Planning Zanzibar budget travel can feel confusing — different prices, seasons, areas, and hidden costs.
As a Zanzibar-based tour operator who plans affordable trips every single day, we created this resource to help you save money without sacrificing comfort, safety, or quality.
This expert guide breaks down the real costs, best months, accommodation zones, local transport, cheap tours, safety insights, and practical tips based on years of on-the-ground experience from Blue-Green Zanzibar Tours.
Let’s help you enjoy Zanzibar beautifully — even on a tight budget.
Table of Contents
What is the best way to travel Zanzibar on a budget?
The best way to travel Zanzibar on a budget is to visit during the low season, stay in affordable guesthouses, use shared or public transport, eat at local restaurants, and book tours directly with trusted local operators. These choices significantly reduce costs while ensuring a safe and enjoyable island experience.
Understanding the Real Cost of Traveling Zanzibar
Most online guides oversimplify Zanzibar as either “cheap” or “expensive.”
The truth? Zanzibar can be extremely affordable… if you understand how the island works.
The 5 Things That Determine Your Costs
- Season (high vs low)
- Location (Stone Town vs Nungwi vs Paje)
- Transport choices
- Type of excursions you choose
- Food choices (local restaurants vs beach resorts)
Below is the real, data-based cost range for budget travelers:
| Category | Budget Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15–$35/night | Hostels & beachfront guesthouses |
| Meals | $2–$6/meal | Local restaurants & markets |
| Transport | $1–$20 | Daladalas, shared taxis, scooters |
| Tours | $15–$45 | When booked directly (not via resellers) |
| Daily Spending | $25–$45 | Very comfortable budget |
So yes — $25–$45/day is realistic with the right planning.
Best Time for Zanzibar Budget Travel (Month-by-Month Analysis)
Seasonality is the biggest price influencer. Here’s a detailed expert breakdown of weather, crowds, and hotel pricing month-by-month:
TL: NR;
Best Budget Months: April, May, November, early December
Best Value Months: June, September, October
January – Warm & Busy (Not ideal for budgets)
- High-demand holiday month
- Hotels 40–70% more expensive
- Snorkeling & beaches are excellent
- Budget travelers should avoid
Learn more about Zanzibar in January
February – Sunny, clear, but still pricey
- Calm ocean → perfect for diving
- Strongest winds in Paje for kitesurfing
- Hotels still high but cheaper than Jan
Learn more about Zanzibar in February
March – Beginning of price drops
- Early rains begin
- Great for cultural tours
- Many hotels start offering 15–20% discounts
Learn more about Zanzibar in March
April – One of the cheapest months
- Long rains
- Lush green landscapes
- Deepest hotel discounts (up to 60%)
- Quiet beaches and low crowds
Learn more about Zanzibar in April
May – Still cheap, but slightly drier
- Beautiful low-season sunsets
- Great for photography
- Best month for ultra-low hotel rates
Learn More about Zanzibar in May
June – Dry, beautiful, moderate prices
- Weather stabilizes
- Wonderful for Mnemba & snorkeling
- Great value for money
Learn more about Zanzibar in June
July – Peak season (price surge)
- European holidays
- Expensive luxury hotels
- Budget travelers should avoid
Learn more about Zanzibar in July
August – Very busy, highest demand
- Perfect weather
- Hard to find cheap stays
- Tours sell out early
Learn more about Zanzibar August
September – Best value for good weather
- Ideal temperatures
- Reliable ocean conditions
- Prices drop 20–30% from peak
Learn more about Zanzibar in September
October – Warm, affordable, beautiful
- Calm beaches
- Amazing for dolphins & snorkeling
- Low-to-mid hotel prices
Learn more about Zanzibar in October
November – One of the top budget months
- Short rains
- Very cheap hotels
- Fewer crowds
- Great for cultural activities & food tours
Learn more about Zanzibar in November
December – Expensive after the 15th
- Early December: good budget window
- Late December: Christmas rates, avoid
Learn more about Zanzibar in December
Best Budget-Friendly Areas to Stay
Not all areas of Zanzibar are equal in price or experience. Here’s what years of operating tours have taught us.
Stone Town (Culture, food, cheapest transport hub)
Ideal for: Solo travelers, culture lovers, first-time visitors
Budget range: $15–$25/night
Why Stone Town is cheap:
- Walkable → no transport costs
- Dozens of budget hostels
- Cheap food at Lukmaan, Passing Show, and Forodhani
Expert picks:
- Jambo Guest House
- Ten to Ten Hostel
- Flamingo Guest House
Jambiani (Beach + authentic local life at lower prices)
Ideal for: Couples, long-term stays, quiet travelers
Budget range: $20–$35/night
Why budget travelers love it:
- Cheap beachfront rooms
- Affordable local restaurants
- Perfect for scooter exploration
Expert picks:
- Blue Reef Lodge
- New Teddy’s on the Beach
Learn more about Jambiani Beach
Paje (Vibrant, young, budget-friendly)
Ideal for: Backpackers, digital nomads, nightlife lovers
Budget range: $15–$40/night
Why Paje is great:
- Budget-friendly hostels
- Cheap shared taxis
- Strong kitesurf community
Expert picks:
- Drifters
- Ebb & Flow
Learn more about Paje Beach
Nungwi/Kendwa (Best beaches, slightly pricier but still manageable)
Ideal for: Beach lovers, couples
Budget range: $25–$40/night
Budget-friendly activities + amazing beaches = top value.
