Airbnb market data · 202512 months to April 2025
Zanzibar, Botswana Airbnb Market Data: Revenue, Occupancy & Trends
The average Airbnb in Zanzibar brought in P 40,717 over the 12 months through April 2025, across just 16 active listings, so a single property can move that figure.
AirROI's latest figures for Zanzibar run through April 2025.
The short answer
Zanzibar Airbnb Market at a Glance
Listings averaged P 5,383 a night and were booked on 21% of available nights.
AirROI tracked 16 active listings in Zanzibar.
Browse the live Zanzibar Airbnb market See Every Zanzibar ListingRevenue
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make in Zanzibar?
Gross bookings per Zanzibar listing averaged P 40,717 over the 12 months to April 2025 (Botswana average: P 60,164), before cleaning, platform and management costs and taxes.
The average Zanzibar listing brought in P 39,400 in April, its best month, and P 9,010 in March, its slowest.
Across Zanzibar's 16 active listings, monthly revenue by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn P 25,200+ a month, about 23% above the typical property.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn P 22,200 or more, roughly P 1,700 a month above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about P 20,500 a month.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn P 17,500 or less, about 15% below the median.
These are monthly figures for listings active in each month. The annual average above also counts listings that operated for only part of the year, so it runs below twelve times these figures.
April earned about 4.4 times what March did
Average revenue per active listing, by month
The dashed line is the average of the months shown, P 20,200.
Zanzibar Airbnb Data by Month
Latest 12 months in the April 2025 data.
April led on revenue, nightly rate and bookings alike.
| Month | Avg. Revenue | Occupancy | Avg. Nightly Rate | Booking Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | – | – | P 3,183 | – |
| Jun 2024 | – | – | P 3,136 | – |
| Jul 2024 | – | – | P 3,047 | – |
| Aug 2024 | – | – | P 2,536 | – |
| Sep 2024 | P 12,122 | 6.7% | P 3,310 | 1 day |
| Oct 2024 | – | – | P 3,597 | – |
| Nov 2024 | – | – | P 3,717 | – |
| Dec 2024 | – | – | P 6,327 | – |
| Jan 2025 | – | – | P 6,349 | – |
| Feb 2025 | – | – | P 6,341 | – |
| Mar 2025 | P 9,014 | 6.5% | P 6,345 | 7 days |
| Apr 2025 | P 39,396 | 22.5% | P 6,373 | 4 days |
Averages per active listing in each month. Highlighted: the highest-revenue month. Booking lead time is the days between booking and check-in for stays in that month.
For a figure on one home rather than the whole Zanzibar market, enter its address and size in the Airbnb estimator, which compares it with similar listings nearby.
Profit
Is an Airbnb in Zanzibar Profitable?
Yes, as extra income from a home or room you already have. The average Zanzibar Airbnb took in P 40,717 in the 12 months to April 2025, counting listings open only part of the year, and a listing in the top quarter, run by its owner at everyday costs, keeps about P 2,680 a month after running costs.
These amounts come before housing costs. Where the mortgage or rent is less each month, the difference is profit; a home owned outright keeps it all after property tax, home insurance and any building or condo fees.
Zanzibar Airbnb Income, Expenses and Profit per Year
| Line | Average listing | Top-quarter listing |
|---|---|---|
| Money in | ||
| Gross bookings | P 40,717 | P 43,960 |
| Running costs | ||
| Airbnb's fee15.5% of bookings, Airbnb's standard host-only fee | −P 6,310 | −P 6,810 |
| Utilities and internetAbout 5% of bookings | −P 2,040 | −P 2,200 |
| Guest suppliesToiletries, coffee, paper goods: about 2% | −P 810 | −P 880 |
| Repairs and upkeepIncluding linens and small replacements: about 3% | −P 1,220 | −P 1,320 |
| Short-term rental insuranceOne policy, on top of Airbnb's free AirCover | −P 410 | −P 410 |
| Permit and registrationWhere one is required | −P 200 | −P 200 |
| ManagementP 0 when you run it; co-hosts charge from about 10% of nightly bookings | P 0 | P 0 |
| Pricing and messaging toolsOptional; Airbnb's own tools are free | P 0 | P 0 |
| Lodging taxesAdded to the guest's bill and passed on | P 0 | P 0 |
| Total running costsAbout 27% of bookings | −P 10,990 | −P 11,820 |
| Left for housing costs, then profit | P 29,727about P 2,480 a month | P 32,140about P 2,680 a month |
| Housing costs | ||
| Mortgage or rent, property tax, home insurance, building or condo fees | Depend on the home | |
Estimate Your Own Zanzibar Airbnb Profit
The estimate starts from Zanzibar's average listing, run by its owner. Change how the listing performs, who runs it and who cleans to see what is left for the mortgage or rent.
