Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. Known for its stunning white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, vibrant cultures, and rich historical sites, Zanzibar is a premier destination for a laidback beach experience for many travelers to Tanzania.
Reaching the shores of Zanzibar is the start of an exciting adventure. However, traveling to the tropical island requires careful planning to ensure a seamless experience. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting to Zanzibar including flights, ferries, and entry requirements.
Getting to Zanzibar by Air
You can fly directly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)—commonly called Zanzibar Airport, located in Unguja Island, approximately 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) south of the capital, Stone Town. Stone Town is the major and main international airport for the Zanzibar Archipelago and serves as the primary gateway for the islands.
The Zanzibar airport is served by flights from Dar es Salaam and Nairobi. It means you can depart from Dar es Salaam International Airport (DAR), Tanzania’s largest airport, on a convenient and quick flight lasting only 15 minutes.
Or from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya, an important travel hub in East Africa, with regular flights to Zanzibar Airport lasting about 1 hour 49 minutes.
If you’re already in Arusha or Kilimanjaro, the flight to Zanzibar Airport is 1.5 to 2 hours
Domestic airlines that fly to Zanzibar include;
- Air Tanzania
- Precision Air
- Coastal Aviation
- ZanAir
- Auric Air
Other direct International Flights to Zanzibar
You can fly directly to Zanzibar via/from cities such as:
- Doha: Qatar Airways
- Dubai: Emirates and Fly Dubai
- Istanbul: Turkish Airlines
- Amsterdam: KLM (seasonal)
- Rome or Milan: Charter airlines
- Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Airlines
- Nairobi: Kenya Airways and Precision Air
These are great for flights from Europe, the Middle East, or East Africa.
Getting to Zanzibar by Ferry
You can catch a high-speed ferry from Kigamboni ferry terminal in Dar es Salaam on the mainland to Stone Town, Zanzibar. Ferries run several times per day with a route taking approximately 2 hours.
- Azam Marine/Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries is the most popular operator offering modern, air-conditioned ferries.
- Our team will meet you directly at the ferry terminal in Stone Town to provide a hassle-free transfer to your accommodation.
- We encourage you to book tickets at least a day in advance as they can sell fast.
Combining inland safaris with Zanzibar
Travelers interested in combining an inland safari with a tropical beach holiday can fly to Kilimanjaro Airport, in Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, and connect to Zanzibar on a one-hour flight. This is so far the best and recommended option.
Ferry ticket prices (approximate) at the time of writing:
- Economy Class: $35 USD
- Business Class: $40–$50 USD
- VIP Class: $60 USD
Most of these arrangements, including ground and air transfers, are covered in the overall safari package. Book through Exploits Travel for a seamless, hassle-free experience.
Sample Trips
