What are the mandatory entry costs before you even land?
Before you factor in a single hotel night, Zanzibar has two non-negotiable government fees. Most nationalities need Tanzania's online e-visa, which runs around 50 USD (US citizens pay more, around 100 USD, for a multiple-entry visa). On top of that, every visitor must carry the mandatory travel insurance issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, currently 44 USD per adult and about half that for children aged 3 to 17. Together, that's roughly 94 USD per adult before you've even checked into a hotel. Many hotels also add a small nightly infrastructure levy, typically 2 to 5 USD depending on the property's star rating, so check whether it's included in your quoted rate.
How much do flights and getting to Zanzibar actually cost?
If you're flying in from Europe, round-trip fares to Zanzibar (ZNZ) typically land between roughly 350 and 700 USD depending on season and how far ahead you book, with the cheapest fares usually via Gulf or East African hub airports. From the US, expect closer to 600 to 900 USD round-trip. If you're combining Zanzibar with a mainland safari, short domestic hops matter too: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar runs about 40 to 80 USD one-way by air, or as little as 35 USD by ferry in economy class, while flights from Arusha or Kilimanjaro (the safari gateway) cost more, roughly 80 to 180 USD one-way.
What does accommodation cost — from budget to luxury?
Zanzibar's range is enormous. A simple guesthouse away from the beachfront can run 20 to 70 USD a night. Mid-range boutique hotels and smaller beach lodges — the sweet spot for most visitors — sit around 80 to 200 USD a night. Five-star beachfront resorts on the north and east coasts start around 250 USD and climb well past 600 USD a night in high season. Prices swing hard with the calendar: expect the steepest rates in August, over the Christmas and New Year period, and increasingly around late October this year, when the island's high season stretches into the shoulder months.
How much should I budget for food and drink each day?
Eating well in Zanzibar doesn't have to be expensive. Street food and night-market stalls — think Stone Town's Forodhani Gardens — cost as little as 2 to 8 USD a plate, and simple local restaurants aren't much more, generally 4 to 8 USD per meal. Tourist-oriented and mid-range restaurants charge more like 12 to 20 USD per main course, while the island's fine-dining spots can run 40 USD or more per person. Browse the app's restaurants section for options at every price point, from beach shacks to sunset fine dining.
What about local transport, tours and excursions?
Getting around cheaply is easy: a dala-dala (shared minibus) costs well under 2 USD for most routes, and a boda-boda (motorbike taxi) is typically 2 to 5 USD. A private taxi from the airport into Stone Town runs 10 to 20 USD, and renting a scooter for the day is around 20 to 30 USD — see the app's getting around section for the full rundown, including car hire. For excursions, budget separately for the marine conservation fee — 10 USD per adult per trip — charged on top of any snorkelling or diving trip around Mnemba or other protected waters; full details are in our marine conservation fees guide. Popular day trips like Safari Blue, Jozani Forest and Stone Town tours typically add another 30 to 90 USD per person.
So what's a realistic daily budget for my travel style?
Once flights and entry fees are covered, a backpacker-style budget traveler can get by on roughly 40 to 90 USD a day, covering a basic room, local food and public transport. Mid-range travelers who want a comfortable boutique hotel, a few tours and the occasional nice dinner should plan for about 120 to 250 USD a day. Luxury travelers chasing beachfront resorts, private transfers and fine dining should budget 300 USD a day and upwards — it's easy to spend considerably more at the island's top properties.
How can I keep costs down without missing out?
Travel in the shoulder months — like September or November — rather than August or the December holidays, and you'll find both flights and hotels noticeably cheaper. When it comes to excursions, we're firmly on the side of Zanzibar's local guides and small operators — they're the backbone of the island's tourism economy, and putting your money directly into their hands is one of the best things a visitor can do. That's exactly what the events section of the app is built for: independent, Zanzibari-run operators we've personally checked out, many of whom go beyond the standard tourist package with more personal, off-the-beaten-path experiences — plus the reassurance of well-maintained boats and equipment, and a real person to call if anything goes wrong. Eating at local spots rather than tourist restaurants is another great way to stretch your budget while keeping it in the community — Zanzibari food is genuinely excellent at every price point. For more ways to plan smart, browse the rest of our guide.