People love to go on vacation but travel expense is always a big concern. However, you have put together some great tips and ideas for cost-conscious travelers (like most of us) to make their dreams come true. This is a must-watch video if you’re on a tight budget.
We are in the airport leaving after 2 weeks on the island:) honestly, there are not really upscale/cheap combos for hotels. The really nice ones are crazy expensive (like $1,000/night..) if they are in convenient locations. There are a couple that are out in the boonies that are cheaper but then have to rent a car or get transport to anything outside of the hotel. To be fair we booked everything about 1-2 weeks in advance so might be better if you book far enough out. Also right now is low season so was kinda expecting things to be cheaper:/ we spent ~$100-120/night. The first place we stayed was super relaxing and chill, called Sunshine Marine lodge on the north/east coast. They have a smaller sister hotel just called Sunshine lodge a little bit farther south, that has a small beach. In Stone Town we stayed in Mizingani seafront hotel, which was ok, but not really the standard I was expecting for $120/night:/ we also looked at the Dhao Palace and the Tembo house, but Tembo was full by the time we got around to booking:/ Hope that helps! Also, if you need a driver, we had a very nice guy, Zuma, you an just send him whatsapp messages: +255 777 486 691 Was $35-40/hour
i mean its Africa,just like egypt,Rwanda,Kenya and Ethiopia its pretty cheap to travel there and the plane ticket also isn't too bad only 385£ from London.
@@ChristineLozada yeah i think i got pretty lucky. Flew with KLM and had a layover in Amsterdam, the par tests were almost more expensive than the flights.
Hey 👋🏾 love the video, thinking about going to Zanzibar next year. I saw some drone footage in the video, did you bring a drone with you and what are the rules. I’m planning on getting one but there’s no clear info in the internet 🥺 I really don’t want customs to seize it .
Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!! Great question! It's one of the only places in Africa that has clear(ish) drone laws. You have to register it with the equivalent of their FAA and it generally takes 60 days. Their govt website has all the info on it!
I got it 3 days prior to returning to the US (the maximum allowed time) because turnaround time in Zanzibar (at the time I was there in Feb 2021) was a nightmare. I know it'll be much different and MUCH better as time goes on / they get a system in place!
You can book/pay for them online in advance We did ours at the Mizini one close to the airport, got results by email about 16hrs later. Took the test wed, we fly out today, Friday. zanzibarcovidtesting.co.tz/app/application
Zanzibar is more expensive than the main land. They have high taxes, permit requirements and have to import most things. Electricity and gas are also more. So it’s like Hawaii compared to the mainland US, everything is more. For how poor the locals live, it’s surprisingly pricy to visit. You can def get cheaper food if you’re willing to eat at the public markets and negotiate a bit. But hotels or western look restaurants are not cheap
I'm glad to hear it! thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! it's actually my childhood friend. he lives in ethiopia and my videos about biking across ethiopia (same playlist as these zanzibar videos) leads into this trip you're watching here.
Hi There finding your videos really helpful. I am planning on going in Nov. Question do I carry & pay in dollars or do you recommend withdrawing from their atms? Do they accept their currency at restaurants & for activities ? Thanks
How was your trip? What was the weather like when you went? I'm considering going this November for my birthday. Still trying to figure out what area and what hotel I want to stay at and the overall cost for everything The long travel time from the US is making me nervous.
I’m not sure from what standpoint you’re asking this question, but I didn’t really have a choice on how to get money on this island otherwise. So the ATM was my only option, once I ran out of US dollars to exchange.
on the ground- but requires being comfortable with negotiating. I’m hoping someone else in the comments might know the answer to this and can help out!
Thank you....This video was very informative and I appreciate you on sharing your experience. I would just like to know one thing regarding covid, how safe is going around zanzibar. As I will be travelling to zanzibar on july. Thank you.
Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!! I was there earlier this year and it will definitely be a different scene than July! I’m hoping someone else in the comments might know the answer to this and can help out!
