Zanzibar on your own: A self-guided trip to the jewel of the Indian Ocean
A trip to Zanzibar Freelance is perfectly feasible: small island (85 km long), local transport available (dala-dalas 2,000-3,000 TZS/1-1.50 USD, cabs negotiable), accommodation from 20 USD/night, no obligatory tours. Realistic budget: 40-80 USD/day covering budget-medium accommodation, local food, transportation, activities. Advantages: total flexibility, self-paced, savings 30-50% vs. package tours, authentic experiences. This guide explains planning, detailed budget, itineraries, transportation and practical tips for independent travelers.
Why travel to Zanzibar on your own?
Advantages independent traveler
Total flexibility: Change plans according to weather, discoveries - not tied to group tour schedule.
Saving 30-50%Package tours 1,500-3,000 EUR/week, independent 800-1,500 EUR similar experience.
Authentic experiencesYou eat where locals eat, you use public transportation, you interact genuinely.
CustomizationYou choose accommodation, activities, rhythm.
Zanzibar independent facility
Small islandUnguja 85ร40 km - all accessible.
Transportation availableDala-dalas connect destinations, abundant cabs.
Spoken EnglishMost Zanzibaris speak basic English.
InsuranceGenerally safe with normal precautions.
Planning a trip to Zanzibar on your own
Best time
Dry season (Jun-Oct): Better climate, average prices.
Dec-Feb: Dry, warmer, high season (prices +20-30%).
Avoid Tue-MayHeavy rains.
Recommended duration
Minimum5-7 days (Stone Town 1-2 days, beaches 3-5 days).
Ideal10-14 days (Stone Town 2 days, north beaches 3-4 days, east beaches 3-4 days).
Necessary documents
PassportValid 6+ months.
Visa Tanzania50 USD (e-visa online RECOMMENDED).
Travel insuranceMandatory.
VaccinesMalaria prophylaxis recommended.
On the island of Zanzibar you can enjoy an infinity of activities that will make you enjoy everything the island has to offer to the fullest.ย
Itinerary 7 days trip to Zanzibar on your own
Day 1: Arrival โ Stone Town, walking tour, Forodhani Gardens.
Day 2Stone Town - Sultan Palace, Old Fort, Darajani Market, Christ Church.
Day 3Spice tour half day (20-35 USD), afternoon transport Nungwi (dala-dala 3,000 TZS or cab 70,000 TZS/30 USD).
Day 4Nungwi - beach, snorkeling.
Day 5Nungwi - dhow sunset cruise (40-60 USD) or relaxation.
Day 6Paje transport (dala-dala 5,000 TZS or cab 80,000 TZS/35 USD), low tide beaches.
Day 7Kitesurfing lesson (60-100 USD) or relaxation, return flight.
Transportation to Zanzibar on your own
Dala-dalas (local transportation)
Main routes:
- Stone Town โ Nungwi: 2,000-3,000 TZS (1-1.50 USD), 1.5-2 hours.
- Stone Town โ Page: 3,000 TZS (1.50 USD), 1.5 hours
- Nungwi โ Paje: 5,000 TZS (2 USD), 2.5 hours (Stone Town exchange).
AdvantagesVery economical, authentic experience.
DisadvantagesSlow, uncomfortable (crowded), irregular schedules.
Cabs (negotiable)
Prices:
- Stone Town โ Nungwi: 70,000-80,000 TZS (30-35 USD)
- Stone Town โ Page: 70,000-90,000 TZS (30-40 USD)
- Airport โ Stone Town: 50,000 TZS (20 USD)
CouncilNegotiate price BEFORE going up.
Motorcycle rental
Motorcycle/scooter30,000-50,000 TZS/day (15-20 USD), international license required.
AdvantagesMaximum flexibility.
DisadvantagesRoads: Roads in variable condition, chaotic driving.
Accommodation in Zanzibar on your own
Stone Town
Budget (15-30 USD/night)Jambo Guest House, Stone Town Hostel.
Mid-range (50-80 USD/night): Zanzibar Coffee House, Tembo House.
Luxury (150-300 USD/night): Emerson Spice, Park Hyatt.
Nungwi/Kendwa (north)
Budget (20-40 USD/night): Jambo Brothers, Amaan Bungalows.
Mid-range (60-120 USD/night): Nungwi Dreams, Kendwa Rocks.
