Zanzibar is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Africa, and is often tagged onto the end of a safari in either Tanzania or Kenya. Here in the archipelago you’ll find stunning beaches and turquoise oceans, giving you all the paradise vibes you could wish for. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after all those early morning game drives out in the bush. If you’re wondering how much flights to Zanzibar cost, how to get around, and what’s worth seeing on the island, read on as we’ll cover the essentials in this post.
How to get to Zanzibar?
There are a few ways to get to Zanzibar, and most of them involve flights. This is a quick, convenient and scenic way to arrive in the islands, and you’ll be able to scout out the lie of the land from your lofty perch in the plane. Here are your options:
Charter flights
In the peak season between December and March, you’ll find charter flights direct to Zanzibar from European cities like London or Warsaw. This is a great choice if you want to be on that beach as soon as possible, and aren’t interested in a stopover anywhere else.
Flights with layovers
After the season, or when you plan your trip by yourself, flights with layovers are more common. This is a fun option if you want to extend your trip, and some airlines offer free city stopovers either on your way out, or on the return journey. If you don’t want to take advantage of this, you can just get a connecting flight, which are available through hubs such as:
- Doha (Qatar Airways)
- Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines)
- Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)
- Nairobi (Kenya Airways)
- Dubai (flydubai)
All international flights arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), which is located about 6 kms south of Stone Town on the main island of Zanzibar. You can reach the city centre from the airport by taxi in approximately 15 minutes, or get a direct transfer from the airport to your beach resort.
So as you can see, getting to Zanzibar is possible from many popular destinations. You can even get flights to Zanzibar from London. But that’s not the only way. If you’re planning a trip around mainland Tanzania, you can also get to Zanzibar by ferry from Dar es Salaam. Ferries run several times a day, and the journey takes around 2 hours.
How much does a trip to Zanzibar cost?
Post-pandemic prices have skyrocketed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great holiday without spending a fortune. Zanzibar is still the kind of island where you can get by on $50 a day without much effort.
- Flights – If you want to find the cheapest option, you can use a flight comparison site like kiwi.com and search for flights to Zanzibar from London, Warsaw, Dubai, and other cities. If you set up alerts and monitor the prices, you can easily find deals for around $500.
- Accommodation – It depends on how much you want to spend, but in Zanzibar, you can stay at hostels for as little as $11 per night. High-end lodges and resorts are also available, and these can cost upwards of $500 a night, especially on the private islands.
- Transfer from the airport – You can get transportation from the airport for about $10, depending on your final destination.
What is worth seeing and doing in Zanzibar?
Spice Tour: A Journey Through Flavours
One of the most iconic experiences in Zanzibar is the Spice Tour. This guided excursion takes you deep into the island’s agricultural roots and you’ll:
- Visit a working spice plantation where you’ll see, smell, and taste fresh cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, and more.
- Learn how the island became known as the “Spice Island” during colonial times.
- Stop in a local village, where you might join a traditional cooking class using freshly picked spices to prepare Swahili dishes in a local home.
It’s educational, interactive, and a great way to support local communities.
Best Beaches to Visit
Zanzibar’s coastline is dotted with incredible beaches. Some of the most stunning and popular ones include:
- Nungwi Beach (north): Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and watching the sunset. The water here is crystal clear, and tides are mild, making it ideal for any time of day.
- Kendwa Beach (just south of Nungwi): Known for its soft sand and beach parties, it’s quieter than Nungwi but just as beautiful.
- Paje Beach (east coast): A kitesurfing paradise and a backpacker hotspot, offering a relaxed vibe and budget-friendly accommodation.
- Jambiani Beach (south-east): Peaceful and perfect for morning walks, local encounters, and traditional dhow boat tours.
Jozani Forest: Meet the Red Colobus Monkeys
If you’re into nature, you’ll enjoy visiting the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. This is the only national park on the island’s only national park and is famous for its red colobus monkeys, which are endangered and endemic to Zanzibar. In the park you can explore:
- A lush tropical forest with walking trails and wooden boardwalks.
- A mangrove ecosystem teeming with biodiversity.
- A guided tour (included in the park fee) that explains the island’s efforts to preserve native species.
The entrance fee is affordable—around $10 per person.
Other Things to See & Do
- Stone Town – A UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow streets, carved wooden doors, markets, and a fascinating blend of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European architecture. Don’t miss the Freddie Mercury House, the Old Fort, and the Darajani Market.
- Prison Island (Changuu Island) – A short boat ride from Stone Town, famous for its giant Aldabra tortoises and historic ruins.
- Dhow sunset cruises – Traditional sailing boats take you out during golden hour for a magical view of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean.
Food in Zanzibar
You can find plenty of affordable eats in Zanzibar. For example, in Foradhani Gardens night market you can grab dinner or lunch for just a couple of dollars.
What is worth trying? Urojo! This dish is also known as Zanzibar Mix, it’s a meal that looks like soup, and it’s a mix of different ingredients like small pieces of boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes, grilled meat, boiled eggs, bajias, and cassava chips. It also can be a vegetarian option for this meal.
Pilau is another option you should try, and it’s popular in most Asian countries. It’s a mix of rice, chicken, vegetables, and spices and is absolutely delicious. Zanzibar pizza on the other hand is nothing like Italian pizza, instead, it’s a dough filled with various meats, accompanied by an egg mixed with onion, mayonnaise, cheese, and chili sauce.
Most meals in restaurants cost 2–3$, and more in the higher-end establishments.
Zanzibar is super easy to visit on a budget!
Even though a lot of people think that it’s expensive, Zanzibar can be a very affordable island if you get your planning right! Look for flights to Zanzibar from London or other popular cities, so you can find the cheapest option and most direct routes. If you are on a budget, you can spend around $25 a day once you’re there, and if you’re in a group, you can split the costs to keep costs down.
It’s a perfect destination if you want tropical vibes without breaking the bank.
