Zanzibar on a Budget: What You Actually Need to Know
A cheap holiday to Zanzibar is more achievable than most people think — even from the UK.
Here is a quick answer to get you started:
How to keep your Zanzibar holiday affordable:
Fly in low season (June to October) for lower fares and smaller crowds
Book flights 70 days in advance — prices rise sharply closer to departure
Bundle flights and hotels — packages start from around £244 for 3 nights for 2 travellers
Stay in Stone Town or Paje instead of premium beach resorts for better value
Eat at local markets like Forodhani Gardens Night Market for cheap, fresh food
Self-package your trip by booking flights and accommodation separately for maximum savings
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago of over 40 islands off the coast of Tanzania. The main island, Unguja, is where most visitors stay. It blends white-sand beaches, UNESCO-listed Stone Town, spice plantation tours, and some of the best snorkeling in East Africa.
It is also, surprisingly, the birthplace of Freddie Mercury.
The reputation as an expensive destination puts many travellers off. But with the right timing, booking strategy, and a few local tips, a week in Zanzibar does not have to cost a fortune.
This guide walks you through exactly how to plan it.
How to Plan a Cheap Holiday to Zanzibar
Planning a cheap holiday to Zanzibar starts with understanding the island’s rhythm. Zanzibar isn’t just a single beach; it is a cultural tapestry known as the “Spice Islands.” While the primary island is Unguja, its history as a trading hub means you get a mix of African, Arab, and Indian influences for the price of one ticket.
Timing Your Trip for Maximum Savings
The biggest factor in your budget will be when you go. Zanzibar has two rainy seasons and two dry seasons.
The Low Season (March to May): This is the “long rains” period. While you can find “bonkers” prices on hotels—sometimes up to 50% off—many excursions might be rained out. However, if you don’t mind a heavy afternoon downpour, this is the cheapest time to visit.
The Shoulder Season (June to October): This is our favorite recommendation for a cheap holiday to Zanzibar. The weather is cool and dry, with average temperatures around 25°C. Because it isn’t the peak Christmas or January period, flight prices are more stable, and the humidity is much lower.
The Peak Season (January and February): Avoid these months if you are on a strict budget. Prices for both flights and hotels skyrocket as travelers flock to the island for the heat.
By choosing the shoulder season, you get the best of both worlds: sunny skies and affordable rates.
Scoring Affordable Flights and Local Transport
Getting to the archipelago is often the most expensive part of the journey. Most international travelers fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ).
Finding the Best Cheap Holiday to Zanzibar Flight Deals
To keep costs down, we recommend a few specific strategies:
The 70-Day Rule: Research shows that booking at least 70 days in advance can save you significantly. Prices tend to increase sharply a fortnight before departure.
Mid-Week Magic: Aim for Tuesday departures. Data suggests Tuesday afternoons often offer the lowest fares, while Friday mid-day is typically the most expensive.
Stopover Savings: While a 14-hour direct flight from Gatwick is convenient, flights with one or two stops (often through hubs like Dubai, Istanbul, or Addis Ababa) can be hundreds of pounds cheaper. Airlines like flydubai, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Air frequently offer competitive rates.
Regional Hubs: Sometimes it is cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam on the mainland and take the ferry across for about $35 USD, rather than flying directly onto the island.
Getting Around Like a Local
Once you land, skip the private airport transfers which can cost $50+. Instead, look into these options:
Dala-dalas: These are local minibus shares. They are crowded and bumpy but cost mere pennies. It is the ultimate way to experience local life.
Shared Taxis: Many hostels and guesthouses can arrange shared shuttles between Stone Town and the beaches (like Nungwi or Paje) for around $10-$15 per person.
Walking: Stone Town is best explored on foot. It’s free, and you won’t miss the intricate carved wooden doors that make the city a UNESCO site.
Best Value Areas: Where to Stay for Less
Zanzibar has a reputation for luxury “all-inclusive” resorts that can cost upwards of £1,500 for a week. However, budget-friendly hotels are available in large numbers if you know where to look.
Top Budget Destinations
Stone Town: Perfect for the first two nights. You can find boutique hotels and guesthouses for £30-£50 a night. It’s the cultural heart of the island. Check out our 2 days Stone Town to Nungwi excursion to see how to bridge the city and the sea.
Paje and Jambiani: Located on the southeast coast, these areas are the backpacker and kitesurfer hubs. They offer laid-back bungalows right on the sand for a fraction of the price of northern resorts.
Nungwi and Kendwa: While these areas have luxury spots, they also host many “B&B” style bungalows. Nungwi is famous for its vibrant nightlife and the Mnarani Natural Aquarium.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well in Zanzibar. In fact, the cheapest food is often the most delicious.
