Zanzibar Travel Guide
What Does a Trip to Zanzibar Cost? Cost Overview 2026
By Haji, your local · updated on 05.07.2026 · 8 min read
Part of our complete Zanzibar travel guideWhat does a trip to Zanzibar really cost? It largely depends on how you travel – from simple guesthouses to boutique resorts, everything is possible. Here you'll get an honest overview of all major expenses (flights, accommodation, tours, transfers, food, visa) plus concrete example budgets. All figures are estimates per person.
Overview of Major Costs
| Item | Estimate per Person | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Flight from DACH | €600–1000 | cheaper with layovers, more expensive in peak season |
| Accommodation / Night | €20–300+ | guesthouse to boutique resort |
| Tours (private) | per group | the more people, the cheaper per person |
| Airport Transfer | from €14 | depending on route, per trip |
| Food / Day | €8–40 | cheap locally, more expensive at resorts |
| Visa (on arrival) | approx. $50 | for most EU citizens |
Flight
The flight from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland is usually the largest single expense. With some planning and a layover (e.g., via Doha, Istanbul, or Addis Ababa), round-trip flights can often be found for €600 to €800; direct and in peak season, it will be more expensive. The cheapest time often overlaps with the rainy season.
Accommodation
This is where the range is the widest. Simple, clean guesthouses are available from around €20–40 per night, good mid-range options are €60–120, and boutique and beach resorts start at about €150 and have no real upper limit. Prices drop significantly outside the peak season.
Tours & Transfers
Private tours like the Blue Safari or a Spice Tour are calculated per group, not per head – it's significantly cheaper per person if you're a group of four than just two. Transfers are booked as separate services, starting at about €14 per trip depending on the route.
Food, Visa & Daily Life
Local food is cheap and delicious: street food at the Forodhani Gardens, fresh fish, tropical fruits – often for just a few euros. Eating at a resort costs significantly more. There's also the visa for Tanzania (about $50 for most EU citizens upon arrival) and small extras like tips and a SIM card.
Tips, SIM Card & Cash
Tipping is customary and appreciated: a few dollars per day for the guide, some change in restaurants. A local SIM card (e.g., Airtel or Zantel) with data is only a few euros and worth it. Important: A lot of payments are made in cash – including the remaining payment for your tours with the guide, usually in US dollars or Tanzanian shillings. Bring enough cash; card payments aren't accepted everywhere, and ATMs are mainly in Stone Town.
Example Budgets for a Week
| Travel Style | Budget / Week per Person | Roughly Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | approx. €900–1200 | flight, guesthouse, few tours, local food |
| Comfort | approx. €1400–2000 | flight, good mid-range, several tours |
| Luxury | from approx. €2500 | flight, boutique resort, private tours |
Money-Saving Tips for Zanzibar
- Choose the off-season (April/May, November): flights and accommodation are cheaper.
- Book tours in groups – the group price is shared.
- Eat locally instead of just at the resort.
- Plan your travel time wisely: see best travel time for Zanzibar.
- Plan your route in advance: With the free travel planner, you can see which tours fit your budget.
Check out what experiences your local guide offers – with transparent price estimates before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
What does a trip to Zanzibar cost for a week?+
As a rough estimate per person: budget approx. €900–1200, with comfort approx. €1400–2000, luxury from approx. €2500 – each including flight from DACH. The biggest leverage is the travel time and choice of accommodation.
Is Zanzibar expensive?+
Zanzibar can be very cheap or luxurious. On-site, food and local tours are affordable; the biggest expenses are flights and accommodation. You travel significantly cheaper in the off-season.
Do you need a visa for Zanzibar and how much does it cost?+
Yes, a visa is required for Tanzania (which includes Zanzibar). For most EU citizens, it costs around $50 and is available upon arrival or online in advance. Check the current regulations before traveling.
How much cash should I bring?+
A lot of payments are made in cash in US dollars or Tanzanian shillings, including the remaining payment for tours with the guide. Plan enough cash for food, tips, and tours; cards aren't accepted everywhere.