Expert picks:
- Green’s Guesthouse
- Kipepeo Lodge
Learn More about Nungwi and Kendwa Beach
Getting around Zanzibar on a Budget — Local Transport Guide
We see travelers overpay daily because they don’t understand transport on the island.
Here’s the detailed breakdown:
DalaDala (Local Minivans)
- Cheapest transport on the island
- Not ideal for luggage
- Fantastic for cultural immersion
- Routes connect Stone Town → beaches
Transfer
- Best for convenience
- Pre-book to avoid tourist pricing
Book Transfer with Us.
Best Budget Tours in Zanzibar
Here are the tours we recommend most for budget-conscious travelers — very affordable but rich in experience.
- Stone Town Walking Tour: A must for culture, history, and food. Learn more
- Prison Island + Nakupenda; Low-cost way to enjoy turquoise water & giant tortoises.
- Spice Farm Tour: Educational, cheap, and delicious fruit tasting included.
- Dolphin Watching (Mnemba); Best chance for dolphins, plus coral snorkeling.
- Jozani Forest; See endangered red colobus monkeys.
- Village Cultural Tours; Authentic and enriching.
Because we operate locally without middlemen, our prices are intentionally fair for budget travelers.
How to Eat Cheap in Zanzibar
Food can be extremely cheap if you know where to go.
Local Food Prices
- Biryani: $2–$4
- Pilau: $2
- Chips Mayai: $1.50
- Octopus coconut curry: $3–$6
Best Cheap Eats
Stone Town:
- Lukmaan Restaurant
- Passing Show
- Forodhani Night Market
Paje/Jambiani:
- Local Swahili cafes
- Street food vendors
- Beachside juice stands
Pro Tip: Avoid beachfront hotel restaurants — they charge 3–5× the local price.
Zanzibar Budget Itineraries
3-Day Budget Plan
- Day 1: Stone Town walking tour + Forodhani sunset
- Day 2: Prison Island + Nakupenda
- Day 3: Spice Farm tour + Jozani Forest
or
5-Day Smart Budget Plan
- Add Mnemba snorkeling
- Add village tour
Book this itinerary or contact us for a Custom budget itinerary.
FAQ – Zanzibar Budget Travel
Is Zanzibar expensive for tourists?
Zanzibar can be expensive if you stick to beachfront resorts, private transfers, and tour resellers.
But with the right planning, Zanzibar is one of the most affordable tropical islands in Africa.
Using local restaurants, shared taxis, budget guesthouses, and booking directly with local operators can cut your spending by 40–60%.
How much money do I need per day in Zanzibar on a budget?
A realistic daily budget is:
$25–$35/day (shoestring)
$35–$50/day (comfortable budget)
This includes accommodation, meals, shared transport, and at least one activity every two days.
What is the cheapest month to visit Zanzibar?
The cheapest months, based on local hotel data and tour demand, are:
April
May
November
Early December
Prices drop drastically during these times due to soft tourism demand.
What is the cheapest area to stay in Zanzibar?
For reliable, clean, and safe budget accommodation, the cheapest areas are:
Stone Town
Jambiani
Paje
Mwanakwerekwe (local area, not touristy)
Stone Town usually offers the lowest prices, plus you save on transport because you can walk everywhere.
Can I travel to Zanzibar alone on a budget?
Yes — Zanzibar is safe for solo travel, including budget travelers.
Choose guesthouses with good reviews, avoid walking alone late at night in quiet beach areas, and pre-book airport transfers.
Solo travelers benefit most from shared tours and shared taxis, which Blue-Green Zanzibar Tours can arrange daily.
How can I do Zanzibar tours on a budget?
Some tips:
Avoid hotel tour desks
Avoid middlemen along the beach
Join shared tours
Book directly with licensed operators
Combine 2–3 activities in one day to reduce transport costs
Blue-Green Zanzibar Tours offers shared options for most trips to help travelers save money.
How many days do I need in Zanzibar on a budget?
For a balanced, affordable trip:
3 days: Quick highlights
5 days: Best balance
7+ days: Most value for money (split stay: Stone Town + beach)
Longer stays reduce daily costs because you settle into local routines.
Can Blue-Green Zanzibar Tours help me plan a full budget itinerary?
Yes — we specialize in designing budget-friendly Zanzibar vacations for solo travelers, couples, and families.
We can help with:
Low-cost tours
Shared transfers
Affordable itineraries
Reliable, safe local guidance
Free travel planning advice
Just reach out, and we’ll help you create a perfect low-cost Zanzibar holiday.
Conclusion
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean limiting your experience — with proper planning, Zanzibar budget travel can give you world-class beaches, incredible culture, mouthwatering food, and unforgettable activities at a surprisingly low cost.
At Blue-Green Zanzibar Tours, we specialize in helping travelers explore more while spending less. Whether you need a customized budget plan, shared transfers, or low-cost tours, we’re here to help you travel Zanzibar the smart way.