Luxury (200-500 USD/night): Zuri Zanzibar, Essque Zalu.
Page (east)
Budget (20-40 USD/night): Paje by Night, Summer Dream Lodge.
Mid-range (60-100 USD/night): Mahali Zanzibar, Blue Oyster Hotel.
Zanzibar independent activities trip to Zanzibar on your own
Free/expensive
Beaches: Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje - FREE.
Stone Town walking tourFREE self-guided.
Darajani Market: FREE.
Snorkeling from the beach10,000-20,000 TZS (4-8 USD) equipment rental.
Tours required
Spice tour20-35 USD half day.
Prison Island turtles: 40-50 USD.
Diving Mnemba: 80-120 USD (2 dives).
Dhow sunset cruise: 40-60 USD.
Kitesurfing Paje: 60-100 USD/day
Safety trip to Zanzibar by yourself
Precautions
Stone Town night: Avoid dark alleys after 22:00, use cabs.
Valuables: Use hotel safe.
Common scamsUnwanted "friendly guides", unlicensed cabs at inflated prices.
Health
MalariaMandatory prophylaxis, DEET 30%+ repellent.
WaterBottled only.
InsuranceMedical evacuation coverage.
Frequently asked questions about traveling to Zanzibar on your own
Is it safe and easy to travel to Zanzibar on your own?
Yes, it is safe and easy make trip to Zanzibar on your own: (1) Security - low crime rates, violent crimes against tourists extremely rare, petty crime manageable with basic precautions (hotel safe, avoid dark alleys Stone Town at night); (2) Facility - small island (85 km long) with local transportation (dala-dalas connect destinations 2,000-5,000 TZS/1-2 USD, cabs plentiful), English widely spoken, developed tourist infrastructure; (3) No mandatory tours - main beaches (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje) independently accessible, Stone Town explorable self-guided free, only tours needed for spice plantations (20-35 USD), Prison Island (40-50 USD), diving Mnemba (80-120 USD). BudgetThe cost of the trip: 40-80 USD/day being 30-50% cheaper than package tours. According to Lonely PlanetZanzibar is "extremely friendly for independent travelers" with sufficient infrastructure for backpackers/mid-range travelers.
How much does a trip to Zanzibar cost per week?
A trip to Zanzibar on your own cost 1,200-2,500 EUR/week: Backpacker (1,200-1,700 EUR) - accommodation 20-30 USD/night (140-210 USD week), local food 8-12 USD/day (56-84 USD week), dala-dalas 2-4 USD/day (14-28 USD week), basic activities (spice tour 25 USD, snorkeling 20 USD, Prison Island 45 USD = 90 USD week), total Zanzibar 300-420 USD + flights Europe 600-1,000 EUR = 1,200-1,700 EUR total. Mid-range (1,800-2,500 EUR) - accommodation 60-80 USD/night (420-560 USD per week), food restaurants 40-50 USD/day (280-350 USD per week), cabs 10-20 USD/day (70-140 USD per week), activities tours (diving 100 USD, dhow 50 USD, kitesurfing 80 USD = 230 USD), total 1,000-1,280 USD + flights = 1,800-2,500 EUR total. Comparison: Package tour 1,500-3,000 EUR - . independent travel saves 30-50%. According to Budget Your TripThe average independent traveler spends 60-80 USD/day in Zanzibar.
What itinerary do you recommend for a 7-day trip to Zanzibar on your own?
Itinerary 7 days trip to Zanzibar on your own: Days 1-2 Stone Town - arrival, walking tour (Casa Maravillas, Sultan Palace 5.000 TZS, Old Fort, Darajani, Christ Church 5.000 TZS), Forodhani Gardens; Day 3 - spice tour half day (20-35 USD), afternoon transport Nungwi (dala-dala 3,000 TZS + local cab 10,000 TZS or direct cab 70,000 TZS/30 USD); Days 4-5 Nungwi - beaches, snorkeling (rental 15,000 TZS), optional dhow sunset (40-60 USD), nightlife; Day 6 - transportation Paje (dala-dala 5,000 TZS total or cab 80,000 TZS/35 USD), low tide beaches; Day 7 - Kitesurfing (60-100 USD) or relaxation, return. Tips: Book only first night Stone Town, rest decide on the fly (flexibility independent advantage); use dala-dalas save or comfort cabs. According to Nomadic Matt, trip to Zanzibar on your own allows "total customization versus rigid itinerary tours".
