I recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania, with my brother, and I’m excited to share everything you need to know to plan your own successful and budget-friendly getaway. I was in Zanzibar for 7 days and 6 nights and I spent $2,799.36 for everything including my flight. The most expensive activity was a safari adventure that cost $450, including transportation. Without that excursion, my total would have been just $2,349.49.

Zanzibar is the perfect destination for anyone. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a fun girls’ or guys’ trip, or a memorable family vacation, this tropical paradise has something for everyone. From stunning beaches and vibrant culture to exciting activities and breathtaking scenery, there’s so much to see and do. You’re going to love it!

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Best Time to Go

Zanzibar experiences two rainy seasons each year. The “long rains,” or monsoons, occur from March to May, while the “short rains” typically happen in November and December. During the short rains, you’ll usually experience light morning drizzles or showers that clear up by midday.

The best time to visit Zanzibar is between June and October, but I think anytime from June to February can be great. Most travelers visit during the summer months, making it high season, but you’ll likely find more affordable flights if you plan your trip for the winter months (December to February) and book 4–5 months in advance. The weather is hot year-round, with temperatures ranging from 80 to 95+ degrees Fahrenheit, so even during U.S. winter months, you can expect warm tropical weather.

I visited from November 27 to December 4 and had an amazing time. It rained on only two days during my trip. Once was at night with a heavy downpour that lasted about an hour, and once in the morning with a light drizzle that cleared up by midday. If you’re visiting during the short rains, you can still enjoy your trip as long as you keep your itinerary flexible to adjust for any weather-related changes.

One important note: Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim archipelago, so I recommend avoiding visits during Ramadan. Some businesses may have limited hours or be closed, which could affect your plans.

Flights

For tips on how to find the best affordable flights read my blog post: “How to Use Google Flights to Find the Best Deals“.

Entry Requirements

If you are flying from the U.S. and have a U.S. passport, you will need both a visa and Zanzibar’s travel insurance. I got both online before I arrived, but they can also be obtained in person. The multiple-entry visa costs $100 for U.S. citizens. I recommend applying for the visa at least 2–3 weeks before your trip, as the website can sometimes glitch, lag, or decline your card on the first try. If that happens, you can return to your application and try again until it works.

Zanzibar also requires travelers to have travel insurance from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) as of October 1, 2024. Even if you have your own travel insurance, they will check at the airport to ensure you have theirs. The insurance costs $44 and can be purchased online.

Although both the visa and travel insurance can be handled at the airport, I preferred completing them beforehand to make my arrival smoother and get through the airport quickly.

Where I Stayed

Hotel Riu Jambo

I stayed at the all-inclusive Riu Jambo hotel in Nungwi, located in the northern part of Zanzibar. I stayed there for 3 nights. Nungwi is a great area with a beautiful beach, and a lot of watersports and excursions to enjoy.

I booked a double standard room and requested two twin beds, for my brother and I, instead of the king bed. The room was comfortable and had a nice patio where we could relax and hang our clothes to dry. Being at an all-inclusive resort was very convenient because we didn’t have to worry about food or drinks. While their restaurants didn’t offer many options for me as a vegetarian, my brother and I ate at the buffet every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The buffet had a wide variety of options, including plenty of vegetarian choices, and I enjoyed the selection.

The resort kept guests entertained with activities like volleyball, water basketball, other Riu Fit programs, and nightly entertainment. There was also an abundance of space to relax. Whether it was lounging on the beach under an umbrella or by one of the multiple pools, there were plenty of spots to unwind. Every time my brother and I walked through the resort, we noticed how big it was, but it wasn’t crowded. We loved our stay at Riu!

Bamboo Zanzibar: Design Hotel Jambiani

I stayed at Bamboo Zanzibar Design hotel and booked the Rondo Garden Bungalow room. This room had a blend of indoor and outdoor living. The design was beautiful, but it’s worth noting that the bathroom (more specifically the shower) was outdoors. My brother and I weren’t huge fans of this, particularly after arriving at night from long excursions. Showering outside with minimal lighting is just not ideal. If you’re someone who enjoys nature and doesn’t mind a bit of outdoor exposure, it might be a perfect fit for you. The bungalows were very clean but due to the outdoor concept, it’s also possible to come across some insects around the room. If you’re not comfortable with that, it’s something to keep in mind.

The property itself is stunning, and the amenities were top-notch. Every morning, breakfast was included, with a variety of à la carte options to choose from. The highlight of the stay was the beautiful pool overlooking the beach, which you could walk down to during low tide. It was the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

The staff were incredibly kind and attentive. They took care of my laundry daily, and returned everything the same day, which was a big bonus. Their attention to detail really made the experience feel special.

