Budget-conscious travelers can enjoy Zanzibar’s stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise waters without spending a fortune.
Here’s our budget guide to Zanzibar to inspire you to plan that perfect island holiday!
How to travel to Zanzibar on a budget
Zanzibar, which lies just less than 60 kilometres off the coast from mainland Tanzania, in the Indian Ocean is made up of an archipelago of two large islands, Unguja (normally referred to as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba, as well as several smaller islands. There are direct international flights to Zanzibar Island, but you can also get to the island from Dar es Salaam by inexpensive ferry.
The most budget-friendly way to get around Zanzibar is on a dala-dala – a shared minibus taxi.
Zanzibar also has great budget eating options, if you’re happy to eat the local food. The best budget eats are street food – try chapatis (flat breads), barbecued fish and seafood and urojo – a mango and ginger soup served with kachori (spicy mashed potato balls).
Seafood on the beach in Zanzibar
Budget accommodation in Zanzibar
While Zanzibar has many expensive luxury lodges, it is also blessed with loads of budget-friendly accommodation options. There are some fantastic backpackers on the island with private rooms that start at $15 per person, such as Mustapha’s Place (which is just steps away from beautiful Bwejuu Beach), Dudes Guesthouse on Jambiani Beach and Sagando Hostel on the east coast.
If you’re happy to spend all your time on Zanzibar lazing in perfect beaches and swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, then you won’t be spending any money at all! Beaching and swimming are the two most budget friendly activities in Zanzibar. Nungwi, Kendwa and Pongwe are three of the most popular stretches of sand.
You could easily spend a day in Stone Town and not spend much money: explore the town’s narrow streets, browse the local markets and be sure to take a stroll through Forodhani Gardens in the evening when food sellers cook up delicious local meals. The Old Fort and the slave market are also worth visiting if you want to find out more about Stone Town’s centuries-long history.
There are tons of other fun things to do in Zanzibar that won’t break the bank. While diving is more expensive, snorkeling trips are affordable and not to be missed – you’ll get to see some of the hundreds of species of fish recorded here, or if you’re lucky, turtles, dolphins and whale sharks. Then there’s kite surfing and surfing on the south east coast. Get a ride on a dhow (a traditional sailing boat) to sail around the island and stop off for swims. Rent a bicycle for the day and explore the island’s villages and beaches by bike, or take a cooking class to learn how to make island specialties.
Dhow ride and snorkelling
How can you experience the best of Zanzibar on a budget?
To help you navigate the archipelago like a pro, here are four essential budget hacks that ensure your Tanzanian shillings go as far as possible.
1. What is the best way to stay connected and get around the island?
Instead of hunting through town for a local physical SIM card, a more budget-friendly and convenient option is to use an eSIM, which helps you avoid high roaming charges the moment you land. When it comes to moving between those data-connected spots, dala-dalas remain the ultimate budget choice, but there is now a fantastic middle-ground: the Zanzibus. For about $5–$8, it offers a safer and more comfortable ride between Stone Town, Nungwi, and Paje than a crowded minibus, yet remains significantly cheaper than a private taxi.
2. What are the best ways to be ‘street smart’ with your budget?
While ATMs exist in Nungwi and Stone Town, they can be unreliable. In Zanzibar, cash is king. If you are bringing US dollars to exchange, ensure your notes are printed after 2006, as older bills are frequently rejected by local banks and vendors. Once you have your cash ready, remember that almost everything—from market souvenirs to dhow boat trips—is negotiable. Approaching haggling with a smile and kindness is part of the local culture and will save you a significant amount over time
3. How can you eat like a local and still save money
You can’t truly claim the title of “budget traveller” in Zanzibar without trying the Zanzibar Pizza. Take a turn to Forodhani Gardens night market in Stone Town, where you’ll find vendors selling this delicacy for only $1-$2. It is unlike a traditional pizza; thin layer of dough filled with your choice of sweet or savory ingredients – from minced meat, veggies and egg, to chocolate and banana – fried to perfection. The best way to enjoy it is while soaking in the sunset by the water.
4. How can solo travelers navigate Zanzibar safely and respectfully?
While exploring the nearby towns and villages, your clothing is one of your most effective safety tools. While the beach resorts are relaxed, Zanzibar is a conservative society, and dressing modestly by keeping your shoulders and knees covered is a vital sign of respect. For the solo traveller, this has a street-smart benefit: it helps you blend in and reduces the attention of being a tourist. Carrying a lightweight sarong or scarf in your bag is a budget-friendly way to quickly adapt your outfit when moving from the beach into the towns.
Staying safe is also about utilizing the right digital tools. Save local emergency numbers and contact details for the Zanzibar Tourism Commissionon your phone. Having these resources ready to go ensures that help is only a tap away, giving you the peace of mind to enjoy your solo adventure to the fullest.
When to go to Zanzibar
June to October is the cool dry season, which is the best time to visit Zanzibar. December to February is the other dry season period, but during these months it’s much hotter. Avoid travelling to Zanzibar in the rainy seasons – mid-March to May and November.
Zanzibar city
The magic of Zanzibar is even better when you pair it with the wild plains of the Serengeti. If you’re worried about the cost of a safari, look into overlanding packages—they are budget friendly. They handle the tricky logistics (like transport and park fees) and offer a really social way to see the sights. Whether you want a short trip from Dar es Salaam or a longer journey through the African Great Lakes, these budget packages make it easy to see it all. Why not take a peek and see where the road could take you?
Note: This blog post was created in September, 9, 2015 by Sarah Duff. It was edited in April, 24, 2026 by Faatima Suliman.
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