"Mwani" means "seaweed" in Swahili, and in Zanzibar ๐น๐ฟ it is seen and appreciated as a gift from the ocean.
The Mwani Mamas (mwanizanzibar) farm and process seaweed, transforming it into ethically made skin-care products, with ingredients sourced from across the Continent.
๐ท | _nassder
What about a walk along Nungwi beach in Zanzibar? #zanzibar #nungwi #nungwibeach #paradise๐ด #instazanzibar #zanzibarisland #zanzibarbeach #nungwi #beach #tanzania #tanzania๐น๐ฟ #realblue #visitzanzibar #shadesofblue #relax #vacation #paradise #instazanzibar #paradisebeach #freddymercury #home #crystalclear #nikond90
The next big thing yconaluxuryresort mitaa ya Uroa ๐ช๐พ๐ช๐พ๐ช๐พ
zipazanzibar
#exploreandinvestinvestinzanzibar #exploreandinvestinvestinzanzibarnow #zanzibar #zanzibarhotels #zanzibar๐น๐ฟ #zanzibarbeach
May you also be able to realize your dreams and those of your family! <3
Many people asked me for tips here about Zanzibar. I gathered some pictures and information here!
1. One of our boat trips. One of the most legal things to do around here.
2. A trip to see the sunset on a dhow - a traditional Zanzibar boat. A cheap and worthwhile trip.
3. Passeio de um dia todo de barco que fizemos com o boss.ladys_dhow_zanzibar aqui.
4. The hotel we are staying at was inaugurated in December. ร o zanzisoul_luxury_hotel Essa foto feita durante a marรฉ baixa.
5. Pรดr do sol no dhow.
6. Photo that I took with my own cell phone while people were walking through the center of Stone Town, a city considered a world heritage site by UNESCO).
7. One of the beaches we stopped by boat near Pungume Island. Incredible!
8. Totally Hakuna Matata around here!
9. Meu pai caรงando os palmeirenses de Zanzibar.
10. Hotel received people with this decoration on the bed.
11. My father's saga in search of a white shirt.
-
#africa #praia #aniversario #felizaniversario #pai #paiefilho #viagem #tanzania #zanzibar #zanzibarbeach #daddad #trip #dadandson #pais #filho #filho
Ever seen a palm tree like this? ๐คฏ
It's the world's most beautiful naturally twisted coconut tree ๐๐ด
๐ Found only at bezanzibar ๐๏ธ
Photo by: haannahfetzer
#zanzibar #vacations #palmtree #palmtrees #coconut #tropical #zanzibarbeach #zanzibarlife #africa #paradise #tanzania #tanzania
๐น๐ฟ Top 15 experiences you must try in Zanzibar ๐ด๐
Island life has never looked this good - white sand beaches, ocean adventures, and unforgettable culture. Here's what to add to your list ๐
๐๏ธ ๐ก๐๐ป๐ด๐๐ถ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต - white sands & sunset dreams! ๐๏ธ
๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต - White sands & sunset dreams
๐ข ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฎ ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐พ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐บ - Feed & swim with turtles.
๐ฝ๏ธ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ Iconic dining on a rock in the sea
๐ ๐ ๐ป๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฎ ๐๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ - Luxury, snorkeling & pure serenity
๐คฟ ๐๐ผ ๐ฆ๐ป๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด - Explore colorful reefs and marine life
๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐๐ถ๐บ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ผ๐น๐ฝ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ - A magical ocean encounter
๐ข ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ - Giant tortoises + beautiful sea views.
๐ข ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐ง๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ - Gentle giants you`ll never forget.
๐๏ธ ๐ก๐ฎ๐ธ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ - Paradise in the middle of the sea
๐๏ธ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ง๐ผ๐๐ป - History, spice & vibrant culture
๐คฟ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐๐ฏ๐ฎ ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด - Dive into a whole new underwater world
โต ๐ง๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐ - Sail into golden hour in style
๐ ๐ง๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ - Fresh seafood & bold spices
๐ฅ ๐๐
๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐น๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ - Music, fire dances & tradition.
Zanzibar isn't just a destination... it's a vibe.
