Comparison · Maldives vs Zanzibar · Maldives / Tanzania
Maldives vs Zanzibar
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Alexey Potov - Noblige, CC BY-SA 2.5
Quick answer
Choose Maldives for Overwater villas and House-reef snorkelling; choose Zanzibar for Stone Town, Beaches, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife. Zanzibar is generally less expensive, and the two are about 3,979 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 3,979 km
- Less expensive
- Zanzibar
- Best time for Maldives
- December–April
- Best time for Zanzibar
- January–February and June–September
Side by side
| Maldives | Zanzibar | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Maldives | Tanzania |
| Known for | Overwater villas, House-reef snorkelling and Manta rays | Stone Town, Beaches and Spices |
| Best time to visit | December–April | January–February and June–September |
| Ideal stay | 7 days | 7 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$500 | $120–$250 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | April, 32°C (90°F) | January, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 30°C (86°F) | June, 28°C (82°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 3 | 3 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 5 |
| Beaches | Hulhumalé beach | Nungwi |
| Airports | MLE, GAN, DRV, VAM, KDO | ZNZ |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Maldives for…
Overwater villas and House-reef snorkelling. The Maldives is a chain of about 1,190 low coral islands grouped into 26 natural atolls that stretch across the equator in the Indian Ocean. Almost every visitor lands at Velana International Airport beside the capital, Malé, then continues by speedboat to…
Choose Zanzibar for…
Stone Town, Beaches, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife. Zanzibar's main island, Unguja, lies about 35 km off the Tanzanian mainland and combines Stone Town — a UNESCO-listed Swahili trading town of coral-stone houses, carved wooden doors and narrow lanes — with a coastline of white-sand beaches and coral reefs…
Top sights compared
| # | Maldives | Zanzibar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hanifaru Bay manta rays | Stone Town |
| 2 | Whale sharks in South Ari Atoll | Forodhani Gardens night market |
| 3 | Banana Reef | Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) |
| 4 | Maaya Thila and Fish Head | Former slave market and Christ Church |
| 5 | Lankan Manta Point | Darajani Market |
Food compared
| Maldives | Zanzibar |
|---|---|
| Mas huni | Zanzibar pizza |
| Garudhiya | Urojo |
| Mas riha | Pilau |
| Roshi | Biryani |
Which is cheaper?
Zanzibar is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $120–$250 per person there, against $250–$500 in Maldives (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Zanzibar on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 3,979 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 15 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Maldives or Zanzibar cheaper?
Zanzibar is usually less expensive: about $120–$250 a day mid-range against $250–$500 (estimates).
+Is Maldives or Zanzibar better for a first trip?
Pick Maldives for Overwater villas and House-reef snorkelling, or Zanzibar for Stone Town, Beaches, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife.
+How far is Maldives from Zanzibar?
About 3,979 km in a straight line.