Zanzibar on a Budget: A Practical Guide to Low Costs

Visiting Zanzibar on a budget is possible if you avoid the high end resorts and stick to local hubs. The island offers a mix of historical sites and beaches that can be enjoyed without spending hundreds of dollars a day. You can keep your costs low by choosing specific neighborhoods and eating where the locals eat.

Where to Stay for Less

You will find the most affordable lodging in the east and south of the island. Avoid the luxury villas in Bwejuu if you are watching your spending.

Budget Neighborhoods

Jambiani is a strong choice for budget travelers. It is popular for beginner snorkeling and kitesurfing. You can stay at Jambiani Bungalows, which cost $55 to $75 per night. These are simple beachfront rooms with thatch roofs.

Mikindani in the south is another affordable option. This area allows you to wander old Swahili streets without the crowds. Kisiwa House is a family run spot here that costs $60 to $80 per night.

Mid Range Options

If you prefer to stay in the center of the action, Stone Town has a few options. The African House costs $130 to $170 per night and provides easy walking access to the Sultan’s Palace. Hotel Marine is another mid range choice in the area.

Cheap Eats and Dining

Eating well on a budget in Zanzibar means avoiding the "destination" restaurants and focusing on street markets.

Local Markets

The Forodhani Gardens Night Market is the best place for cheap meals. You can try grilled octopus skewers and Zanzibar pizza for about $8. These meals are served under lanterns in a lively atmosphere.

In Jambiani, you can walk to the local fish market. You will often find plates of grilled octopus for under $5.

Budget Dining Comparison

Low Cost Activities

You do not need expensive tours to see the island. Many of the best experiences are low cost or free.

Stone Town and Culture

A Stone Town Walking Tour costs $15 and takes 3 hours. You will see carved wooden doors and hear Swahili chants. For a quicker visit, the Sundial Museum costs $4 and takes 1 hour. You can also visit the Bharmal Building to see the architecture.

Nature and Outdoors

Mnazi Mmoja Park is a cheap way to spend a morning. It costs $5 and takes 2 hours to stroll through the mangroves and spot flamingos. If you want to see wildlife, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park costs $10 for a 3 hour walk through the red colobus monkey forest.

Island Trips

Prison Island (Changuu) is a popular excursion. It costs $20 and takes 4 hours. You can tour the former slave prison and see giant tortoises. For those interested in agriculture, the Kizimbani Spice Farm costs $25 for a half day tour.

Transit Hacks

Getting to Zanzibar can be expensive if you only look at flights.

1 hour and 45 minutes is the duration of the ferry from Dar Es Salaam to Stone Town. This ferry is half the cost of a flight. If you must fly, domestic flights from mainland Tanzania cost $60 to $80 one way.

All international flights land at Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ). If you are coming from Dubai, the flight is 6 hours and nonstop. From London, the trip takes 12 hours, usually with a stop in Dubai or Nairobi.

What to Skip

You should skip The Rock Restaurant if you are on a strict budget. While it is a famous spot perched on a reef, a $30 meal is significantly more expensive than the local options. You can get a similar taste of fresh seafood at the Forodhani Gardens Night Market for a fraction of the price. The view is the main draw, not the value.

Final Takeaway

The cheapest way to do Zanzibar is to split your time between Stone Town for culture and Jambiani for the beach. Stick to the $8 meals at the night market and use the ferry from the mainland to save on transit. If you book your rooms 6 to 8 weeks in advance, you can avoid the peak price spikes.