Which place is cheaper, Dakar or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Dakar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zanzibar and Dakar can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Zanzibar or Dakar?
Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
Dakar
Located in West Africa, Dakar is the capital city of Senegal and an Atlantic port on the Cap-Vert peninsula. Main attractions include the city's markets, the Dakar Grand Mosque, Goree Island, the IFAN Museum, the African Renaissance Monument, beaches, and the Senegal Zoo.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, and The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $52Dakar $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $52, while the average daily cost in Dakar is $61. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Zanzibar and Dakar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $25Dakar $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $50Dakar $64
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Dakar
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Dakar? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Zanzibar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Dakar $5.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- AirPort & Sea Ferry Transfer Zone: $47
- Airport - Hotels Transfer all over the Zanzibar Island: $60
- Airport Pick-up Transfer To any Hotel In Zanzibar: $30
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Airport transfer to Nugwi, Paje and Kiwengwa Hotels : $45
- Airport/Hotel Transfer: $25
- Airport/port Transfer : $70
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Luxury Car: $125
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Minivan: $8.33
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Departure Private Transfer from Island to Zanzibar Airport ZNZ by Standard Van: $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:
- AIBD-DAKAR transfer: $49
- Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $210
- DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $120
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $82
- Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Dakar?
Prices for flights to both Dakar and Zanzibar change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayZanzibar $17Dakar $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
- An romantic cooking Lesson + Spice Farm Tour: $44
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
- Spice Farm tour & Local cooking lesson with Lunch: $64
- Stone Town Private Food Tour with a Guide: $65
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $65
- Traditional Zanzibar Cooking Class including Spice Tour: $68
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class : $75
Typical Food Prices in Dakar
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dakar:
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Breakfast$4.07
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dakar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dakar.
- Senegalese Street Food Tour in Dakar: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Dakar $13
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Africa's Paradises Full Sightseeing Package Tours: $15
- Easy Stone Town Tour: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Historical City Tour: $20
- Stone Town Historical Walking Tour: $20
- Stone Town tour: $20
- Stone Town Tour in Zanzibar.: $23
- Stone Town Tour without transport: $24
- Stone Town Private Walking Tour: $25
- Stonetown City (Walking Tour): $25
- Stone Town Walking Tour: $25
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour & Exotic Fruit Lunch: $25
- Zanzibar Tours & Taxi Services : $25
Tours and Activities in Dakar
Here are a few actual costs in Dakar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $30
- Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Dakar: $31
- Accro Baobab Adventure Ticket Entry: $38
- Half Day Dakar City Tour: $105
- Private City Tour: $109
- Full Day Private Tour in move, eat, act like a local: $109
- Half-Day GOREE Island Tour:The Heritage Tour: $130
- Mamelles Lighthouse and Ngor Island (Walking Tour): $130
- From Dakar or Saly: Half-Day Tour to Pink Lake: $137
- Full Day Goree Island And Dakar City Tour(Minimum 2 Participants): $142
- Full-Day Private Dakar City Tour : $142
- Day trip Goree island and Dakar city tour : $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.91Dakar $8.92
Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:
- Pub Crawl & Club Experience: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Dakar, we can see that Dakar is more expensive. And not only is Zanzibar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zanzibar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zanzibar and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dakar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dakar than you might in Zanzibar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Dakar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Dakar?
Dakar has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Dakar, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar or Dakar?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Dakar in the Summer?
Both Dakar and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Dakar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Dakar. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Dakar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dakar during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Dakar receives 218 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Zanzibar is cooler than Dakar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Dakar averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Dakar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Dakar in the Autumn?
Both Dakar and Zanzibar during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in October than Dakar. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Dakar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dakar. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dakar receives 260 hours of full sun.
In October, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Dakar. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Dakar fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Dakar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Dakar in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Dakar. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Dakar. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dakar this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dakar during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Dakar receives 232 hours of full sun in the winter.
Zanzibar is a little warmer than Dakar in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Dakar fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Dakar 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Dakar in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Dakar. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year.
Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Dakar. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dakar. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Dakar. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dakar receives 275 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Dakar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Dakar averages at about 21°C (70°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Dakar 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Dakar and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Dakar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.