Holidays on the islands in the Indian Ocean are considered quite expensive, especially for islands near the African continent. Zanzibar is also one of the islands for luxury holidays. But, unlike Mauritius and the Seychelles, in Zanzibar you can relax quite inexpensively.
Based on the reviews of tourists and having studied the prices of tour operators for hotels and excursions, we decided to calculate how much the average vacation in Zanzibar will cost.
The cost of rest in Zanzibar from Moscow
How much does a trip to Zanzibar cost? You will definitely have to spend money on the flight. Its cost is a significant part of the travel budget. The road from Moscow to Zanzibar is not close, so ticket prices are not cheap.
A single ticket from Moscow to Zanzibar costs from 35,000 to 45,000 rubles, this is the most expensive flight. If you buy with transfers, it will be cheaper, depending on the number of transfers and the airline. Such a ticket can be bought for 25,000-30,000 rubles.
- The best prices for flights to Zanzibar can be found using Aviasales →
Having reached Dar es Salaam, you need to get to the island, for this there are two ways:
- through the air. A flight on a small plane costs $ 40; you will spend about 10-15 minutes on the flight.
- on water. If you are afraid to rise into the air once again, you can use the ferry. The price of a ticket for water transport does not differ from the cost of the flight, and is $ 40-50. But it takes much more time - 3 hours.
The travel expenses do not end there. If you are not met by a transfer at Zanzibar Airport, you can take a taxi. Local taxi drivers will ask for at least $ 80-100 for the farthest beaches of the island. You can safely bargain up to $ 50.
Housing prices
How much does a private vacation in Zanzibar cost? The cost of living on the island depends on the level of comfort in which you want to live. Of course, there are hotels for a day in which they will cost 40,000-50,000 rubles, but these are some of the most expensive. We read a separate review about 4-5 * hotels by the sea.
If you do not pretend to be a royal mansion, then middle class hotels are quite suitable. They have everything you need for a comfortable stay. The price for a double room is from 2500-5000 rubles. More often than not, breakfast only is included in the price. For two weeks of rest in a 3 or 4 star hotel, you need to pay from 35,000 - 70,000 rubles.
About inexpensive hotels in Zanzibar, we read a separate review of the best places to relax by the sea.
Excursion cost
You can spend on excursions in different ways, depending on where and from whom to buy them. The most expensive at the tour operator or at the hotel, cheaper at the beach boys. If you go to excursion sites on your own, it will cost quite inexpensively, but the comfort is lower.
Consider how much money to take with you to visit the main attractions of Zanzibar.
We buy from a tour operator
- A trip to Prison Island or an island with giant turtles together with a visit to a desert island or snorkeling - $ 65-70.
- Swimming with dolphins or “dolphin tour” - $ 70-80.
- A visit to the spice plantation + Jozani forest + excursion around Stone Town - $ 65-75.
- Blue safari with snorkeling and lunch (full day trip) - $ 65-70.
- Departure to the islands for snorkeling - $ 40-50.
Buy from Beach Boys
- Prison island + snorkeling - $ 35-40.
- Dolphin Tour - $ 45-50.
- Jozani Forest + Stone Town - $ 35-40.
- Blue safari - $ 35-45.
- Snorkeling from $ 15.
Beachboys have a fairly large list of excursions and services, some of which they come up with on the go. They can take you on a fishing boat to the ocean to meet the sunset, take you to the village and show you the life of local people, take you fishing or collecting bananas. The cost is negotiable and usually low.
The cost of travel on excursions yourself
You will not be able to get on all the excursions offered by operators and beach battles on your own, but you will succeed in some of them.
- Stone Town. To get to Stone Town by public transport - $ 1, then walk as much as you like. The downside is that no one will guide you on a tour in Russian, what you learn on the Internet is yours. If you are friends with English, then a local guide will conduct a tour for only $ 5-10.
- Head straight from Stone Town to Prison Island. You can rent a boat for 3 hours for $ 15.
- Taking a taxi in Stone Town for $ 40, you can go to the Jozani forest and the spice plantation, while the driver will stop at any place you want.
You won't be able to go on a blue safari or swim with dolphins on your own, only if you have a boat with you.
Prices for holidays in Zanzibar, food and more
- Upon arrival at the airport, you will be given a visa, it costs $ 50.
- If you plan to travel all over the island, consider paying for a taxi or car rental. Car rental per day - $ 30.
When renting a car, be prepared to pay fines or small bribes to local police officers. They stop tourists all the time, and they will definitely find something to complain about.
- If only breakfasts are included in the accommodation, then on average 15,000-20,000 rubles are spent on food for two weeks. This is an average price, of course it is more expensive, but also cheaper.
You can find out about the cost of eating in a cafe, food, air tickets and other expenses for tourists from the review on the financial component of the trip.
Souvenirs? We read a separate article about the best gifts that you can buy in Zanzibar for yourself and your family.
Now you know the approximate cost of a trip to Zanzibar. Happy travels!
Tips for traveling to Zanzibar on your own
- If you decide to relax in Zanzibar during the coronavirus period, it is worth knowing - they do not require a PCR test for Covid-19 upon arrival.
- You can apply for a visa at the airport (the airport building is small, don't get lost at the exit and you will find a local transfer without any problems). The cost of registration is $ 50 per tourist. Payment is made in cash without change or by bank transfer with Visa and MasterCard. Here you will also have to fill out a migration card and visa application form. Everything will take about 20 minutes.
- Full registration at the airport with baggage claim takes no more than 40 minutes.
- We advise you to change money at the airport. Banks and hotels are holding the most disadvantageous course. We do not recommend changing money on the street - there are many scammers.
- Important! Dollars on the island are accepted not older than 2009!
- You shouldn't take the Euro, here they are equal to the dollar. That is, 1 $ = 1 €, it is not profitable for Russians.
- In restaurants, fruit shops, souvenir shops, cafes - it is profitable to pay with local currency (shillings).
- SIM cards of local operators can be more easily purchased upon arrival at the airport. The cost of a SIM card with a regular tariff is about $ 22 for 10 MB of Internet.
- If you use the services of Fly Dubai, find out if they are fed during the flight, some flights, even long ones, do not have meals. Bring some snacks or extra money to buy food on board with you.
- Find out the reviews of tourists who have already been here and know about all the nuances of a vacation by the sea in Tanzania.
