Bijoux Resort luxury pool with ocean views

Zanzibar East Coast on a Shoestring Budget

Discover 20 stunning beachfront stays, tropical bungalows, and cozy lodges between $20 and $77 USD per night.

Last Edited: September 15, 2026
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Sipano Beach Lodge
Sipano Beach Lodge Kiwengwa

Kiwengwa, Zanzibar

Free Wi-Fi Beachfront Restaurant Bar
Per Double Room / Night
$22
Drifters Zanzibar
Drifters Zanzibar

Paje, Zanzibar

Outdoor Pool Free Wi-Fi Beachfront Shared Lounge
Per Double Room / Night
$24
Mbuyuni Beach Village
Mbuyuni Beach Village

Jambiani, Zanzibar

Pool Private Beach Restaurant Bar
Per Double Room / Night
$40
Jambiani Backpackers Hotel
Jambiani Backpackers Hotel

Jambiani, Zanzibar

Free Breakfast Beachfront Wi-Fi Garden
Per Double Room / Night
$22
Kimte Beach Lodge
Kimte Beach Lodge

Jambiani, Zanzibar

Ocean View Restaurant Water Sports Bar
Per Double Room / Night
$48
Cinnamon Hotel Jambiani
Cinnamon Hotel Jambiani

Jambiani, Zanzibar

Air Conditioning Free Wi-Fi Restaurant Balcony
Per Double Room / Night
$62
New Teddy's on the Beach
New Teddy's on the Beach

Jambiani, Zanzibar

Swimming Pool Beach Bar Free Wi-Fi Hammocks
Per Double Room / Night
$48
Mudi House Jambiani
Mudi House Jambiani

Jambiani, Zanzibar

Kitchenette Garden Wi-Fi Free Parking
Per Double Room / Night
$24
Drifters Paje Beach Lodge
Drifters Paje Beach Lodge

Paje, Zanzibar

Beach Front Bar Pool Kitesurf Storage
Per Double Room / Night
$35
Jambo Resort
Jambo Resort by Mambo Hotels

Paje, Zanzibar

Pool Free Breakfast A/C Restaurant
Per Double Room / Night
$63
Demani Lodge Paje
Demani Lodge Paje

Paje, Zanzibar

Swimming Pool Live Music Restaurant Garden
Per Double Room / Night
$37
B4 Beach Club
B4 Beach Club & Hotel

Paje, Zanzibar

Kitesurfing Center Pool Cinema Screen Bar
Per Double Room / Night
$58
Mustafa's Place
Mustafa's Place

Bwejuu, Zanzibar

Unique Architecture Pool Restaurant Wi-Fi
Per Double Room / Night
$29
Bwejuu Beach Palm Villa
Bwejuu Beach Palm Villa

Bwejuu, Zanzibar

Sea View Free Breakfast Wi-Fi Terrace
Per Double Room / Night
$32
African Paradise Beach Hotel
African Paradise Beach Hotel

Bwejuu, Zanzibar

Beachfront A/C Restaurant Airport Shuttle
Per Double Room / Night
$50
Sea Crest Hotel
Sea Crest Hotel Kiwengwa

Kiwengwa, Zanzibar

Outdoor Pool Restaurant A/C Free Breakfast
Per Double Room / Night
$73
Z-LODGE Zanzibar
Z-LODGE Zanzibar

Kiwengwa, Zanzibar

Garden Spa Services Bar Restaurant
Per Double Room / Night
$43
Visitor's Inn Hotel
Visitor's Inn Hotel

Jambiani, Zanzibar

Large Pool Oceanfront Dining Wi-Fi Tours
Per Double Room / Night
$46
Miramont Retreat
Miramont Retreat Zanzibar

Kilimani / Matemwe, Zanzibar

Pool Beachfront Excursions Restaurant
Per Double Room / Night
$46
Key's Bungalows
Key's Bungalows Matemwe

Matemwe, Zanzibar

Diving Center Beach Restaurant Wi-Fi Bar
Per Double Room / Night
$38
Budget Accommodation Overview

Zanzibar Stays on a Shoestring Budget

Affordable beachfront bungalows, backpacker lodges, and cozy guest houses across the East Coast from $20 to $77 USD/night.

