Zanzibar: Africa's Answer to the Maldives (At Half the Price)

The Maldives costs $4,000+ a week. Zanzibar has the same Indian Ocean, the same white sand, and costs a fraction of the price. Here's everything you need to know. Zanzibar is one of the most underrated destinations in the world — turquoise water, UNESCO-listed Stone Town, world-class kitesurfing, and beach hotels from $80 a night. This guide covers the beaches, the culture, the costs, and the best time to visit. ──────────────────────────── 🕐 CHAPTERS ──────────────────────────── 00:00:00 – Why Zanzibar beats the Maldives 00:00:34 – What is Zanzibar? 00:01:39 – The beaches: Nungwi, Paje & Jambiani 00:03:03 – Stone Town: the UNESCO old city 00:04:12 – How much does Zanzibar actually cost? 00:05:06 – Best time to visit & practical info 00:05:54 – Verdict 00:06:38 – What to watch next ──────────────────────────── 📌 KEY FACTS ──────────────────────────── • Best beaches: Nungwi (north), Paje (east, kitesurfing), Jambiani (quiet south) • Beachfront hotel: $80–250/night depending on budget • Local meal: $5–10 | Beach bar dinner: $15–25 • Visa: on arrival, most Western passports • Best months: June–October, December–February • Avoid: March–May (long rains) • Flights: Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways ──────────────────────────── #Zanzibar #ZanzibarTravel #TanzaniaTravel #AfricaTravel #TravelGuide #MaldivesAlternative #BudgetTravel #IndianOcean #StoneTowen #ZanzibarBeach #TravelAfrica2026