We are considering spending +- 10 days in Zanzibar in February 2009. The problem is that it will be at the end of a 3-month world trip and therefore we are going to be on a fairly tight budget. Is Zanzibar suitable for backpacking/fairly cheap travel or should we wait until we have refilled our purses and do it more luxuriously?

If you think we can do it cheaply, any recommendations of places to stay, how to get around etc would be appreciated.

Tks

i was in zanzibar a few years ago. i found it to be fairly cheap, although admittedly, i was in a group at the time, so for half the time i was there, my accomodations were taken care of. however, when i went out on my own, i went to one of the beach resorts on the north east side of the island.

if you wish to do it luxuriously, the island can certainly accomodate you in that capacity. however, it can be done relatively inexpensively. i recommend you rent acar or motorcycle when you get there.

definitely go to zanzibar. it's an amazing place, one of my favorite spots.

I have a good page here on Zanzibar Island:

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/30b4a/221cec/

The East Coast is great for beaches and diving, west coast for history.

Stone town page is here:

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/30b4a/221ced/

ANd Jambiani is a village on the east coast with affordable accomodation here:
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/30b4a/223473/


Have a great time,

All the best,

DAO