Hi. Thanks for that much information. I have one more question though. How about flying a drone in Zanzibar? Any permissions necessary? Do you know anything about that? Thanks for any info in advance!
Ohhh this is a hard one to answer! I have traveled solo in 8 countries, this was a very foreign trip for me and the men here (in my experience) were some of the most aggressive. So to be totally honest, no. But that is ONLY my opinion. I’m hoping someone else in the comments might know the answer to this and can help out!
Good question! NOT usd. There are money counters that exchange (higher bills get a better exchange rate), but places (restaurants, shops etc) .. in my experience.. only accepted shillings (local currency)
This video is so helpful. would you recommend staying in different hotels across the island? I'm going to Zanzibar for 16 nights in Jan 2022 and I'm not sure whether to stay in one location or book hotels around the island
Ha! You answer questions that’s usually on my mind, COST! But I find zilch discussing it. So it’s refreshing to know the tips about the city, getting there, flights, restaurants, plus what I’ll expect to spend so planning is much easier for me! Thank you for being real! 👍👍
I'm so glad! THANK YOU! Oooooh this is a hard question. I've traveled to a lot of countries solo... for me, Zanzibar felt very, very foreign. And as much as I tried to blend in, I didn't. And I got approached.. A LOT... and it wasn't comfortable. I wouldn't come here alone, but that's just me. Lots of women do it and have a great experience.
I'm planning to travel to Zanzibar in October :) About the driver, how did you get his contact? I'm not comfortable renting a car and I want a driver who could help me move around the island. Do you have his the contact? thank you so much for the information.
woo! Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!! his contact info is in the description of this video!
Good question and yes! You can. You can do it online in advance (if you do it with enough advance notice) or directly at the airport. It costs 'the most' for US citizens. I think it was $100 at the time I went
To be honest.. I didn't even consider one because I knew I'd be spending tons of time off property. Here's what Trip Advisor said about all inclusives! bit.ly/3vALRwT
Yes there are lots without all inclusive... you can live with local people if you like and am sure there is not too expensive like said madam in this video
Yahh I use the Go Pro setup with their specific selfie stick to be able to get those types of shots. You can find all my gear at kit.co/christinelozada/vlog-like-me-me-meee
See ALL my Zanzibar videos! bit.ly/AfricaUA-cam
Am from Uganda i much will i spend in 3 days
People love to go on vacation but travel expense is always a big concern. However, you have put together some great tips and ideas for cost-conscious travelers (like most of us) to make their dreams come true. This is a must-watch video if you’re on a tight budget.
wooo thank you for watching!!! ♥️
I am planning my trip to Zanzibar in october 2021 ! Your video helps me a lot ! Thank you !!
ohhh YESSS! Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!!
Welcome Zanzibar Hakunan Matata
Thanks for these videos. I hired Abdul as my driver from watching your videos and he is cool af.
THIS JUST MADE MY DAY. tell him to pole pole 😆
How do I get abduls #
Your helpful tips are excellent. So glad I found your site!
so glad to hear it!!! 💜
Thanks for your video I'll be in zanzibar in 15 days I'm going crazy on research, also super nervous... Amazing content!!
THANK YOU for watching! and YAY for your upcoming trip! i have an instagram guide of 19 posts on instagram as well @christinelozada 😉
Great info! Would love an update video on more upscale hotel options, as I'm looking to plan a honeymoon there but on a budget
I’m hoping someone else in the comments might know the answer to this and can help out!
