How many times have you thought that to go to Zanzibar you definitely need a guide (from a travel agency) and a lot of money? That’s totally wrong!
In this guide, I’m going to show you how to plan a memorable trip to Zanzibar on your own, save a lot of money, and experience the island under true “Hakuna Matata” vibes.
Zanzibar can indeed be quite expensive if you rely on tour operators or stick only to the most touristy areas.
Many travelers end up paying much more than necessary for accommodation, excursions, and transfers just because they book everything through agencies abroad.
However, by choosing local operators and exploring less crowded spots, you can enjoy an authentic experience at a fraction of the cost, all while supporting the local economy.
And I’m going to share with you all contacts i have there, of course 🙂
The best time to visit Zanzibar is generally during the dry seasons: from June to October and from December to February when the weather is sunny, warm, and perfect for the beach. Avoid traveling from March to May, as it can be extremely rainy.
I personally went there in January, and it was absolutely amazing. It’s also a great time for snorkeling and diving, as visibility is excellent and the sea is beautifully calm.
Once you decide your dates, you’ll need to choose how to fly to Zanzibar, which is likely to be your biggest expense. The price is influenced by two main factors: the date and the departure airport.
Dates: I recommend traveling at the end of the dry season, outside of holiday periods, preferably in January. There are fewer tourists, and airlines rarely fill their flights completely.
Departure Airport: Whenever you are coming from, search your flight on skyscanner. Keep in mind that your flight must arrive in the International Airport “Abeid Amani Karume” that is near to Stone Town. From there, I recommend to you ask to your hotel to provide for the transfer…as usually it costs no more than 15 USD.
Follow this tips before you book your flight:
Differently from what I’ve proposed in my guide “Maldives Low Cost“, for Zanzibar I wouldn’t recommend staying in a single spot. Instead, move around and explore the island as much as possible.
The island is full of diversity, and each area is unique. To book your stay, you can use Booking.com, there are plenty of accommodations in different price ranges. So… travel light with a small backpack and get ready to explore!
I stayed in some stunning places on the island, spending around 24 USD per night per person (prices below are for 2 people).
I decided to explore the island by motorbike! After a long search, I found this amazing Royal Enfield, which I rented and used for a total of 8 days at Sufian Bike and Car Rental Zanzibar in Stone Town.
If you don’t want to get around by motorbike, they also rent different types of cars.Absolutely the best service in town! Ask to me for their private number!
Here Below my 8 days itinerary to do not miss all the most iconic spots on the island! Here we go!
As you arrive at the island’s International Airport, the first two days are best spent in the Stone Town area.
Stone Town is the historical heart of Zanzibar, a maze of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors and lively markets where African, Arab, and Indian influences blend together.
From here you can easily visit Prison Island, known for its giant tortoises and clear waters and or Nakupenda Sandbank, a stunning stretch of white sand perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Both spots are just a short boat ride away and offer a beautiful escape from the city and you can visit them in one day.
You’ll find many promotions from travel agencies or people in the beach offering packages to visit both islands in one day, usually for no less than 100 USD, lunch included.
Instead…just go to the beach, ignore anyone trying to sell you a boat tour, and walk to this point where you can directly meet fishermen who own boats and can take you to both islands.
You can bargain with them for a visit to both islands for no more than 25 USD per person…cheap, right? To do not meet many people, I recommend to you to go there early in the morning (8 a.m) and visit Nakupenda first, have launch there (ask to locals to cook some fresh fish for you for 10 USD max) and then go to Prison Island.
From the south-west of the island, I rode my Royal Enfield all the way to the northern area. The trip from Stone Town to Kendwa takes only about 1.5 hours, and the route is fully immersed in nature and surrounded by local villages. The road is good, not crowded, and it’s easy to drive even if you’re going by car.
Once you arrive in the north i recommend to you to do not miss Kendwa, Nungwi and Mnemba Island.
Kendwa Beach, is one of the island’s most stunning beaches, with its white sand, turquoise water, and lovely sunsets. The beach offers plenty to do, from relaxing and swimming in calm, crystal-clear water to snorkeling and diving around the nearby coral reefs.
We decided to spend our day in Kendwa by asking some fishermen (you can find them in this point) to bring us in the starfish area to snorkel.