To work out the profit on one Zanzibar home, with its price, its mortgage or rent and your own costs, use the Airbnb profit calculator. It starts from the comparable listings around the address.
How Zanzibar's Top Earners Get There
- More nights booked. The busiest quarter of Zanzibar listings are booked on 14% or more of their nights, against 10% for the median listing. Ten more booked nights a year at the median rate of P 3,855 adds about P 38,500 in bookings.
- Prices that follow demand. Ranked by price, the top quarter charge P 5,565 a night or more, against a median of P 3,855. That is a separate ranking from the busiest quarter, so the two marks don't multiply into one listing's takings. For the average listing, a 10% higher rate on the nights it already books adds about P 4,070 a year.
- Open for the busy months. April brought the average listing about P 39,400, against P 9,010 in March, so a calendar that is open and full in the busy months carries the year.
What a listing keeps comes down to the figures this page measures: nightly rate, nights booked and the months it's open. A listing at the top-quarter mark takes in about P 3,660 a month, against P 3,390 for the average one.
Occupancy
What Is the Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar listings were booked on 21% of the nights they were open over the past year, 6 percentage points below the Botswana average (27%). Occupancy climbs to 22% in April and falls to 7% in March.
Across Zanzibar's 16 active listings, the share of open nights booked by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) are booked 16%+ of open nights, 6 points above the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) fill 14% or more, roughly one night a week.
- Typical properties (median) fill about 10% of open nights.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) fill 9% or less, less than one night a week.
April was the busiest month in Zanzibar, March the quietest
Share of open nights booked, by month
The 12-month rate of 21% averages each listing's whole year, slow months included; each month here counts only the listings booked in it.
Nightly rates
How Much Does an Airbnb Cost per Night in Zanzibar?
The average nightly rate in Zanzibar, known as ADR (average daily rate), was P 5,383 over the past year, about 4.5 times the Botswana average of P 1,190. Rates swing with the seasons, from about P 2,535 in August to about P 6,375 in January and April.
Across Zanzibar's 16 active listings, nightly rates by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) charge P 7,650+ a night, about twice the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) charge P 5,565 or more, about P 1,700 above the median.
- Typical properties (median) charge about P 3,855 a night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) charge P 2,460 or less, about two-thirds of the median.
April rates ran 151% above August's
Average nightly rate (ADR), by month
The dashed line is the average of the months shown, P 5,340.
Seasonality
Best and Worst Months for Airbnb in Zanzibar
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Zanzibar?
Guests book Zanzibar stays 4 days ahead on average, so many trips are booked close to arrival. March stays are booked furthest out, about 7 days ahead, and September stays closest to arrival, about 1 days.
March stays are booked furthest ahead
Average days between booking and check-in, by month of stay
Permits
Airbnb Permits and Registration in Zanzibar
None of the 16 active listings in Zanzibar display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply: some places don't ask hosts to show a number on the listing, and listing data doesn't capture every scheme.
Registration, permit, zoning and tourist-tax rules vary by address and change often, so confirm them with the local authority before buying or listing in Zanzibar.