We are in the airport leaving after 2 weeks on the island:) honestly, there are not really upscale/cheap combos for hotels. The really nice ones are crazy expensive (like $1,000/night..) if they are in convenient locations. There are a couple that are out in the boonies that are cheaper but then have to rent a car or get transport to anything outside of the hotel. To be fair we booked everything about 1-2 weeks in advance so might be better if you book far enough out. Also right now is low season so was kinda expecting things to be cheaper:/ we spent ~$100-120/night. The first place we stayed was super relaxing and chill, called Sunshine Marine lodge on the north/east coast. They have a smaller sister hotel just called Sunshine lodge a little bit farther south, that has a small beach. In Stone Town we stayed in Mizingani seafront hotel, which was ok, but not really the standard I was expecting for $120/night:/ we also looked at the Dhao Palace and the Tembo house, but Tembo was full by the time we got around to booking:/
Hope that helps!
Also, if you need a driver, we had a very nice guy, Zuma, you an just send him whatsapp messages: +255 777 486 691
Was $35-40/hour
Thank you. I appreciate you sharing your experience. It will help so many people be prepared
These types of comments make it all worth it! Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!!
Thanks for the info, awesome video!
Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!!
Thanks for your great report. It helped me a lot in arranging my visit in Septembe 2021
OOOO that's this month! I'm excited for you! Safe travels to ya Sherif!
Most helpful travel videos on UA-cam
hell yah!!! 🤘🏽
Well thank you madam for posting such a helpful video! It’s added to my list , I had pen and paper ready! Shooting to go next October!
AHH this is awesome!!
Enjoy
thank you so much for this information ❤️❤️
Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!!
i mean its Africa,just like egypt,Rwanda,Kenya and Ethiopia its pretty cheap to travel there and the plane ticket also isn't too bad only 385£ from London.
That's an amazing price! I paid over $1200 for my one way ticket back!
@@ChristineLozada yeah i think i got pretty lucky. Flew with KLM and had a layover in Amsterdam, the par tests were almost more expensive than the flights.
Great info! Thanks!
Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!!
Zanzibar is not expensive, but some people/ businesses they tend to charge more when they see you are a tourist. Try to negotiate
a great tip!
You need find a fluent Swahili western speaking person to go with and you’ll pay 1/4 of what you paid.
i believe this 10000%!
I was thinking....🤔
How do you go about finding a person like this on the island?
Serdar jan. do you have any friends there ? im planning to visit there!!
Serdar, Yarin geliyorum. Var mi boyle biri?
Hey 👋🏾 love the video, thinking about going to Zanzibar next year. I saw some drone footage in the video, did you bring a drone with you and what are the rules. I’m planning on getting one but there’s no clear info in the internet 🥺 I really don’t want customs to seize it .
Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!! Great question! It's one of the only places in Africa that has clear(ish) drone laws. You have to register it with the equivalent of their FAA and it generally takes 60 days. Their govt website has all the info on it!
Such a great video with great tips. I had no idea how inexpensive it is to have a great experience. Thank you for sharing and a great video!
Oooo! Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot Brittany!
Thanks for the amazing info..plan to visit zanzibar ths coming july.,stay safe😉
I'm jealous! Safe travels to ya Ej!
When in July? I'm thinking of a trip around that time too.
When did you get your PCR test before returning home? I’m hoping to travel to Zanzibar at the end of this year and trying to plan ahead
I got it 3 days prior to returning to the US (the maximum allowed time) because turnaround time in Zanzibar (at the time I was there in Feb 2021) was a nightmare. I know it'll be much different and MUCH better as time goes on / they get a system in place!
@@ChristineLozada great to know! Flights right now are over the course of 1 or 2 days so I’ve been anxious about that, thanks so much for the info
You can book/pay for them online in advance
We did ours at the Mizini one close to the airport, got results by email about 16hrs later. Took the test wed, we fly out today, Friday.
zanzibarcovidtesting.co.tz/app/application
Thanks for the information.
did you use a tour agent in zanzibar
i didn’t! i had a driver tho (find his info in the description of this video)
I am working with AAA travel and are being quoted over $15K for a 9-day stay. Have the prices gone up that much since 2021???
there are soooo many ways to travel zanzi. you could have spent that in one night the year i was there. lots of private islands in the area!
