Affordable 3-Day Itinerary Exploring Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Mombasa

Day 1: Explore Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on June 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Forodhani Cafe

Enjoy a local breakfast with affordable options such as mandazi and chai for under TZS 10,000 in a casual setting to start your day affordably.
TZS10000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Village Museum

Experience Tanzanian culture and traditional huts from various tribes; an entry fee of about TZS 10,000 makes it a budget-friendly cultural outing.
TZS10000, 2h

11:30am

Walk along Coco Beach (Oysterbay)

Relax or take a stroll on the beach which is free of charge, a great way to enjoy the local atmosphere and ocean views.
FREE, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Karambezi Cafe

Try Swahili dishes like Ugali or grilled fish, with meals typically costing around TZS 15,000-20,000, making it an affordable lunch option.
TZS20000, 1h

2:00pm

National Museum of Tanzania

Discover the history and heritage of Tanzania for an entry fee of about TZS 5,000, offering a great learning experience on a budget.
TZS5000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Dar es Salaam City Market

Shop local crafts and souvenirs at bargain prices; browsing is free, giving a good insight into local handicrafts without spending much.
FREE, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Queen Victoria Restaurant

Enjoy affordable local and seafood dishes costing around TZS 20,000 to TZS 30,000, ideal for a low-cost dinner.
TZS30000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Discover Zanzibar

Zanzibar Island, Tanzania on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Ferry to Zanzibar

Catch an early ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar costing about TZS 65,000 for economy class, giving you a scenic and affordable route to the island.
TZS65000, 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at Forodhani Market

Enjoy local street food such as Zanzibar pancakes or Zanzibar coffee with prices under TZS 10,000, perfect for a budget breakfast.
TZS10000, 1h

10:30am

Stone Town Walking Tour

Free self-guided or affordable guided tours for around TZS 15,000 provide insight into the UNESCO World Heritage site's rich cultural history and architecture.
TZS15000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lukmaan Restaurant

Try local dishes like biryani or seafood, with meals costing between TZS 10,000 to 20,000, offering a tasty yet affordable meal.
TZS20000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Prison Island

Take a boat to Prison Island for a small boat fee (~TZS 15,000) and low-cost admission (~TZS 5,000), where you can see giant tortoises and enjoy beaches cheaply.
TZS20000, 3h

5:30pm

Return to Stone Town and relax at Forodhani Gardens

Free to visit, a lovely place to unwind and observe local life as evening markets begin to open.
FREE, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zanzibar Coffee House

Enjoy affordable evening meals with local and international flavours in the TZS 15,000-25,000 range, suitable for budget-conscious travellers.
TZS25000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Explore Mombasa City

Mombasa, Kenya on June 5, 2025

6:00am

Travel to Mombasa

Take an early bus or shuttle from Zanzibar (via ferry and bus) for approximately KES 1500-2000; arriving early enables full day in Mombasa.
KES2000, 4h

10:30am

Visit Fort Jesus

Explore this iconic UNESCO site for a low entrance fee of KES 300, learning about Mombasa’s rich history and coastal fortifications.
KES300, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mama Ngina Drive

Sample fresh seafood and local dishes at street vendors with meals averaging KES 300-500, offering budget-friendly and authentic flavours.
KES500, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Nyali Beach

Enjoy the sun and sea for free at this public beach, a perfect spot to unwind without spending money.
FREE, 2h

4:30pm

Explore Old Town Mombasa

Wander through narrow streets with vibrant markets and Swahili architecture; this is a free activity perfect for soaking up local culture.
FREE, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Jahazi Coffee House

Enjoy affordable fusion dishes with average prices around KES 600-800, great for budget travellers wanting quality meals.
KES800, 1h30m
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