
Book Hotels in Zanzibar with Crypto or Pay Later (From $25/Night)
800+ properties starting from $25-50/night
Hotels in Zanzibar span from budget guesthouses at $25 per night to lavish beachfront resorts exceeding $800. With over 800 properties across the island, travelers can book using cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 100+ coins), Sezzle’s Pay in 4 installments, or PayPal Pay Later on Travorio.com. Flexible payment options make Zanzibar’s hotels more accessible than ever, whether you want to pay now or split your trip into manageable payments.
Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually. The favorable exchange rate for the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) gives most foreign travelers strong purchasing power, especially Americans and Europeans. June to October brings perfect weather and high occupancy, while April and May are the best months for deep hotel discounts.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Zanzibar
Stone Town
Stone Town, the UNESCO-listed heart of Zanzibar City, is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, coral-stone buildings, and centuries-old mosques. The House of Wonders, Old Fort, and Forodhani Gardens are all within a 10-minute walk. For food, head to Lukmaan Restaurant for Swahili staples and Taperia for tapas with a view. Hotel rates typically range from $60 to $180 per night, making it ideal for mid-range travelers. It appeals to history buffs, culture seekers, and foodies. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is just 8 km away, with taxis costing around $15 to Stone Town. The main ferry port is also a short walk, with regular fast ferries to Dar es Salaam.
Nungwi
Nungwi, at Zanzibar’s northern tip, is known for powdery beaches, turquoise water, and a lively nightlife scene. The Nungwi Natural Aquarium and Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond are family favorites. Enjoy fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Grill or sunset cocktails at Gerry’s Bar. Accommodation here ranges from $50 to $200 per night. Nungwi is best for beach lovers, snorkelers, and social travelers. The area is 60 km north of Stone Town, reachable via shared minibus (dala-dala, $2) or private taxi ($50). Regular shuttle services connect Nungwi to the airport and main towns.
Kendwa
Kendwa, just south of Nungwi, is famous for its wide, tide-free beach and legendary monthly Full Moon Party at Kendwa Rocks. The area’s laid-back vibe attracts couples and honeymooners. For dining, try La Fontana for Italian or Essence Restaurant for oceanfront dining. Hotels in Kendwa range from $80 to $250 per night. It suits relaxation seekers and romantic getaways. Kendwa is 58 km from Stone Town and 63 km from ZNZ Airport. Most hotels offer airport transfers from $55, and local taxis are readily available.
Paje & Jambiani (Southeast)
Paje and Jambiani, on the southeast coast, are Zanzibar’s kitesurfing capitals. The region is dotted with beach bars like Mr. Kahawa and family-run hostels such as New Teddy’s on the Beach. Rooms start as low as $25 and rarely exceed $80 per night, making it the top pick for budget travelers, digital nomads, and water sports enthusiasts. The 50 km drive from Stone Town takes about 1.5 hours. Shared minibuses (dala-dala, $2.50) or private taxis ($45) are the main transport options.
Matemwe (Northeast)
Matemwe is a secluded stretch favored by luxury seekers and divers. The Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve, renowned for its coral reefs and dolphins, is a short boat ride away. Dine at Zanzibar Retreat Hotel’s oceanfront restaurant or book a spa day at the opulent Matemwe Lodge. Accommodation prices range from $200 to $600 per night. Matemwe is best for privacy, diving, and luxury escapes. The area is 55 km from Stone Town, with airport transfers averaging $60 each way.
Michamvi Peninsula
The Michamvi Peninsula, on Zanzibar’s east coast, is a haven for couples, honeymooners, and Instagram travelers. The Rock Restaurant, perched on a tidal island, is one of Africa’s most photographed dining spots. Upscale resorts like Kichanga Lodge and Upendo Beach attract those seeking romance and tranquility. Nightly rates fall between $150 and $400. Michamvi is 65 km from Stone Town and 60 km from ZNZ Airport, with taxi transfers costing $55 to $60. The region is less crowded and ideal for a secluded getaway.
Average Hotel Prices in Zanzibar by Season
Hotel rates in Zanzibar fluctuate sharply by season. During the June to October dry season, 3-star hotels average $110 per night and 4-star hotels average $185. December’s festive period pushes prices even higher, with 4-star properties often selling out at $220 to $310 per night.
The long rains from March to May see the most significant discounts. In this period, 3-star hotels drop to $65 per night and 4-star hotels to $110. Savings during the low season can reach 40 to 55 percent compared to peak months, with some luxury resorts offering third-night-free deals.
January and February are a mini-peak due to warm, dry weather, with 3-star hotels at $120 and 4-star at $210. Book at least 90 days in advance for the best rates in June, July, or August. For the absolute lowest prices, travel in April or May when occupancy is under 50 percent and deals abound.
How to Book Hotels in Zanzibar with Cryptocurrency
Visit the Travorio hotel search and enter your travel dates and preferred Zanzibar neighborhood.
Select a hotel from over 800 listed properties and choose your room type.
At checkout, choose “Pay with Cryptocurrency.” Travorio accepts Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), and 100+ other coins.
You will be prompted with a QR code and wallet address. Confirm the amount and currency before sending.