I didn't know Africa was that expansive. its even more expansive than Asia and Europe
Oooo Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!!
Zanzibar is more expensive than the main land. They have high taxes, permit requirements and have to import most things. Electricity and gas are also more. So it’s like Hawaii compared to the mainland US, everything is more. For how poor the locals live, it’s surprisingly pricy to visit. You can def get cheaper food if you’re willing to eat at the public markets and negotiate a bit. But hotels or western look restaurants are not cheap
Best ATM to use? Is there one at the airport?
i always use the ones that are associated w my bank so i don’t pay fees! sometimes they are at the airport and sometimes not!
hey Christine! this video was super informative. how long did you end up staying in Zanzibar?
i was there for 10 nights!
With which agency did u get your excursions to mnemba and sandbank !?
ooooh we just SHOWED UP in the areas and looked!
I’m finding your videos very informative for someone who wants to go solo travel. Where did you meet your group I’d love to buddy up.
I'm glad to hear it! thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! it's actually my childhood friend. he lives in ethiopia and my videos about biking across ethiopia (same playlist as these zanzibar videos) leads into this trip you're watching here.
where is the children friendly part of Zansibar apart from Stone town, thank you. I have 1y and 3y.
I’m hoping someone else in the comments might know the answer to this and can help out!
Hi There finding your videos really helpful. I am planning on going in Nov. Question do I carry & pay in dollars or do you recommend withdrawing from their atms? Do they accept their currency at restaurants & for activities ?
Thanks
great questions! i recommend NOT paying in dollars and instead exchanging them for tanzanian shillings!
How was your trip? What was the weather like when you went? I'm considering going this November for my birthday. Still trying to figure out what area and what hotel I want to stay at and the overall cost for everything The long travel time from the US is making me nervous.
Please heard the secret video! I’m traveling to Zanzibar in a few weeks. Thank you for your tips!
i shared it! it's both in the description of this video as well as in the full playlist!
May I ask how did you manage the ATM exchange fees?
I’m not sure from what standpoint you’re asking this question, but I didn’t really have a choice on how to get money on this island otherwise. So the ATM was my only option, once I ran out of US dollars to exchange.
Did u find it cheaper to book once u got there/on the ground ? Or would have been cheaper to book pre arrival ?
on the ground- but requires being comfortable with negotiating. I’m hoping someone else in the comments might know the answer to this and can help out!
Thank you....This video was very informative and I appreciate you on sharing your experience. I would just like to know one thing regarding covid, how safe is going around zanzibar. As I will be travelling to zanzibar on july. Thank you.
Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!! I was there earlier this year and it will definitely be a different scene than July! I’m hoping someone else in the comments might know the answer to this and can help out!
@@ChristineLozada it's safe from COVID-19
Hi. Thanks for that much information. I have one more question though. How about flying a drone in Zanzibar? Any permissions necessary? Do you know anything about that?
Thanks for any info in advance!
yes you need to register with them in advance!
@@ChristineLozada Thanks for info. :)
What place was the food decent and the best? The tea house seems cool
All my fave meals were in Stone Town! The Park Hyatt and the Tea House were my faves!
Would you go as a solo traveler?
Ohhh this is a hard one to answer! I have traveled solo in 8 countries, this was a very foreign trip for me and the men here (in my experience) were some of the most aggressive. So to be totally honest, no. But that is ONLY my opinion. I’m hoping someone else in the comments might know the answer to this and can help out!
Do they have cheap hostels?
A good question! I’m hoping someone else in the comments might know the answer to this and can help out!
Thank you for these great videos! Did you just pay USD or mostly use local currency?
I got the same question, got my cash ready cuz she mentioned that her cards got cloned.
