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How to Get to Zanzibar

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How to Get to Zanzibar

  • Yuna Tiya
  • September 15th, 2023
Written by: Humphrey N. Ndara, Local Expert

One of the most idyllic beach destinations in the world is picturesque Zanzibar. Zanzibar is a dream destination that can either be enjoyed as a stand-alone experience or as part of a once-in-a-lifetime ‘beach and bush’ escape. Located off the Tanzania mainland in the Indian Ocean, the island of Zanzibar is a proud and beautiful archipelago boasting a rich history and a bustling present-day vibe. Zanzibar is easily accessed with several direct flights from Europe, the Middle East and Africa as well as domestic flights and ferries from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania’s mainland.

How to get to Zanzibar from Dar Es Salaam

For guests spending time in the key city of Dar es Salaam, getting to Zanzibar is quick, comfortable and easy. Tavel by ferry is a popular option. Travelers will step aboard the large vessel and embark on a two-hour journey across the Indian Ocean. Views across the waters are vast with services available on the ferry to ensure guests are comfortable during the crossing. 

There is the option for visitors to take their hire vehicle across to Spice Island, however, most international visitors who choose to take the ferry travel on foot as they will be met as soon as they disembark at the ferry terminal in Stonetown, Zanzibar. Island-goers who fly in from Dar es Salaam will be met at Zanzibar’s International Airport and transferred to their hotel or resort. 

Key international airlines that offer direct flights into and out of Zanzibar include Qatar, Air France, KLM, Ethiopian and Turkish Airlines. It is important to note that some airlines will require a “stop” in Dar es Salaam either inbound to Zanzibar or on the return. It’s a touch-down only and passengers remain on the plane.

Safari to Sand

Bluebay beach resort 7

Clients crafting the perfect safari and sand adventure will most likely fly into Stone Town from the incredible Serengeti, a light aircraft experience taking you from the Seronera Airstrip on a two-hour flight to paradise. Connections from other key safari destinations such as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and South Africa are possible through flights out of their main cities, with at least one flight a day departing and arriving in each one. 

Zanzibar’s international airport, Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, is located 10 minutes outside the hub of Stone Town, Zanzibar’s capital city. With such close proximity to many wonderful, larger hotels and a handful of charming boutique hotels and guest houses, visitors have a very short and comfortable commute from the airport to their accommodation of choice in the island’s capital. 

For those guests going directly to their chosen beach resort, the drive is roughly 90 minutes with scenic and culturally fascinating stories unfolding on the roads and sidewalks en route. Transport on Zanzibar will be in wonderful, neat and comfortable microbuses, all air-conditioned with guides who speak English and can share tales of the Island, its traditions and their personal experiences.

Whether arriving in Zanzibar from nearby Dar es Salaam or transferring from the African bush to an idyllic African beach, perhaps off an international flight originating from Europe or the Middle East, arriving in Zanzibar is exciting, a little laid back and offers a smooth introduction to you beach break in paradise.

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