Zanzibar beach holiday packages start at about $780 per person for seven nights including transfers and breakfast, and reach $4,500+ for all-inclusive five-star resorts on the quieter south-east coast.
The decision that shapes your holiday most is not the resort — it is the coast, because Zanzibar's tides vary dramatically from one shore to the next.
| Option | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Boutique guesthouse | $780 – $1,150 | B&B, transfers, Stone Town tour |
| 4-star beach resort | $1,150 – $1,900 | Half board, pool, two excursions |
| 5-star all-inclusive | $1,900 – $3,200 | All meals and drinks, spa credit, water sports |
| Private villa | $3,200 – $4,800 | Private chef, staff, pool, boat charter |
Pick the coast before the hotel
Tide range and atmosphere differ sharply around the island.
- Nungwi / Kendwa — swimmable at all tides, sunsets, most nightlife
- Matemwe — closest to Mnemba Atoll for snorkelling and diving
- Paje / Jambiani — kitesurfing, big tidal flats, relaxed and affordable
- Michamvi / Pingwe — calm lagoon, quietest luxury resorts
- Stone Town — history, spice tours, best as one or two nights, not a beach base
Excursions worth adding
We build these into packages rather than selling them at the beach.
- Mnemba Atoll snorkelling and dolphin encounter
- Spice farm tour with a Swahili lunch
- Stone Town heritage walk and Prison Island giant tortoises
- Jozani Forest red colobus monkeys
- Sunset dhow cruise and The Rock restaurant lunch
When to go
June to October is dry, breezy and consistently sunny. December to February is hot with excellent diving visibility. Mid-March to mid-May is the long-rains season — the cheapest weeks by far, with some resorts closed.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a week in Zanzibar?
From about $780 per person for seven nights at a boutique property, $1,900–$3,200 for a five-star all-inclusive, excluding international flights.
Which is the best beach in Zanzibar?
Nungwi and Kendwa for swimming at any tide, Matemwe for snorkelling, Paje for kitesurfing, and Michamvi for quiet luxury.
Can I add a safari to a Zanzibar beach package?
Yes. A short flight links Zanzibar to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro; three or four safari nights before the beach is the most popular combination.
Ready to plan it properly?
Tell us your dates and budget and our Tanzania-based team will send a costed itinerary within 24 hours.
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