Zanzibar
Indian Ocean · Tanzania
Best Months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Rec. Nights
5 nights
Airports
ZNZ (Abeid Amani Karume)
Avg. Cash
$114 - $475/night
Best Value
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 $114 to $475 per night. Points redemptions offer 2.3+ cents per point value.
Points Hotel Recommendations
9 properties in Zanzibar bookable with points, sorted by value
| Hotel | Program | Check-in | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nungwi Dreams by Mantis | Accor | 6,283 | $145 | 2.3¢ | May 6 | |
Park Hyatt Zanzibar | Hyatt | 21,000 | $350 | 1.7¢ | May 20 | |
Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro | Hyatt | 12,000 | $188 | 1.6¢ | May 20 | |
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dar es Salaam | Wyndham | 15,000 | $222 | 1.5¢ | May 7 | |
Le Mersenne Zanzibar, Autograph Collection | Marriott | 19,500 | $191 | 1.0¢ | May 6 | |
Four Points by Sheraton Dar es Salaam New Africa | Marriott | 16,000 | $146 | 0.9¢ | May 6 | |
Element by Marriott Dar es Salaam | Marriott | 19,500 | $175 | 0.9¢ | May 6 | |
Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam City Centre | IHG | 14,000 | $75 | 0.5¢ | May 6 | |
Crowne Plaza Dar Es Salaam | IHG | 19,000 | $93 | 0.5¢ | May 6 |
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Transfer Points Strategy
Find the best transfer path for your credit card points
If you have ALL Points:
Nungwi Dreams by Mantis
If you have Points:
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
If you have Points:
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dar es Salaam
If you have Marriott Bonvoy Points:
Le Mersenne Zanzibar, Autograph Collection
If you have IHG One Rewards Points:
Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam City Centre
How to Earn Points for This Trip
The best hotels in Zanzibar use Accor Live Limitless (ALL), World of Hyatt, Wyndham Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and IHG One Rewards points. Here’s how to earn them:
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG
$99
Annual Fee
140,000 IHG One Rewards points — transfers earns IHG One Rewards points directly
- 140K bonus points — enough for 3-5 free nights at many IHG properties
- Earn 26x total at IHG properties and 5x on travel, dining, and gas
- 4th night free on IHG award stays (saves 25% on 4-night bookings)
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Chase UR
$95
Annual Fee
75,000 Ultimate Rewards points — transfers earns World of Hyatt points directly, earns Marriott Bonvoy points directly
- Earn 5x on travel through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3x on dining, select streaming, and online groceries
- 1:1 transfer to Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Hyatt
$95
Annual Fee
60,000 Hyatt points + free night (Cat 1-4) — transfers earns World of Hyatt points directly
- Earn 4x at Hyatt hotels and 2x on dining, travel, and gym memberships
- Free night certificate annually (Cat 1-4) worth up to $300+
- Automatic Discoverist elite status
Bilt Mastercard®
Bilt
$0
Annual Fee
earns World of Hyatt points directly, earns Marriott Bonvoy points directly — only card that earns points on rent — transfers 1:1 to all major hotels
- Earn 1x points on rent with no transaction fees (up to 100,000 pts/yr)
- Earn 3x on dining and 2x on travel
- Transfer 1:1 to Hyatt, Marriott, IHG, and Hilton
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase UR
$795
Annual Fee
125,000 Ultimate Rewards points after $6,000 spend in 3 months — transfers earns World of Hyatt points directly, earns Marriott Bonvoy points directly
- Earn 8x on all purchases through Chase Travel
- Earn 4x on flights and hotels booked direct, 3x on dining
- $300 annual travel credit automatically applied
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Marriott
$95
Annual Fee
3 free night awards (each up to 50,000 points value) — earns Marriott Bonvoy points directly
- Welcome offer: 3 free night awards (each worth up to 50,000 points)
- Earn 6x at Marriott properties and 2x on all other purchases
- Free night award annually (up to 35,000 points value)
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay. We independently evaluate every card based on transfer value and earning potential.
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 $114/night
Packing Essentials
Pack for the climate
Cultural Tips
Respect local customs
Ask AI About Zanzibar
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