The budget per day
| Travel style | Per person per day | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | About 40 to 90 dollars | Hostel or simple room, street food, local transport, few activities |
| Mid-range | About 105 to 250 dollars | 3-star or boutique hotel, restaurants, one activity a day |
| Luxury | 300 to 600 dollars and more | Beachfront resort, restaurants, private transfers |
A 45 dollars a day budget quoted by one guide does not include a single dive: allow over 100 dollars if you want activities at sea.
Where the money goes
- Accommodation: from about 15 dollars for a dorm or simple room to 80 dollars and more mid-range according to two guides. See where to stay in Zanzibar.
- Meals: about 15 to 25 dollars a day on a budget, 80 dollars and more for luxury according to one guide. The stalls at Forodhani Gardens are an inexpensive option.
- Excursions: 10 to 30 dollars a day on a budget, over 100 dollars for luxury. See Prison Island, Nakupenda or diving.
- Transport: the airport to Stone Town taxi is around 10 to 20 dollars; see from the airport to your hotel.
Costs not to forget
One guide mentions a 50 dollar visa, 44 dollars of compulsory insurance introduced in October 2024 and an accommodation tax of 2 to 5 dollars a night; these points need confirming, see visa, vaccines and entry rules. High season costs up to 30% more according to one guide, and low season up to 20% less: see when to go to Zanzibar.
Saving without going without
Compare two or three agencies, book excursions with an established agency, travel outside high season and carry cash: money in Zanzibar. To avoid extra costs, read scams and safety in Zanzibar.
FAQ
How much do I need per day in Zanzibar?
About 40 to 90 dollars on a budget, 105 to 250 dollars mid-range, 300 dollars and more for luxury, excluding flights.
Is Zanzibar expensive?
Excursions and diving weigh the most in the budget.
Which month is cheapest?
Guides point to low season, notably April, May and November.
Pour aller plus loin
Plan your stay with Zanzibar in 4 days and prepare a fallback plan with Zanzibar when it rains.
