenic way to soak up the spice island's atmosphere.
• Stone Town Strolls & Cultural Discovery:
 The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Stone Town and its winding alleys, bustling markets, and ornate wooden doors make it a vibrantly “alive” city. Best explored on foot with a local guide, Zanzibar's main city offers insights into its Arab, Persian, Indian, and African influences, from the Sultan's Palace to the Old Fort and bustling Forodhani Night Market. Adventurers can explore Zanzibar's interior with a visit to one of its famous spice farms. Combine your tour with a laid-back cycling adventure through rural villages and coconut groves, particularly on the quieter island of Pemba. It's a fragrant, immersive way to experience the island beyond the beach.
• Beach & Relaxation Holidays: It goes without saying that Zanzibar's beaches and turquoise waters are just the place for luxury beach holidays. Unwind at 5-star ocean-facing resorts in places like Nungwi and Kendwa in the north or escape to the serene southeastern coast around Michamvi and Paje. With world-class spas, infinity pools, and direct beach access, it's the ultimate island escape after a safari on the golden plains of Tanzania. For travellers seeking privacy and exclusivity, Zanzibar delivers. Book a stay at the ultra-luxurious &Beyond Mnemba Island – a private island sanctuary offering oceanfront bandas and incredible marine experiences. Ideal for honeymoons and intimate celebrations, private island retreats around Zanzibar offer a level of tranquillity that's hard to match.
• Marine Adventures & Ocean Safaris:
 Zanzibar's warm, clear waters are perfect for underwater exploration. Go snorkelling or diving in the Mnemba Atoll, swim with dolphins near Kizimkazi, or hop on a glass-bottom boat tour to view the surrounding coral reefs in the most luxurious way possible. Sea turtles can be seen around the northern coast, while kite surfing and kayaking offer fun above the waves.
• Bush & Beach Holidays:
 Combine Zanzibar with a classic Big 5 safari in Tanzania's top reserves like the Serengeti, Tarangire, or Selous (now Nyerere National Park). Begin your adventure tracking lions on the plains and end it with your toes in the sand on an idyllic island beach. A bush-and-beach combo is one of Africa's most beautiful experiences, allowing you to indulge in the best of both in one tailor-made itinerary.

How Much Does a Holiday Cost in Zanzibar?

As with any holiday, what you choose to do, and where you go will impact the general cost of your holiday. The below table breaks down costs for Zanzibar holidays calculated per person per night sharing in both low and high season:

Please note: all the costs are guidelines only and an average for per person, per night, sharing a room in High and Low Season. They exclude international flights, visas and optional activities. Note that conservation fees, levies and permits are all subject to change. Peak or High Season generally runs over Christmas and New Year, and from about July to October.

Zanzibar Accommodation & Associated Costs

Zanzibar accommodation offers a wide variety of options with something to suit every travel style. You'll find everything from relaxed beachfront resorts and well-appointed hotels to intimate lodges with views over the ocean. For travellers looking for a more local feel, there are also welcoming guesthouses and coastal bungalows where you can enjoy the island's warm hospitality and laid-back pace.

Zanzibar Accommodation Prices

4-star comfort		4-star luxury		5-star luxury
Low	High	Low	High	Low	High
$330 pps*	$440 pps*	$550 pps*	$880 pps*	$990 pps*	$1,650 pps*

Please note: the above table contains pricing guidelines based on per person per night sharing basis during both high and low season.

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

The best time to visit Zanzibar depends on the kind of experience you’re after. If you’re interested in avoiding the crowds and taking advantage of lower prices, the shoulder months of March and November can be a great option, though occasional short showers may occur. The rainy season, from mid-March to May, is generally best avoided, as heavy downpours can affect travel, and some resorts may close during this period. However, for adventurous travellers, this off-peak time offers a more peaceful and budget-friendly way to explore the island.

Additional Costs

It's important to note that ‘all-inclusive' packages may not be as comprehensive as you first expect. In Africa, and on holidays, that can mean a range of things and it's always worth clarifying what is not included. One of the first things to do is consult our blog on visa free African countries for US citizens as that may tick off one of the boxes regarding associated costs already. What possible additional costs could you come across? Have a look at our list below:

• 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.

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