Zanzibar has a genuine budget scene, particularly at Paje, Jambiani, Nungwi and in the Stone Town lanes. Expect a clean, simple room with a fan or basic air conditioning, breakfast included, and a friendly local team rather than a resort operation.
What to know before booking at this level: rooms behind the beach are considerably cheaper than beachfront and often a two-minute walk from the same sand. Fan-only rooms are fine from June to October and hard work from December to March. Hot water is not universal. Wifi is variable everywhere on the island, at every price point.
Budget accommodation in Zanzibar is generally safe, welcoming and good value. We only book places we would send a friend to, and we will tell you plainly what a property is and is not.
Tell us your dates and your nightly budget and we will send options rather than a list of everything available.