Reaching the Spice Island
Zanzibar has an international airport with direct flights from the Middle East and East Africa, plus a high-speed ferry from Dar es Salaam. The island is only 85 km long, so getting to your resort is straightforward once you arrive.
International Flights
Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) offers visa-on-arrival, currency exchange, and taxi ranks.
| Airline | Route | Frequency | Flight Time | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar Airways | Doha → ZNZ | Daily | 5h 30m | $500-1,200 return |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Addis Ababa → ZNZ | Daily | 2h 30m | $300-600 return |
| Kenya Airways | Nairobi → ZNZ | 2-3 daily | 1h 30m | $200-450 return |
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul → ZNZ | 3-4/week (seasonal) | 7h | $600-1,400 return |
| Condor | Frankfurt → ZNZ | Weekly (seasonal) | 9h | $500-1,100 return |
Most international travelers connect through Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Doha. During European winter (November-March), charter flights from Italy, Germany, and the UK offer good prices.
Domestic Flights
From Dar es Salaam: 10+ flights daily, 20 minutes, $80-150 return. Allow 3 hours if connecting from an international arrival.
From Arusha/Kilimanjaro: 2-4 daily, 1-1.5 hours, $150-300 return. Essential for safari-to-beach combos — book with your safari as seats fill fast.
From Serengeti: Coastal Aviation and Auric Air fly daily, 75-110 minutes, $250-400 one-way. Bush flights in 12-seat Cessna Caravans with a 15 kg soft bag limit.
The Dar es Salaam Ferry
Azam Marine operates fast ferries (2 hours) with departures at 7:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3:45 PM. Prices: Economy $35, VIP $50, Royal $60. Book VIP or Royal — economy is crowded with minimal air conditioning. Arrive 1 hour early, keep your passport accessible, and take seasickness medication if crossing March-May.
Airport to Resort Transfers
| Destination | Drive Time | Taxi Cost | Resort Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Town | 15-20 min | $10-15 | Often included |
| Nungwi (north) | 60-75 min | $50-70 | $40-60pp |
| Kendwa | 55-70 min | $45-65 | $40-55pp |
| Matemwe (northeast) | 45-60 min | $40-55 | $35-50pp |
| Paje (east) | 50-65 min | $40-60 | $35-50pp |
| Bwejuu / Michamvi | 50-65 min | $40-60 | $35-55pp |
Book resort transfers in advance — most mid-range and luxury resorts include pickup or offer it for $35-60pp. A driver with your name on a board in air-conditioned comfort beats negotiating with taxi touts after a long flight.
Private taxis are available at the airport exit but have no meters. Negotiate the total fare (not per person) before entering. Agree on USD or TZS payment upfront. Drivers may quote higher to fresh arrivals — the prices above are fair rates.
Shared shuttles run $10-20pp to Nungwi and Paje. Slower with multiple stops but cheap. Arrange through your accommodation before arrival.
Visa and Entry
- Visa on arrival: $50 USD, most nationalities. E-visa at immigration.go.tz skips the queue
- Yellow fever certificate: Required if arriving from Kenya, Ethiopia, or other endemic countries
- Passport: Valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I fly or ferry from Dar es Salaam?
Fly if short on time or with small children — 20 minutes, $40-75pp one-way. Ferry if you want the scenic arrival and have 3-4 hours including port transfers.
Can I fly directly from the Serengeti?
Yes. Daily scheduled flights from Seronera and other airstrips, 75-110 minutes, $250-400 one-way. This is the standard safari-to-beach connection.
What currency should I bring?
US dollars (post-2006 series) for visa fees and tourist activities. Tanzanian Shillings for markets and transport. ATMs in Stone Town dispense TZS. Resorts accept Visa/Mastercard.
Zanzibar Luxury Holidays Team
Zanzibar Travel Expert
Island specialist with deep local knowledge of Zanzibar's luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and hidden gems. Verified by Inspirations Africa.
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