How To Get To Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a group of islands off the coast of Tanzania. Most people come to Zanzibar by flying, but you can also take a ferry from Dar Es Salaam. Flights only go to the main island called Unguja and the smaller island of Pemba. 

If you’re already in Tanzania, getting to Zanzibar is extremely easy. You can use one of the regional airlines and get to Zanzibar in a little over an hour from most major cities. The flight from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar is only 15 minutes making this route the quickest option. 

Flying to Zanzibar Internationally

The airports in Zanzibar are tiny and cater to only a few international airlines. There are a handful of flights from Nairobi and Johannesburg, but no direct flights from Europe, the USA, or Asia. 

Most international flyers will first have to fly to Dar Es Salaam. This is one of the largest airports in Tanzania and has daily international flights from around the world. You can book a flight on KLM, Emirates, Qatar, British Airways, and many others. 

Once in Dar Es Salaam, you can fly to Zanzibar with one of the regional airlines. Air Tanzania and Precision Air have daily flights that are very cost-effective. 

If you’re already in East Africa, you will need to fly first into Dar Es Salaam and then onwards to Zanzibar. 

Some places fly direct to Zanzibar. You can fly from Entebbe to Zanzibar using Uganda Airlines or from Nairobi using Kenya Airways. 

Flying to Zanzibar From Tanzania 

If you’re already in Tanzania, you have many different options for getting to Zanzibar. Travellers can fly to Zanzibar’s main airport (ZNZ) from Arusha (ARK), Kilimanjaro (JRO), and Dar Es Salaam (DAR). 

Try booking a flight from Air Tanzania and Precision Air as these are usually the cheapest options. There are many other airline choices including Coastal Air, Zan Air, Auric Air, and Assalam Air. 

Flying to Zanzibar From Serengeti

Some of the national parks fly directly from their landing strips to Zanzibar. If you’re in Serengeti and want to go to Zanzibar after your safari, you can book a charter flight that takes you directly to the island. 

Our company can arrange for you to fly directly to Zanzibar. If you’re planning to head to Zanzibar first and then come to Serengeti after, we can also bring you to the park directly from ZNZ airport. 

Combining a Zanzibar vacation with a visit to Serengeti and other northern circuit parks is a popular vacation itinerary. 

Getting to Zanzibar By Ferry

If you’re in Dar Es Salaam, you can take a two-hour ferry ride to Zanzibar. There are many ferry companies to choose from including Coastal Ferries and Azam Marine. The ferries usually leave 4 times a day with two times in the morning, one midday, and one in the evening. 

You can buy your ticket online and choose your seat number. Once you’ve arrived at the ferry terminal in Zanzibar, you can head to the beach or your hotel! 

Getting to Zanzibar From Arusha 

Arusha is one of the top places in Tanzania for travellers to visit. It’s also the starting city for northern circuit safaris. Getting to Zanzibar from Arusha is very easy. You can fly from Arusha’s small airport (ARK) and get to Zanzibar in about an hour and 15 minutes. 

You can also travel from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and then fly directly to Zanzibar. 

If you have plans to visit Dar Es Salaam from Arusha, you can also first take a bus or taxi to Dar, spend a few days exploring the city, then set off to Zanzibar using the ferry or local flight. 

What to Bring When Flying to Zanzibar 

You will need a passport to enter Zanzibar even if you are already in Tanzania. Even though the islands are a territory of Tanzania, they have their own immigration whether you are going through the airport or the ferry terminal. 

When entering Zanzibar, they will check your passport and visa. For many nationalities, a visa upon arrival is possible when entering Zanzibar and Tanzania. 

If you are coming from an international destination that has a high risk of Yellow Fever transmission, you’ll also be asked to show your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. 

Getting to Zanzibar Made Easy 

Since Zanzibar is such a popular tourist destination both for East Africans and international visitors, it’s easily accessible. You can take a trip on a high-speed ferry or catch a flight. No matter how you choose to travel to Zanzibar, let us do all the bookings for you! 

We can plan your custom Zanzibar itinerary whether it’s just a trip to Zanzibar or an island holiday combined with a Mt. Kilimanjaro climb and visits to the national parks! 

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and is look forward to helping you! It’s never too early to start planning, 
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