The overall vibe of the place is calm, peaceful, and romantic. If you’re someone who enjoys wellness, yoga, and being surrounded by nature, you’ll feel right at home here. It’s definitely more on the quiet side, so if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, this might not be the best choice.

Despite the few minor inconveniences with the outdoor shower and insects, I would still highly recommend Bamboo Zanzibar. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a peaceful escape immersed in nature, with a focus on wellness and relaxation. Whether you opt for the bungalow or one of the more luxe rooms, I’m sure you’ll have a memorable stay!

Excursions

There are a lot of excursions to choose from when visiting Zanzibar but here are the ones I did and would recommend:

Quad Biking Tour

I booked this tour on GetYourGuide and the company name is OSSELICHE Quad Tours ZANZIBAR. This quad bike excursion cost $87 per person, but the prices range from $78 to $87 depending on the date you choose. Each bike can accommodate two people, so you can split the cost if you share. My brother wanted to ride on his own so we each paid $87.

The tour includes roundtrip transportation for those staying in Nungwi or Kendwa. Our first stop was a sandbank, where we relaxed and took photos. The water was crystal clear, and we were lucky to catch it at low tide.

Next, we visited a local village, where we met the locals, learned about their upbringing and customs, and even grated coconuts to make coconut milk, which a staple in Zanzibari cuisine. If you’re wearing shorts, they provide a sarong to cover up as a sign of respect since Zanzibar is a Muslim island.

Our final stop was Kendwa Beach, where we rinsed off, relaxed, and enjoyed fresh fruit provided by the tour.

I loved this tour and highly recommend starting with it if you’re staying in Nungwi or Kendwa! They even sent us a link with all the pictures and videos they took of us at the end of the tour.

1 Day Safari at Mikumi National Park

We did a one-day safari at Mikumi National Park for $450 per person. This price included roundtrip transportation from our hotel to the airport and back, which took about 1.5 to 2 hours, flight tickets from Zanzibar to mainland Tanzania, the game drive, and lunch.

This was the most expensive excursion of our trip, but it was absolutely worth it. It’s not every day you get to experience a safari.

I booked this with @letgotozanzibar on Instagram, and he handled everything. We were picked up early in the morning, drove to the airport, and took a 40-minute flight on a small plane. When we landed, our guide was waiting with a sign with our name, making it easy for us to know where to go.

Nakupenda Island, Prison Island, & Stone Town Tour

We had a full day visiting Nakupenda Beach, Prison Island, and Stone Town for $115 per person. The tour included roundtrip transportation, lunch, fresh fruit, and the tour itself. I booked all of this with @letgotozanzibar on instagram.

At Nakupenda Beach, they set up a tent for us and prepared a fresh grilled meal with fish, chicken, and french fries. Since I’m vegetarian, they made sure I had rice, sauce, and salad. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, be sure to message your guide in advance so they can accommodate you. They also helped me capture amazing photos and videos while we relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful beach.

Next, we visited Prison Island, where we saw the giant tortoises and learned about the island’s history.

Finally, in Stone Town, we watched local boys diving into the ocean, explored the city’s rich history, and visited museums that showed Zanzibar’s slave sites and cultural heritage.

Half Day Mnemba Island

If there’s one thing you must do in Zanzibar, make sure Mnemba Island is at the top of your list! This was my favorite excursion of the trip. It cost $105 per person and was a private tour for just my brother and me. We booked with @letgotozanzibar on instagram, and he was a great guide. We were picked up and driven to Muyuni Beach, where all the boats are docked. Once on board, we headed to a snorkeling site, where we swam with the fish (snorkeling equipment was included). Then, we had the incredible experience of swimming with dolphins, which is easily the coolest thing I’ve done so far.

If you prefer a more ethical dolphin experience, I recommend booking with @kizimkaziethicaldolphintours on instagram and skipping the dolphin portion of the Mnemba Island tour.

After seeing the dolphins, we got closer to Mnemba Island and anchored the boat. We relaxed in the crystal-clear water, enjoyed a fresh fruit platter, and soaked in the beauty of our surroundings. The water in this area is shallow, so you can walk around. Depending on where your guide anchors the boat and your height, it will be about hip to shoulder depth.

Salaam Cave

Salaam Cave is a turtle conservation site where you can feed the turtles. I would recommend Salaam cave over other turtle caves on the island because the water is super clear, the staff was kind and helpful with taking pictures, and the turtles didn’t bite. Just avoid wearing green so that the turtles don’t mistake your swimsuit for seaweed/food.

It costs about $10-15 to enter the site and feed the turtles but that doesn’t include transportation to and from your accommodation. Depending on where you’re staying in the island, transportation can be around $35-65. Salaam cave is located in the south part of Zanzibar so if you’re in Nungwi(northern Zanzibar) then it may take about 2 hours to get to the cave. I paid $75 total because I was checking out of my resort in Nungwi to go to a new hotel in the southeast part of the island and doing this tour in the same day.

