PHOTOS Our Ballin’ On A Budget Guide: 12 Day Trip to Kenya and Zanzibar: Itinerary, Cost, Things to Do
Hey, Travel Tribe! East Africa isn’t just a destination; it’s where we found our rhythm! From the bustling streets of Nairobi to the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, our 12-day adventure in Kenya and Zanzibar was nothing short of epic. And guess what, divas? We did it all without breaking the bank! If you’re dreaming of an East African adventure but are watching those pennies, this guide is for you. Let’s dive into our itinerary, costs, and all the fabulous things we did!
How We Lived Our Best Life In Kenya and Zanzibar on a Budget:
Flights:
DC to Kenya: Snagged a deal at $345 one-way with Delta/Airfrance. Who said ballin’ on a budget ain’t cute?
Nairobi to Zanzibar: $270 one-way with Precision Airline. We’re soaring, flying!
Zanzibar back to DC: Another $345 one-way with Delta/Airfrance.
Total Damage per person: $960. But the memories? Priceless!
Accommodations:
Lodging can be a significant chunk of your travel expenses, but with a bit of research, you can find gems that won’t empty your wallet. We found comfort and style without the hefty price tag. In Nairobi, we stayed at the Movenpick, which we chose primarily for its central location. For those looking for a more vibey spot, check out our experience at Social House. In Zanzibar, our stays ranged from the serene Mojuu Tuu in Kiwengwa to the bustling heart of Stone Town at Emerson Spice. We woke up like this – flawless! For a deep dive into our Zanzibar lodging experiences, don’t miss our Zanzibar Budget Guide.
Food:
From street food to fine dining, East Africa offers a culinary journey like no other. We spent an average of $18 per day on food, but for those looking to save even more, street vending stalls are the way to go. The Shawarmas? Absolute game-changer! And only for $1-2 USD.
Activities:
With just $203, we went all out! In Kenya, we got up close with giraffes, biked like there’s no tomorrow, and went full-on safari mode. Zanzibar? Think quad biking, exploring Jozani Forest, vibing in Stone Town, and more. And yeah, we dined at that Insta-famous Rock Restaurant and chilled with starfish! We definitely made the most of our trip. Dive into our detailed Nairobi, Kenya Itinerary or our Zanzibar Itinerary to see how we maximized our 10 days.
Transportation:
Navigating Kenya and Zanzibar can be a breeze if you’re informed. We spent $509 on transportation, including Ubers, private jeeps, and taxis. For a comprehensive guide on getting around, check out our Kenya Travel Experiences.
Grand Total:
For flights, lodging, transportation, and activities, we spent $2050 per person. And trust, you can ball on a budget too. Street eats and budget stays can help you save some serious cash.
Other Costs:
Before embarking on our trip, we spent around $500 on recommended travel vaccines and visas for both countries. The vaccines set us back by $330. Find out more about our vaccine experience here. The Tanzanian visa cost us $100 details here, and the Kenyan visa was $51 more details here.
Trip Itinerary & Highlights:
Kenya (Day 1-6): Giraffe kisses, wild safaris, and biking through Karura Forest. We came, we saw, we slayed!
Nungwi (Day 7-8): Beach chills and the most bomb Sugarcane juice ever. Sip, sip, hooray!
Kiwengwa (Day 8-11) : Jozani Forest, Kae Funk Beach vibes, and the Starfish Tour. Oh, and that in-room massage? $30 for 2 hours of pure bliss. Self-care mode activated!
Stone Town (Day 11-12): History, spices, and that bustling Forhani Market. Culture and flavor overload!
Top Tips for Ballin’ on a Budget in Kenya and Zanzibar
Before we dive deeper into our epic journey, let me spill some tea on how to make the most of your East African adventure without breaking the bank.
1. Accommodation Hacks:
Diverse Options: Kenya and Zanzibar offer everything from luxury resorts to budget-friendly accommodations.
Research is Key: Find the best hotel that fits your vibe and your budget.
Local Living: Consider renting a beachfront cottage in Lamu or a traditional Zanzibari house in Nungwi. And remember, divas, popular spots fill up fast, so secure your spot early!
2. Getting Around Like a Pro:
Matatus & Dala-Dala: Experience local transport with Kenya’s vibrant matatus and Zanzibar’s dala-dalas.
Boda-Boda: These motorcycle taxis are quick, affordable, and everywhere. Just remember to haggle before you ride.
Eco-Friendly Exploration: Rent a bike in Zanzibar and explore at your own pace.
3. Affordable Experiences:
Maasai Market & Forodhani Night Market: Dive into local culture and cuisine without denting your wallet.
Nairobi National Park: See the Big Five without the safari price tag.
4. Freebies:
Art Galore: Explore local art galleries in both destinations.
Stone Town Strolls: Wander through Stone Town, Zanzibar, and soak in its rich history.
Festival Fever: There’s always a party happening somewhere, from the Lamu Cultural Festival to the Zanzibar Film Festival.
5. Daily Budget Breakdown:
Plan to stay in hostels and munch with the locals? Budget around $50 per day. If you’re like me and prefer mid-range hotels with a mix of activities, set aside about $100 daily. But if you’re feeling extra bougie and dream of a night at the Giraffe Manor or a luxury safari, you’re looking at $200+ per day.
Alright, divas, there you have it! My top tips for living it up in Kenya and Zanzibar without burning a hole in your pocket. Kenya and Zanzibar? 10/10 recommend. Whether you’re splurging or saving, the vibes are always right. If Africa’s on your list, stop sleeping on it. Kenya and Zanzibar are calling! Got any budget travel hacks of your own? Drop them in the comments below! 🌍✈️💃🏽
Catch flights, not feelings!
