Zanzibar
Indian Ocean · Tanzania
Best Months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Rec. Nights
5 nights
Airports
ZNZ (Abeid Amani Karume)
Avg. Cash
$174 - $441/night
Best Value
1.8¢via Hyatt
Overview
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania that feels like stepping into another era -- a place where the intoxicating aromas of clove, cinnamon, and vanilla drift through the narrow alleys of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a centuries-old blend of African, Arab, Indian, and Portuguese influences.
For points travelers, Zanzibar's crown jewel is the Park Hyatt Zanzibar, located in a restored historic building on the Stone Town waterfront. As a Category 5 Hyatt property, it can be booked for as few as 25,000 points per night -- remarkable for a luxury Park Hyatt with cash rates typically $500-$700.
Zanzibar also pairs beautifully with a Tanzanian safari. The island offers world-class diving and snorkeling around Mnemba Atoll, dolphin tours, and spice farm excursions that connect you to the island's rich trading heritage.
Cash vs Points
Hotels in Zanzibar range from $174 to $441 per night. Points redemptions offer 1.76+ cents per point value.
Points Hotel Recommendations
9 properties in Zanzibar bookable with points, sorted by value
| Hotel | Program | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro | Hyatt | 12,000 | $240 | 2.0¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Park Hyatt Zanzibar | Hyatt | 25,000 | $441 | 1.8¢ | 4.6/10 | |
Park Hyatt Zanzibar | Hyatt | 25,000 | $441 | 1.8¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dar es Salaam | Wyndham | 15,000 | $247.55 | 1.6¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Element Dar es Salaam | Marriott | 17,500 | $175 | 1.0¢ | 4.5/10 | |
Le Mersenne Zanzibar, Autograph Collection | Marriott | 19,500 | $176 | 0.9¢ | 4.3/10 | |
Le Mersenne Zanzibar, Autograph Collection | Marriott | 19,500 | $174 | 0.9¢ | 5.0/10 | |
Crowne Plaza Dar Es Salaam | IHG | 15,000 | $89.3 | 0.6¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam | IHG | 11,000 | $64.31 | 0.6¢ | 0.0/10 |
Transfer Points Strategy
Find the best transfer path for your credit card points
Best Value
If you have Points:
Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro
HyattHyatt (1:1)Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro
Cost12,000 pts/night × 5 nights = 60,000 Hyatt
Value$1,200 cash ÷ 60,000 pts= 2.0¢
Transfer time: Instant
If you have Points:
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dar es Salaam
WyndhamWyndham (1:1)Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dar es Salaam
Cost15,000 pts/night × 5 nights = 75,000 Wyndham
Value$1,237.75 cash ÷ 75,000 pts= 1.6¢
Transfer time: Instant
If you have Marriott Bonvoy Points:
Element Dar es Salaam
MarriottMarriott (1:1)Element Dar es Salaam
Cost17,500 pts/night × 5 nights = 87,500 Marriott
Value$875 cash ÷ 87,500 pts= 1.0¢
Transfer time: Instant
If you have IHG One Rewards Points:
Crowne Plaza Dar Es Salaam
IHGIHG (1:1)Crowne Plaza Dar Es Salaam
Cost15,000 pts/night × 5 nights = 75,000 IHG
Value$446.5 cash ÷ 75,000 pts= 0.6¢
Transfer time: Instant
Recommended Activities
Curated experiences in Zanzibar
Cultural
Must-Do
Stone Town Walking Tour
Walk the UNESCO World Heritage labyrinth of narrow alleys, ornate carved doors, rooftop terraces, and the former Sultan's palace.
3 hours$25
History BuffsSolo
Food
Must-Do
Spice Plantation Tour
Tour a working spice farm to see, smell, and taste cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg growing fresh — Zanzibar is the 'Spice Island'.
3 hours$30
FoodiesCultural
Relaxation
Nungwi Beach & Sunset
Relax on the island's best beach on the northern tip where traditional dhow boats sail past and the sunsets are legendary.
4 hours$0
CouplesSolo
Water
Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling & Dolphin Tour
Boat to Mnemba Atoll for pristine coral reef snorkeling with a chance to swim alongside wild dolphins.
4 hours$50
AdventureCouples
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Getting There
ZNZ (Abeid Amani Karume)
Visa & Entry
Check your country's requirements
Budget
From $174/night
Packing Essentials
Pack for the climate
Cultural Tips
Respect local customs
Ask AI About Zanzibar
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