A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zanzibar vs. Kruger National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zanzibar or Kruger National Park?

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 Kruger National Park 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 Kruger National Park?

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.

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park, in northeast South Africa hugs the border of Mozambique in the east, Zimbabwe in the north, and the Crocodile River to the south. Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometers, it hosts a variety of habitats with a thriving population of wildlife and indigenous plant species, making it a safari destination like no other.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in South Africa, and The Best 10-Day Tours in South Africa.


Which place is cheaper, Kruger National Park or Zanzibar?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Kruger National Park is $106. 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 Kruger National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $24
    Kruger National Park $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $48
    Kruger National Park $110
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Kruger National Park

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Kruger National Park? 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.

Hotels in Zanzibar


Hotels in Kruger National Park


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 and Kruger National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $11
    Kruger National Park $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:

  • Premium Transfer from Zanzibar Airport ⇋ Kiwengwa: $65
  • Zanzibar transfers and Taxi: $35
  • Zanzibar Taxi & Transfer Services – From Airport to All Resorts: $20
  • Zanzibar Shared Departure Transfer: $56
  • Zanzibar Private Transfer – From Airport to Any Hotel: $50
  • Zanzibar Private Round Trip Airport Transfer: $88
  • Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Paje Beach to the Airport: $40
  • Zanzibar Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Jambiani Beach: $40
  • Zanzibar Must-see Sights with Lunch and Transfers: $249
  • Zanzibar Island Private Taxi Airport and Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Zanzibar Ferry Terminal Departure Transfers.: $90
  • Zanzibar Dolphin Tour, Jozani Forest & Salaam Cave with Transfer: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kruger National Park

Also for Kruger National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer - Skukuza Airport to Southern Sabi Sand Reserve: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Kruger National Park?

Prices for flights to both Kruger National Park 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Zanzibar $28
    Kruger National Park $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.

  • Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
  • Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
  • Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
  • Zanzibar Cultural Cuisines Cooking Class & Spice Farm Tour: $75
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $75
  • 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $99
  • Zanzibar Private Tour & Cooking Class: $110
  • Fully Day Private Tour Spice Tour Cooking Class and Stone town: $130
  • Spice Farm with Cooking Class + Lunch and Stone town (City tour): $130
  • Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
  • Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $140
  • Mnemba Snorkeling Tour, Secret Garden, Stone Town Tour, Emerson Spice Dinner: $150

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kruger National Park

For Kruger National Park, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Safari Game Drive and Dinner in the Bush near Hoedspruit: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Kruger National Park $24

Tours and Activities in Zanzibar

Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Days Tour In Zanzibar: $180
  • 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour: $19
  • 3 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
  • 3inONE, Private Spice, Stone Town & Prison Island Tours: $120
  • 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa: $68
  • 5 HOURS Stone Town Tour Including Pick-up and Drop off: $70
  • A Full Day Private Tour To Prison Island + Nakupenda + Stone Town: $150
  • A Half Day Private Dolphins And Snorkeling Tour To Mnemba Island: $95
  • A Half Day Private Nungwi Village Tour (With Turtles Aquarium): $78
  • A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour: $106
  • A Half Day Private Stone Town Tour: $85
  • A Half Day Private Tour To Jozani Forest: $87

Tours and Activities in Kruger National Park

For Kruger National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1 Hour Quad Bike Safari Adventure and Zipline: $68
  • Full-Day Guided Tour in the Kruger National Park: $93
  • Kruger National Park Half Day Tour from Hoedspruit: $100
  • Johannesburg Highlights & Scenic City Tour: $123
  • Private 4x4 Safari Tour in Kruger National Park: $124
  • Kruger National Park Guided Day Tour including Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off: $148
  • Hoedspruit Kruger National Park Full Day Safari Tour: $158
  • Boat & Safari Combo - Blyde Dam Boat Cruise & Private Safari: $201
  • Private Full Day Kruger National Park Safari Tour from Hoedspruit: $201
  • Kruger National Park Full Day Safari Tour: $244
  • Private Guided Panorama Full Day Tour: $270
  • 3-Day Safari Tour and Treehouse Stay: $781

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $6.75
    Kruger National Park $4.73

Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:

  • Thrilling Pub Crawl In Zanzibar. Visit 3 Unique Bars: $26


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Kruger National Park, we can see that Kruger National Park 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 Kruger National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kruger National Park 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 Kruger National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Zanzibar or Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Zanzibar experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Zanzibar or Kruger National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Kruger National Park. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Zanzibar is generally cooler than Kruger National Parkin January. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Kruger National Park fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Kruger National Parkin January. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kruger National Park receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Kruger National Park 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Kruger National Park in the Autumn?

Both Kruger National Park and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year.

Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Kruger National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Kruger National Park fluctuates around 24°C (76°F)in April.

In October, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Kruger National Parkin April. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kruger National Park receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Kruger National Park 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Kruger National Park in the Winter?

Both Kruger National Park and Zanzibar during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Kruger National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Kruger National Park averages at about 18°C (64°F)in July.

Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Kruger National Parkin July. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kruger National Park receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Kruger National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Kruger National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Kruger National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round.

In April, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Kruger National Parkin October. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Kruger National Park fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Zanzibar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Kruger National Parkin October. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Kruger National Park receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Kruger National Park 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Kruger National Park and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Kruger National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)