Zanzibar is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. No question about it.
But if you’re coming from the UK, just getting there will burn a hole in your bank account. Flights and accommodation alone are expensive! Like I said before, sometimes you just have to dip your toes in a little luxury…
But if you’re like most of us, you won’t have endless funds to splash around once you’re there — and some of the bigger excursions I’ve mentioned before can quickly add up.
So even though it’s great to indulge a little, it’s also important to balance your spending and be realistic while you’re out there.
No one wants to be stressing about finances on holiday — or worse, running out of money halfway through! And let’s be honest… them bills will still be waiting when you get back.
That’s why I made sure to include a few down days to chill by the hotel pool and plan in activities that didn’t cost an arm and a leg. Enter: our half-day (or even less) trips.
🏖️ Nungwi Beach
Nungwi Beach is a visual dream (just like so many others in Zanzibar). Turquoise waters. Sand so white and soft you’d think you stepped onto a cloud. And those little wooden longtail boats, just bobbing about like something out of a postcard.
There are loads of photo ops too — not just of the beach, but swings and quirky wooden signs dotted around for those Insta-thirsty moments.
And don’t worry about space — even though it’s one of the most popular beaches on the island (for good reason!), you won’t be crammed in like sardines. You’ll find plenty of beach vendors offering umbrellas and loungers for a small fee. I can’t remember the exact cost, but I do remember the hubby wasn’t cringing — so it can’t have been that bad! 😂
The beach is lined with restaurants and bars serving all kinds of food, especially seafood. Prices aren’t rock-bottom, but they’re fair for a popular stop. We kept it light — grabbed a few soft drinks and snacks to share, which worked out fine for a 2–3 hour visit.
Top tip:
Pack your own snacks and drinks in a small travel cooler bag — keeps your costs down and your drinks cool!
🎉 Nungwi’s Vibe
Compared to where we stayed (Kiwengwa), Nungwi is much more vibrant. It’s got an energy to it — and our driver told us that after sunset, it really comes alive with beach parties.
We didn’t get to experience that part… but hey, there’s always a next time. Maybe just me and the hubby next round? 😉
We stayed about 3 hours, swimming, sun-soaking, and enjoying each other’s company. Honestly, we could’ve stayed longer. It’s one of those places where you lose track of time in the best way.
🧍🏽♂️ A Quick Note on Our Driver
We didn’t realise our driver was waiting the whole time to take us back to the hotel. When we returned, he was absolutely sweating — bless him. But in true Zanzibar chilled-out style, Ibrahim just smiled and said:
“No stress! Poli poli.”
(Take it easy in Swahili.)
✅ Nungwi Beach Recap
Entry: Free
Costs: Snacks, drinks, optional loungers
Tips:
Bring towels
Travel cooler for drinks/snacks
Budget about £10–£15 total if you’re keeping it low-key
🐢 Swimming with Turtles at Mnarani Turtle Sanctuary
Just a short distance away is Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond, also known as the Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium. It’s a community-led conservation project focused on protecting and rehabilitating sea turtles — and yes, tourists are allowed to visit.
The lagoon is this stunning, natural turquoise pool filled with turtles.
When you arrive, you’re shown around the grounds and given time to change into your swimwear before entering the lagoon.
🥶 First Impressions
The first thing that hit us? That water was freezing!
But once you’re in, your body adjusts pretty quickly. And even with a few people already in the lagoon, it never felt too crowded. You’re given seaweed to encourage the turtles to come to you — and trust me, once you whip that stuff out, they’re suddenly your besties.
Swimming around you, brushing against your skin — it’s a weirdly ticklish sensation. My daughter sat this one out, but my son? He was in his element. The grin never left his face. You could tell it was a magical experience for him.
🧠 Ethical Considerations
Now, just to be transparent — not everyone agrees on whether turtle sanctuaries like this are ethical.
Some argue they’re vital for conservation, others worry about stress and health issues from too much human interaction, or concerns about turtles being kept solely for tourism.
From what I saw, the turtles looked healthy, calm, and well cared for. But if this is something that doesn’t sit right with you, you might choose to skip it. No judgement either way — just do what feels right for you.
✅ Turtle Sanctuary Recap
Cost: Around £10 per person
Bring:
Swimwear
Waterproof footwear (Crocs are 👌🏽)
Change of clothes
Good to know:
There are changing rooms (only 2 or 3), so if you want privacy, bring a big towel or cover-up
Slipping on clothes over wet swimwear outdoors is very much a vibe here
💡 Pro Tip: Do Both in One Day
Since both Nungwi Beach and the Turtle Sanctuary are in the same area, it makes total sense to combine them into one full day out. That’s exactly what we did.
It’s fun, flexible, and helps you save on transport costs — and you still get back to your hotel with plenty of time to chill.
✨ Final Thoughts
If you’re in Zanzibar and want to make the most of your time without blowing your budget, pairing these two activities gives you the best of both worlds:
A postcard-worthy beach
A unique wildlife experience
All without the stress of spending too much
A full day out with minimal costs? Chef’s kiss. 💋
✈️ Planning Your Own Zanzibar Trip?
I hope this guide helps you see that you don’t need deep pockets to experience the magic of Zanzibar.
If you’ve got questions, want more tips, or just fancy chatting travel — drop a comment below or come find me on Instagram @suitcases.stories.
And if this helped you even a little? Share it, save it, or send it to that one friend who’s always saying “I need a holiday!” 😉
See you in the next part of the series — we’re not done with Zanzibar yet.
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