Neighborhoods
Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Zanzibar
AirROI's area guide picks eight Zanzibar neighborhoods that draw short-term rental guests, led by Stone Town, Nungwi and Kendwa. The picks reflect guest appeal, not earnings data or permit eligibility, so check local permit rules for a specific address before buying.
| Area | Who it suits | Landmarks nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Town | A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich history and culture. Ideal for tourists wanting to explore the narrow streets, markets, and historical buildings. | Forodhani Gardens, House of Wonders, Old Fort, Darajani Market, Slave Museum, Spice Tour |
| Nungwi | Renowned for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. A favorite spot for tourists looking for relaxation and water sports. | Nungwi Beach, Mnemba Atoll, Nungwi Aquarium, Kendwa Beach, local night market |
| Kendwa | Offers stunning beaches and calm waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Popular for beach parties and luxury resorts. | Kendwa Beach, Kendwa Rocks, Tamarind Beach, water sports activities, beachfront bars |
| Jambiani | A serene village with beautiful coastlines and a laid-back vibe. Attracts tourists looking for an authentic Zanzibari experience. | Jambiani Beach, local spice farms, cultural tours, water sports, snorkeling |
| Paje | Known for its kite surfing and vibrant beach scene. A hotspot for adventurous travelers and young tourists. | Paje Beach, kite surfing schools, local eateries, snorkeling trips, beach parties |
| Kizimkazi | Famous for dolphin watching and rich marine life. Attracts eco-tourists and nature lovers. | Kizimkazi Beach, dolphin tours, historic mosque, snorkeling spots, local seafood restaurants |
| Matemwe | Quiet area known for its stunning views and proximity to Mnemba Atoll. Perfect for visitors seeking tranquility and beautiful scenery. | Matemwe Beach, Mnemba Atoll, snorkeling, local crafts market, spice tours |
| Chwaka | A charming fishing village with an authentic feel. Offers a glimpse of local life and beautiful natural surroundings. | Chwaka Bay, local markets, fishing tours, beachfront relaxation, cultural experiences |
Area descriptions are AI-assisted from public sources and are not checked against zoning.
FAQ
Zanzibar Airbnb FAQ
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Zanzibar?
An active Zanzibar Airbnb grossed P 40,717 on average in the 12 months to April 2025, according to AirROI's tracking of 16 active listings. That is before cleaning, management, taxes and financing. Busier, better-run listings do far better: the top quarter took in P 22,200 or more in a typical month.
How much can I make on Airbnb in Zanzibar?
It depends most on the home's size, location and how it's run. The middle half of Zanzibar listings earn between P 17,500 and P 22,200 in a typical month, and the top tenth P 25,200 or more. For one home, enter its address and bedroom count in the Airbnb income calculator: it compares the home with similar listings nearby.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Zanzibar?
Listings in Zanzibar were booked on 21% of available nights over the past year. That compares with 27% for the national average.
How much does an Airbnb cost per night in Zanzibar?
The average booked night in Zanzibar cost P 5,383 before fees. Half of listings charge between P 2,460 and P 5,565, so bedroom count and location move the price more than the average suggests.
Do you need a permit for an Airbnb in Zanzibar?
None of the active Zanzibar listings display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply, so confirm registration, permit and tourist-tax rules with the local authority before buying.
Is Airbnb profitable in Zanzibar?
It can be, as extra income from a home or room you already have. The average Zanzibar Airbnb grossed P 40,717 in the 12 months to April 2025, 32% below the national average of P 60,164, though with only 16 active listings a single property can move that figure, counting listings open only part of the year, and a listing at the top-quarter mark, run by its owner with everyday costs for Airbnb's fee, utilities, supplies, upkeep and insurance, keeps about P 2,680 a month. Check a specific home in the Airbnb calculator.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnbs in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar stays were booked 4 days before arrival on average over the past year, so a listing can still fill close to the date.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Zanzibar?
Stone Town, Nungwi and Kendwa draw the most short-term rental interest in Zanzibar. The neighborhood guide explains what brings guests to each.
How many Airbnbs are there in Zanzibar?
AirROI counted 16 active Airbnb listings in Zanzibar as of April 2025.
Method
About This Data
Figures on this page cover 16 active Airbnb listings in Zanzibar from May 2024 to April 2025 (trailing twelve months). AirROI refreshes them monthly from listing-level booking and calendar data covering 20+ million properties worldwide. AirROI measures bookings in US dollars; this page shows them in Botswanan pulas at P 13.5 per US$, the typical rate from October 2025 to September 2026. Annual revenue averages every listing active during the period, including those listed for only part of it; monthly figures average the listings active in each month; the tier lists show the spread. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-assisted. See the methodology for definitions.
Need this programmatically? The same metrics are available through the AirROI Airbnb Data API and bulk downloads in the data portal.