Comparison · Seychelles vs Zanzibar · Seychelles / Tanzania
Seychelles 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: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Choose Seychelles for Granite beaches, Coco de mer and free sights; choose Zanzibar for Stone Town, Beaches, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife. Zanzibar is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,811 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,811 km
- Less expensive
- Zanzibar
- Best time for Seychelles
- April–May and October–November
- Best time for Zanzibar
- January–February and June–September
Side by side
| Seychelles | Zanzibar | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Seychelles | Tanzania |
| Known for | Granite beaches, Coco de mer and Vallée de Mai | Stone Town, Beaches and Spices |
| Best time to visit | April–May and October–November | January–February and June–September |
| Ideal stay | 10 days | 7 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $300–$550 | $120–$250 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | March, 31°C (88°F) | January, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | July, 28°C (82°F) | June, 28°C (82°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 3 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 5 |
| Beaches | Anse Source d'Argent | Nungwi |
| Airports | SEZ, PRI | ZNZ |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Seychelles for…
Granite beaches, Coco de mer and free sights. Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, about 1,500 km east of mainland Africa. Most visitors stay on the three main granitic islands: Mahé, with the international airport, the small capital Victoria and the mountains of Morne…
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
| # | Seychelles | Zanzibar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anse Source d'Argent | Stone Town |
| 2 | Vallée de Mai | Forodhani Gardens night market |
| 3 | Anse Lazio | Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) |
| 4 | Morne Seychellois National Park | Former slave market and Christ Church |
| 5 | Copolia Trail | Darajani Market |
Food compared
| Seychelles | Zanzibar |
|---|---|
| Creole fish curry | Zanzibar pizza |
| Octopus curry | Urojo |
| Fruit bat curry | Pilau |
| Grilled fish | 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 $300–$550 in Seychelles (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Zanzibar on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,811 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 18 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Seychelles or Zanzibar cheaper?
Zanzibar is usually less expensive: about $120–$250 a day mid-range against $300–$550 (estimates).
+Is Seychelles or Zanzibar better for a first trip?
Pick Seychelles for Granite beaches, Coco de mer and free sights, or Zanzibar for Stone Town, Beaches, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife.
+How far is Seychelles from Zanzibar?
About 1,811 km in a straight line.