Street Food and Markets
The Forodhani Gardens Night Market in Stone Town is a must. As the sun sets, vendors set up stalls selling seafood skewers, “Zanzibar Pizza” (a savory stuffed pancake), and fresh sugarcane juice. You can eat a full meal here for under £10. For even cheaper fare, head to the Darajani Market during the day to grab fresh fruit and local snacks.
Affordable Activities
Many of Zanzibar’s best experiences are low-cost or free:
Spice Tours: You can book a half-day tour of a spice plantation for roughly $15-$20. You’ll learn how cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon are grown and usually enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch.
Jozani Forest: The only national park on the island. For a small entry fee, you can see the rare Red Colobus monkeys, which are unique to Zanzibar.
Prison Island: A short boat ride from Stone Town takes you to see giant Aldabra tortoises. Negotiate with local boatmen at the shore for the best price.
Snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll: While private tours are pricey, joining a shared boat from Nungwi can significantly lower the cost.
For those looking to combine the island with a mainland experience without breaking the bank, we offer a 9 days Tanzania Zanzibar adventure that balances wildlife and waves.
Top Free Activities for Your Cheap Holiday to Zanzibar
Public Beach Access: All beaches in Zanzibar are public. You can walk the pristine white sands of Kendwa or Nungwi without staying at a 5-star resort.
Stone Town Architecture: Spend an afternoon getting lost in the labyrinthine alleys. Look for the “House of Wonders,” the first building in East Africa with an elevator!
Sunset Watching: Head to the Africa House Hotel or the Stone Town waterfront to watch the dhows sail past as the sun dips below the horizon. It costs nothing and is the quintessential Zanzibar moment.
Cultural Immersion: Simply sitting in a village square and watching local life—fishermen mending nets or children playing—provides a deeper connection to the island than any resort walls.
If you are planning a longer trip, consider our Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar packages which are built on transparent, local pricing.
Practical Budget Tips: Visas, Currency, and Costs
To ensure your cheap holiday to Zanzibar stays cheap, you need to handle the “boring” stuff correctly.
Visas: Most travelers (including UK, US, and EU citizens) need a visa. This usually costs $50 USD ($100 for US citizens). We recommend applying for an e-visa online before you travel to save time and potential “extra” fees at the airport.
Currency: The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US Dollars are widely accepted for tours and hotels. However, you will always get a better rate for small purchases (food, water, taxis) if you pay in Shillings.
ATMs: ATMs are common in Stone Town and Nungwi but rare elsewhere. They often charge a fee per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts at once. Always notify your bank before traveling.
Bargaining: This is part of the culture. Whether you are buying a souvenir kanga (wrap) or booking a boat trip, the first price is rarely the final price. Be polite, smile, and aim for about 60-70% of the starting price.
SIM Cards: Don’t use roaming. Buy a local SIM card (Zantel has great coverage) at the airport or in Stone Town for a few dollars. It will save you a fortune on maps and booking adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Budget Zanzibar Travel
How much does a cheap Zanzibar holiday typically cost?
For a 7-night cheap holiday to Zanzibar, a budget traveler can expect to spend:
Flights: £500 – £650 (from UK/Europe)
Accommodation: £200 – £300 (sharing a room)
Food & Extras: £150 – £200 Total: Approximately £850 – £1,150 per person. If you book a bundle deal, you can sometimes find 3-night packages starting as low as £244 plus flights.
Is it cheaper to book a package or self-package?
It depends on your flexibility. Package deals (Flight + Hotel) from major providers offer security and often “last-minute” discounts that are hard to beat. However, “self-packaging”—booking a budget flight and then finding local guesthouses on arrival—usually allows for a longer stay (10-14 days) for the same total price.
What is the cheapest month to visit Zanzibar?
March and April are technically the cheapest due to the rainy season. However, for the best value (good weather vs. price), June and October are the winners. You avoid the peak “holiday” prices of December and January while enjoying dry, sunny days.
Conclusion
Zanzibar is a dream destination that doesn’t require a lottery win to visit. By choosing the shoulder season, eating like a local at Forodhani Gardens, and staying in vibrant areas like Paje or Stone Town, you can experience the magic of the Spice Islands on a budget.
At Remo Adventures, we believe that the best travel experiences come from local expertise and transparent pricing. We are based right here in Tanzania, and our goal is to provide you with an authentic, memorable journey without the “tourist tax.” Whether you want a quick beach break or a 3 day Zanzibar island adventure, we can help you plan it.