My guide was @letsgotozanzibar but you can also message @salaam_cave on instagram to book the tour with transportation.

Sunset Dhow Boat Tour

I did a sunset boat tour with @zanzibarlifestyle on instagram and it was $20 per person. They take US dollars as payment. I messaged them on instagram a couple days before and let them know when I wanted to do the tour. They added me to the list and communicated with me the day of the tour. The tour was from 4-6:30pm and transportation (which was a jetski ride from our resort beach) was included since we were staying in Nungwi. We got to enjoy the locals sing songs, play drums, and dance on the boat. As the sun was setting they anchored the boat so people could jump off and enjoy the water and sunset. I was dressed up so I just stayed on the boat and enjoyed the views. Check out my instagram highlight ‘TZ 🇹🇿’ to see more.

MY GUIDE

I used @letsgotozanzibar to book most of my trip, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. My guide, Fahmi, and my driver, @lava_b0y23, made my time in Zanzibar unforgettable.

Even on long drives to certain excursions, Fahmi and Lavaboy kept our spirits high with great music, fun conversations, and lots of laughs. I especially loved booking with them because I knew my money was supporting local people who were born and raised in Zanzibar.

Food

The first half of our trip was at an all inclusive resort so we didn’t spend money on food when we were there. For the second half of my trip we went to another hotel. Breakfast was included, but for lunch and dinner I spent $112.13 over the course of 4 days. Here are the lunch and dinner spots I went to:

Bento – Paje food court

I went here for lunch and there are about 8 food stations to choose from. Every Friday night they have a jam session and Saturday nights they have a night market and DJ set.

Bamboo Zanzibar

This was the hotel we were staying at. We ate lunch and dinner here and they have a pretty good menu.

THE DOOR RESTAURANT – Sharazād Boutique Hotel

Sharazad The View Restaurant (Jambiani Beach)

There are a lot of restaurants all around the island and you can always ask resort/hotel staff and other locals what they would recommend for food. I would use tiktok as a resource for finding restaurants and check on google maps how close/far it is from the hotel you are staying at.

Exchanging Money

In Zanzibar, many places and people accept U.S. dollars, but the official currency is the Tanzanian shilling. I don’t use ATMs when traveling because I’ve heard stories of cards being taken and not returned, so I prefer to bring cash and exchange it. Zanzibar is one of the places where exchanging your money at the airport is the best option.

Once you step out of the arrivals section at the airport, you’ll see a money exchange counter on the right side of the exit. I brought $300 and exchanged it all, which gave me 780,000 Tanzanian shillings. I only lost about 10,000–15,000 shillings in the exchange, which is less than $10 USD.

The strength of the U.S. dollar fluctuates, so download a currency exchange app to check the current rates. You don’t lose much when exchanging at the airport, and it’s worth getting all your money exchanged there because it can be hard to find reliable banks or ATMs on the island.

If you’re staying in touristy areas, using U.S. dollars won’t be an issue, but it’s helpful to have smaller bills to avoid problems with getting change. When exchanging money at the airport, larger bills like $20s, $50s, or $100s are preferred, and make sure they’re clean and in good condition.

Most popular or upscale restaurants also accept cards, so you’ll have options if you don’t want to carry too much cash.

Modesty

Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island, and dressing modestly is a sign of respect for the local culture. While beachwear is fine at resorts and beaches, it’s best to cover up when exploring towns, villages, or religious sites.

For women, a flowy maxi dress, loose pants with a lightweight top, or a long skirt with a t-shirt are great options. A scarf or shawl is also handy for covering your shoulders when needed. Men should opt for lightweight pants or knee-length shorts with a t-shirt or polo.

Dressing modestly not only shows respect but also helps you blend in and feel more comfortable while exploring Zanzibar’s rich history and culture.

Data/Esim and Staying Connected

If your phone carrier offers an international data plan, you should have no issues staying online during your trip. If not, I recommend getting an eSIM. I used Holafly during my time in Zanzibar and had unlimited data with 4G–5G speeds.

However, in Zanzibar, my eSIM didn’t work as well as expected. I had a great experience using Holafly in Dubai and Morocco, but in Zanzibar, there were areas where I had limited signal and speeds dropped to 3G. Overall, it worked, but I recommend comparing other eSIM options if possible.

Wi-Fi is available at hotels, resorts, and restaurants, but some locations may require a password, so be sure to ask. I also recommend downloading and setting up WhatsApp before your trip, as it’s the primary way people in Zanzibar communicate. Whether you’re messaging friends and family or contacting local tour guides, having WhatsApp ready will make staying in touch much easier.

Itinerary