Right after spending the morning in Kendwa, we headed to Nungwi, which is only a few kilometers away from the first beach. Kendwa is a very local area, perfect for relaxing and trying some traditional food. The Fish Market Restaurant is a great place to taste local dishes at affordable prices.
Along the Nungwi coast, there are several beach clubs where you can rent a spot for just a few dollars and relax while enjoying the surroundings.
Once there there’s one spot that you absolutely cannot miss, the turtles sanctuary!
The Turtle Sanctuary in Zanzibar is an unforgettable experience where you can get up close to these incredible creatures in a natural, peaceful setting. The cost is 10 USD per person, and the tour takes 1h approximately.
The water is crystal clear, and as soon as you step in, dozens of turtles start swimming around you with graceful, gentle movements. You can actually swim beside them, touch their smooth shells, and even feed them.
The part you cannot miss in the north of the island is definitely a visit to Mnemba Island. The island is managed by a luxury travel company, and staying there is extremely expensive… but not for this blog, Hakuna Matata.
Instead, from Muyuni Beach you can easly find a fishermen who can bring you closer to the island for 15 USD. Are you ready to negotiate?
What’s interesting there is that near the island, there is a high concentration of coral reefs, where you can snorkel among colorful fish and breathtaking corals!
From Muyuni Beach, it’s also possible to hire a fishermen for 15 USD to take you dolphin watching. However, I didn’t enjoy the experience much, as there were many boats chasing the dolphins, making it feel very touristy.
After four blissful days soaking up the sun on Zanzibar’s beaches, it’s time to balance the sand with some nature.
The east coast feels like a world apart, with endless stretches of powdery white sand, a calm and unhurried atmosphere, hardly any tourists, and vibrant greenery that beckons you to explore.
It’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe in the salty air, and let the island’s natural beauty sweep you off your feet. What I really loved about the east coast were the kilometers of beaches with literally no one around, just crabs scuttling about, searching for food at sunset. Pure magic.
Kuza and Maluu Caves are both a stunning natural attraction to do not miss on Zanzibar’s east coast. Those are hidden underground pool formed within a limestone cave, surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation. You can swim in the cool, clear waters, explore the rocky formations, and enjoy a truly unique experience immersed in nature.
Before to leave the east cost, take your time to chill and relax in the Be Zanzibar – Boutique Hotel, a little slice of paradise on Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar. Even if you’re not staying there, you can enter and use their stunning pool with a day pass.
The food is absolutely incredible, with fresh, beautifully prepared dishes that delight every taste. And the view? Breathtaking, with tropical gardens, the beach, and the ocean all around, every moment here feels pure magic.
The drive from the east coast to the south is amazing, with roads surrounded by lush nature and dotted with local villages, where very welcoming people make for perfect quick stops.
While on the road, i recommend to visit the Zala Park, the only national park in Zanzibar. Here, you can wander through lush mangroves and tropical forests, keeping an eye out for the rare red colobus monkeys and other unique wildlife.
Kizimkazi is a charming fishing village famous for its dolphin-watching tours. You can also visit its historic mosque and enjoy a peaceful, authentic village atmosphere. In Kizimkazi beach there’s the famous Mimi the Dhow who offers a relaxing and authentic sailing experience on a traditional wooden dhow. It’s a peaceful, scenic journey that lets you appreciate Zanzibar’s coastline from a unique and unforgettable perspective.
But…If you want to save money, go to Kizimkazi Beach and ask a fishermen to take you to watch the sunset. It costs around 5 USD per person if you negotiate for an hour or more on the fishermen’s boat.
From Kizimkazi, it’s worth taking a trip to Pungume Island by asking local fishermen to bring you there for a maximum of 20 USD.
Pungume is a tiny, secluded island perfect for snorkeling and relaxing on pristine beaches. Its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs make it an ideal spot for a private getaway. Spend at least an hour here… it’s some of the most crystal-clear water you will ever see in your life.
Zanzibar isn’t just a paradise for the rich.
With smart choices and a bit of planning, you can experience its beaches, nature, and culture without breaking the bank.
This island proves that tropical dreams don’t have to come with luxury-resort prices.
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