Zanzibar Unveils New Marine Conservation Area Entry Fees to Boost Sustainability and Tourism
The Zanzibar government has announced a comprehensive update to entry fees for marine conservation zones across Pemba and Unguja islands, strategically designed to enhance marine resource management and support sustainable tourism development.
Effective September 1, 2025, the new pricing structure introduces differentiated rates for diverse visitor categories. Foreign tourists will now pay $10 for access to regular marine conservation areas, while East African citizens, including Tanzanians, will benefit from a reduced rate of 5,000 Tanzanian Shillings. Non-East African residents of Tanzania will be charged $5.
Special marine areas with premium biodiversity will maintain their existing fee structure, with rates of $25 for non-East African tourists, $10 for East African citizens, and $12 for non-East African Tanzania residents.
Government officials emphasized that these adjustments aim to balance conservation efforts with tourism revenue generation. “These changes reflect the growing importance of our marine ecosystems and ensure that tourism contributes meaningfully to their preservation,” the official announcement stated.
The marine conservation zones, renowned for their vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and pristine waters, remain a critical attraction for eco-tourists and marine researchers. This fee revision aligns with broader blue economy reforms central to Zanzibar’s long-term development strategy.
Visitors are advised to review the Marine Conservation Area Regulations of 2014 for comprehensive details on additional conservation-related fees.