Which one's at the top of your list?๐
Tag your travel partner and start dreaming! ๐โจ
#Zanzibar #ZanzibarTravel #ZanzibarIsland #ZanzibarBeach #TanzaniaTravel #IslandLife #BucketListDestinations #TravelReels #TropicalParadise #AfricanAdventure #AfricanAdventure
Zanzibar vibes๐๐๐
#zanzibarisland #zanzibar #tanzania๐น๐ฟ #tanzania #bestbeach #beachvacation #nugwibeach #paradisebeach #paradisebeach #paradisefound #totravelistolive #zanzibartravel #zanzibartanzania #zanzibarbeautiful #podroze #wakajki #prostozpodrozy #prostozpodrozy #polishtraveller #gdzienawakacje #zanzibardestination #zanzibarbeach #zanzibarofficial #mojepodrรณลผe #iamatraveller #kobietawpodrรณลผy #travelafrica #travelthroughtheworld #travelgirlsgo #shetravelz #bestplaces_togo #podrรณลผniczka
"insanlarฤฑ tanฤฑyฤฑnca anlฤฑyorsun,
Nuh'un neden gemiye hayvanlarฤฑ doldurdเธฤunu..."
Herkese gรผzel ve keyifli bir hafta diliyorum..๐๐
#zanzibar #zanzibarbeach #zanzibar #horses #zanzibarbeach #zanzibar #horses
Floating breakfast โค๏ธ
#zanzibar #zanzibatravel #zanzibarisland #zanzibarbeach #zanzibardestination #zanzibarlife #zanzibarTanzania #zanzibartanzania
๐น๐ฟZanzibar 2025
Sandies Baobab Beach
francorosso_official
alpitour
baobabzanzibar
#zanzibar #zanzibarbeach #zanzibardestination #zanzibarisland #zanzibarlife #tanzania #cloudscape #tanzaniaunforgettable #tanzaniaunforgettable #sky_sultans #sky_collection #skypainters #sea #sealife #beach #beachvibes #alpitour #alpitourworld #francorosso #africa #francorosso #africa
#beachlife ๐ฆ๐๏ธโค๏ธ
#afrika #zanzibarisland #zanzibarbeach #ะธะฝะดะธะนัะบะธะนะพะบะตะฐะฝ๐
๐น๐ฟ Top 15 experiences you must try in Zanzibar ๐ด๐
Island life has never looked this good - white sand beaches, ocean adventures, and unforgettable culture. Here's what to add to your list ๐
๐๏ธ ๐ก๐๐ป๐ด๐๐ถ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต - white sands & sunset dreams! ๐๏ธ
๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต - White sands & sunset dreams
๐ข ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฎ ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐พ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐บ - Feed & swim with turtles.
๐ฝ๏ธ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ Iconic dining on a rock in the sea
๐ ๐ ๐ป๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฎ ๐๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ - Luxury, snorkeling & pure serenity
๐คฟ ๐๐ผ ๐ฆ๐ป๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด - Explore colorful reefs and marine life
๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐๐ถ๐บ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ผ๐น๐ฝ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ - A magical ocean encounter
๐ข ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ - Giant tortoises + beautiful sea views.
๐ข ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐ง๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ - Gentle giants you`ll never forget.
๐๏ธ ๐ก๐ฎ๐ธ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ - Paradise in the middle of the sea
๐๏ธ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ง๐ผ๐๐ป - History, spice & vibrant culture
๐คฟ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐๐ฏ๐ฎ ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด - Dive into a whole new underwater world
โต ๐ง๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐ - Sail into golden hour in style
๐ ๐ง๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ - Fresh seafood & bold spices
๐ฅ ๐๐
๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐น๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ - Music, fire dances & tradition.
Zanzibar isn't just a destination... it's a vibe.
Which one's at the top of your list?๐
Tag your travel partner and start dreaming! ๐โจ
#Zanzibar #ZanzibarTravel #ZanzibarIsland #ZanzibarBeach #TanzaniaTravel #IslandLife #BucketListDestinations #TravelReels #TropicalParadise #AfricanAdventure #AfricanAdventure
Stranded in Zanzibar, no rescue needed ๐๐๏ธ
#zanzibar #zanzibarisland #zanzibar๐น๐ฟ #zanzibarbeach #zanzibarbeautiful #sansibar #visitzanzibar #explorezanzibar #kendwa #kendwabeach #kendwabeach