Payment is instantly confirmed and you receive your booking voucher. No Travorio wallet setup or account creation required,just pay from your own wallet.
Crypto payments on Travorio are processed securely and allow for instant booking, even for last-minute stays. This flexibility is ideal if you want to avoid credit card fees or tap into digital asset gains for travel.
Pay Later Hotels in Zanzibar: Split Into 4 Payments
Travorio lets you reserve Zanzibar hotels today and split the bill into four interest-free payments. Here is how it works:
Use Sezzle at checkout to pay just 25 percent upfront, then pay the remaining balance in three biweekly payments.
Alternatively, select PayPal Pay Later to split your hotel charge over several months.
No hard credit check is required. Approval is instant and there is zero interest, provided you pay on time.
Bookings are confirmed immediately, so you secure your room even if you pay over time.
Browse pay later hotels in Zanzibar to see which properties accept Sezzle or PayPal Pay Later. This option is especially popular for group trips, honeymoons, or anyone managing cash flow before travel.
Getting to Zanzibar: Flights and Transport
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is Zanzibar’s main gateway, located just 8 km (15 minutes) from Stone Town. The airport receives direct flights from Nairobi, Doha, Istanbul, and several European cities, as well as frequent connections from Dar es Salaam (DAR).
Airport taxis to Stone Town cost $15. Most resorts in Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe, and Michamvi offer private transfers ranging from $45 to $65 depending on distance. Shared minibuses (dala-dala) are available for $2 to $3 per person, but luggage space is limited.
Average round-trip flight prices to Zanzibar (including taxes/fees):
New York (JFK) to ZNZ: $900 to $1,180
London (LHR) to ZNZ: $670 to $980
Dubai (DXB) to ZNZ: $390 to $620
Nairobi (NBO) to ZNZ: $170 to $260
Johannesburg (JNB) to ZNZ: $430 to $680
For the best fares, compare and book early on Travorio flights. For more information about the airport, refer to the official ZNZ website.
Zanzibar Travel Tips for 2026
Visa: Most travelers from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia require a tourist visa. The e-visa can be obtained for $50 online at immigration.go.tz and is valid for 90 days. Processing time is typically 3 to 7 business days. Visa on arrival is available for $50, but queues can exceed one hour at busy times. Applying online two weeks before travel is strongly recommended.
Local transport: Zanzibar’s main public transport is the dala-dala (shared minibus), with fares from $0.80 to $3 depending on route. There is no metro or formal bus system. Private taxis are widely available, with minimum fares starting at $5 in Stone Town. For day trips, hire a driver for $35 to $50 per day. Bicycle and scooter rentals start at $10 per day in beach towns.
Tipping: Tipping is customary in Zanzibar. In restaurants, 5 to 10 percent is standard if service is not included. Hotel porters typically receive $1 per bag. For guides or drivers, $5 to $10 per day is appreciated.
Currency: The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the official currency. USD (cash) is widely accepted at hotels, tour operators, and many restaurants. ATMs dispense TZS. Major credit cards are accepted at most mid-range and luxury hotels, but local markets and small businesses prefer cash. Currency code is TZS, and the exchange rate is roughly TZS 2,500 per $1 USD.
Best time to visit: Visit from June to October for dry, sunny weather and calm seas,ideal for beach activities and diving. January and February are also dry and popular. April and May bring heavy rains, but hotel prices drop by up to 55 percent, making it the best period for budget travelers and digital nomads seeking long stays.
For more planning details and hotel specials, visit Travorio's Zanzibar hotel listings or consult the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism. Always check visa requirements and seasonal updates before booking your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best area to stay in Zanzibar?
Stone Town ($60-180/night) for culture and history. Nungwi ($50-200/night) for the liveliest beach scene. Kendwa ($80-250/night) for couples and swimming at any tide. Paje ($25-80/night) for kitesurfing and budget stays. Matemwe ($200-600/night) for diving and luxury seclusion.
How much do hotels cost in Zanzibar?
Budget guesthouses in Paje and Stone Town start at $25/night. Mid-range beachfront hotels in Nungwi and Kendwa average $80-180/night. Luxury resorts in Matemwe and Michamvi range from $250-800+/night. All-inclusive packages are popular at $150-400/person/night.
When is the cheapest time to visit Zanzibar?
April and May (long rain season) offer the lowest rates — many resorts cut prices by 40-50%. November during the short rains is another affordable window. The best value-for-money is June, when dry season starts but prices haven't hit peak levels yet.
Is Zanzibar good for kitesurfing?
Zanzibar is East Africa's kitesurfing capital. Paje beach on the southeast coast has consistent trade winds from June to February, flat lagoon water at low tide, and multiple kite schools. Lessons start around $50/hour. Budget accommodation in Paje starts at $25/night.
Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?
Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists. Stone Town requires normal city precautions (don't walk alone in dark alleys at night). Beach areas are very safe. Note: Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim — dress modestly in Stone Town (cover shoulders and knees) and be sensitive during Ramadan.
Can I book Zanzibar hotels with cryptocurrency?
Yes. Travorio accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 100+ other cryptocurrencies for hotel bookings in Zanzibar. This is especially convenient since Tanzania is largely a cash economy — paying for your accommodation in crypto upfront means you need less USD cash on the island.