Good question! NOT usd. There are money counters that exchange (higher bills get a better exchange rate), but places (restaurants, shops etc) .. in my experience.. only accepted shillings (local currency)
@@ChristineLozada sorry quick question, did you take any malaria tablets? Really only doing one day safari mainland, reat zanzibar. Thanks
This video is so helpful. would you recommend staying in different hotels across the island? I'm going to Zanzibar for 16 nights in Jan 2022 and I'm not sure whether to stay in one location or book hotels around the island
oooh i’m so slow to respond i hope you had a great trip!!!
How was your trip?
Did you ever go to another family island, means Pemba
i haven't been to pemba. just.. mnemba... ?
@@ChristineLozada mnemba is an islet of Unguja island
Ha! You answer questions that’s usually on my mind, COST! But I find zilch discussing it. So it’s refreshing to know the tips about the city, getting there, flights, restaurants, plus what I’ll expect to spend so planning is much easier for me! Thank you for being real! 👍👍
woohoo!
Do you recomend sansibar for honeymoon? To relax on the beach and see some african culture?:-)
We are still thinking about it but it looks nice
LOTS of people take their honeymoon here!
Loving your videos! Really informative can I ask is Zanzibar safe for lone female travellers?
I'm so glad! THANK YOU! Oooooh this is a hard question. I've traveled to a lot of countries solo... for me, Zanzibar felt very, very foreign. And as much as I tried to blend in, I didn't. And I got approached.. A LOT... and it wasn't comfortable. I wouldn't come here alone, but that's just me. Lots of women do it and have a great experience.
No!
I'm planning to travel to Zanzibar in October :) About the driver, how did you get his contact? I'm not comfortable renting a car and I want a driver who could help me move around the island. Do you have his the contact? thank you so much for the information.
woo! Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!! his contact info is in the description of this video!
I am US Citizen ! Can I get visa on arrival when I be in airport?
Good question and yes! You can. You can do it online in advance (if you do it with enough advance notice) or directly at the airport. It costs 'the most' for US citizens. I think it was $100 at the time I went
How did you like diving with East Africa Divers?
great question! i thought they were professional and good re: communication (via what’s app) leading up to the dive!
I plan to go for our honey moon 🌙.I am here for the budget 😜
oooo that's AWESOME! what a great way to celebrate. congrats to you!!!
Audio volume on your videos it’s extremely low.
thanks for letting me know! next time I will TURN it UPPPPP! 🔥
You can also stay in hostels or some bungalows in the beach. I pay €100/3 days in nungwi but in low season
When is low season?
great tip!
Are there no "all inclusive" resorts in Zanzibar?
To be honest.. I didn't even consider one because I knew I'd be spending tons of time off property. Here's what Trip Advisor said about all inclusives! bit.ly/3vALRwT
Yes there are lots without all inclusive... you can live with local people if you like and am sure there is not too expensive like said madam in this video
Was that a 🤳 stick you were holding on the bike
Yahh I use the Go Pro setup with their specific selfie stick to be able to get those types of shots. You can find all my gear at kit.co/christinelozada/vlog-like-me-me-meee
seems very very expensive - no wonder no one i know has ever bothered visiting
Helpful to know it in advance then vs. finding out when you're there!
Welcome zanzibar
🤘🏽
Jeez I’d have just stayed on a beech hut instead of those ludicrous prices for hotels
The prices were all over the board! I could dig a beach hut 😉
I thought it's was cheap but it's kinda expensive
Just like NYC (and surviving off dollar pizza) there is always a way to find even cheaper pricing!
💥💥💥 ♥️
pow pow pow! 💥
I want you to visit Ghana 🇬🇭
I've always been curious about visiting there!
V sound is too low:WHY???!!!olume of
That's what happens when you try filming with a new camera. Glad you didn't have to pay for this FREEEEEE video!
60$ a day 💔😳😳😳😳 on car that was a scam sorrry 🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂
it'd be helpful to know what you think is a going price!
30-45$ a day
I paid much less in Zanzibar 😊
love to hear it! please link your helpful video so others can learn from you!!!!
Can you please not be so hyper....moving your hands !little less🙏
love the jazz hands