Prime Hubs

Paje & Jambiani feature the highest density of budget stays, ideal for kitesurfing and social dining. Bwejuu, Kiwengwa & Matemwe offer quiet beachfront retreats at lower rates.

Price Expectations

Basic double rooms start between $20 and $35/night (e.g., Sipano Beach Lodge, Drifters Zanzibar), while well-equipped beach hotels range from $40 to $77/night.

Key Amenities

Most shoestring properties feature direct beach access, free Wi-Fi, onsite dining/bars, and outdoor pools or diving and kitesurf storage.

Property Location Rate (Double Room) Top Features
Sipano Beach Lodge Kiwengwa $22 / night Beachfront, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi
Drifters Zanzibar Paje $24 / night Outdoor Pool, Beachfront, Shared Lounge
Mustafa's Place Bwejuu $29 / night Unique Architecture, Swimming Pool, Wi-Fi
Mbuyuni Beach Village Jambiani $40 / night Private Beach, Pool, Onsite Restaurant
Key's Bungalows Matemwe $38 / night Diving Center, Beach Restaurant, Bar

Top Things to Do in Zanzibar

Enhance your tropical stay with these unforgettable experiences and guided island excursions across Zanzibar.

Snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll $35 - $60 / person
📍 Matemwe / East Coast

Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling Safari

Swim alongside wild dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful coral reefs in Zanzibar's premier marine conservation area.

Kitesurfing in Paje $50 - $90 / session
📍 Paje Beach

Kitesurfing Lessons & Rentals

Take advantage of Paje's world-famous shallow lagoon and steady cross-shore winds with professional IKO-certified instructors.

Stone Town Guided Walking Tour $20 - $35 / person
📍 Stone Town

Historical Stone Town Tour

Wander through UNESCO-listed alleyways, visit the Old Slave Market, Freddie Mercury House, and vibrant local spice bazaars.

Safari Blue Dhow Cruise $65 - $85 / person
📍 Fumba / Menai Bay

Safari Blue Full-Day Dhow Cruise

Sail in a traditional wooden dhow, explore sandbanks, swim in mangrove lagoons, and enjoy a fresh seafood BBQ lunch.

Kitesurfing in Paje $60 - $150 / session
📍 Paje / Jambiani Beach

Kitesurfing Lessons & Gear Rental

Ride the world-famous shallow lagoon in Paje with IKO-certified instructors or rent top-tier gear for wind-driven adventures.

Deep Sea Fishing Charter $350 - $650 / charter
📍 Nungwi / Pemba Channel

Deep Sea Big Game Fishing Charter

Head into deep waters off the coast to target Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, and Kingfish on a fully equipped private fishing yacht.

Frequently Asked Questions

Accommodation costs in Zanzibar range depending on your travel style. Budget stays and dorms cost between $10 and $30 per night, mid-range hotels run between $40 and $120 per night, while luxury oceanfront resorts range from $200 to over $1,000+ per night.

The best times to visit Zanzibar are during the dry seasons from June to October and January to February. During these months, skies are clear, humidity is manageable, and sea conditions are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

The most affordable accommodations are located along the East Coast in villages like Paje, Jambiani, and Bwejuu, as well as budget guest houses in Nungwi and historic Stone Town.

Yes! Extremely budget-conscious travelers can find basic hostel dorm beds, tent camping, or basic guesthouses for around $10 USD per night, especially during the low or shoulder seasons.

At Gorilla Safaris Rwanda you can book accommodation in range of USD 10 to USD 2000+ per night.

You can book complete Zanzibar holiday packages and beach stays with Gorilla Safaris Rwanda, offering customized island itineraries, transfers, and resort bookings to suit any budget.