HOW TO GET TO ZANZIBAR

Reaching the shores of Zanzibar is an exciting part of the adventure, with several straightforward options available.

By air: The most direct route

The most popular and convenient way to get to Zanzibar is by flying directly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) on Unguja island. While many travellers will have a connection, there are plenty of options available.

  • Major international hubs: Most travellers will fly via a major hub airport. Excellent one-stop connections are offered by airlines such as Qatar Airways (via Doha), Emirates (via Dubai), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), and Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa).
  • European connections: Several European airlines, such as KLM (via Amsterdam), offer regular flights to Zanzibar, making it very accessible for our European guests.
  • Domestic connections: For those combining a Zanzibar beach holiday with a mainland safari, numerous domestic airlines offer short, frequent flights from Tanzania’s main airports, including Dar es Salaam (DAR), Kilimanjaro (JRO), and Arusha (ARK).

 

By sea: The ferry from Dar es Salaam

 For a more scenic and budget-friendly option, consider taking a high-speed ferry from Dar es Salaam on the mainland to Stone Town, Zanzibar.

  • Frequency: Ferries run several times per day, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • Operators: Reputable companies like Azam Marine operate modern, air-conditioned ferries on this route.
  • On arrival: Our team can meet you directly at the ferry terminal in Stone Town to provide a hassle-free transfer to your accommodation.

 

Combining a safari with Zanzibar

Many of our clients combine a wildlife safari on the Tanzanian mainland with a relaxing beach stay in Zanzibar. This can be done seamlessly.

  • Fly-in safari: Following a safari in parks like the Serengeti or Tarangire, you can take a light aircraft directly from a local airstrip to Zanzibar, landing in Stone Town in just a couple of hours.
  • Seamless transfers: We can arrange your full itinerary, including ground and air transfers, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the stunning change of scenery from the vast plains to the white-sand beaches.

 

A final word on visas and entry requirements

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so you will require a Tanzanian visa to enter. For most nationalities, this can be obtained online via the official Tanzanian e-visa system before you travel, or upon arrival at the airport. You must also have valid travel insurance for the duration of your stay. Our specialists can provide the latest, up-to-date advice on all entry requirements when booking.

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