Zanzibar: An Affordable Paradise
Looking for turquoise sea, white sand, and coconut palms? You don’t necessarily have to travel to Hawaii, Bora-Bora, Seychelles, or the Maldives.
With its numerous islets, overwater hotels, and dreamy beaches, the Maldives are a destination that captures the imagination, but the cost of the trip is not one of its highlights.
Flight, accommodation, restaurants, as well as various taxes, make the archipelago inaccessible for many, economically speaking.
However, there is a much more affordable alternative that is emerging as one of the trendiest destinations for 2024.
A small paradise – significantly cheaper – nicknamed the “spice island,” boasting sumptuous beaches akin to those in the Maldives.
A hotel room costs less than 100 euros per week, and a restaurant meal is around 5 euros.
The Charm of Zanzibar
Zanzibar, a small island off the coast of Tanzania, seduces travelers with its inviting prices and a warm climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees.
The summer, from June onwards, is an excellent time to vacation there.
Zanzibar is not just about beaches.
The island allows visitors to immerse themselves in Swahili culture by strolling through the colorful streets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Nature lovers can go on safaris to encounter elephants and giraffes in Mikumi National Park or observe the red colobus monkey, a rare species, in Jozani Forest.
Preservation Challenges
Zanzibar is at a turning point.
The challenge? Finding a balance to preserve its natural treasures.
The rapid growth of mass tourism is disrupting the island’s equilibrium.
Concrete constructions are increasing at the expense of nature.
Dolphins and turtles are leaving the coast due to disturbances caused by visitors, while hotel waste accumulates in illegal landfills, polluting groundwater.
Regulation Measures
Authorities have decided to regulate access to some sites, such as Mnemba Island, which became a protected marine reserve in June 2023.
From now on, only 80 visitors per day will be allowed, at a cost of 25 euros each, as an emergency measure to save coral reefs and underwater life threatened by overcrowding.
Costs of a Trip to Zanzibar
The cost of a vacation in Zanzibar can vary significantly based on factors like the time of year, chosen accommodation, planned activities, and meals.
Roundtrip flights from Europe to Zanzibar can cost between 500 and 1000 euros, depending on the season and available deals.
Regarding accommodation, Zanzibar offers options for all budgets: budget hotels can cost between 20 and 50 euros per night, mid-range accommodations between 50 and 150 euros per night, and luxury resorts between 200 and 500 euros per night.
Additional costs include a visa (around 50 euros), while a week of health insurance can range from 50 to 100 euros.
Tourist taxes vary from 1 to 5 euros per day.
An approximate estimate for a week in Zanzibar, including excursions:
– An economical trip: 700-1200 euros
– A mid-range trip: 1500-2500 euros
– A luxury trip: over 3000 euros