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How to Get to Zanzibar

How to Get to Zanzibar

Zanzibar Zanzibar Urban/west, Tanzania Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), located about 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of Stone Town of zanzibar of zanzibar, is Zanzibar's main airport.

Airlines & Routes

  • International carriers include Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Flydubai, KLM, The National flag carrier airline of turkey, Oman Air, Kenya Airways, RwandAir.
  • Direct flights from some European metropolises are available seasonally.
  • Domestic/Regional airlines connect Zanzibar with mainland Tanzania (Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Kilimanjaro).

Flight Availability & Airport Facilities

Flight frequency and prices vary by season. ZNZ The airport provides basic but functional services.

Seasonal & On-site Information

  • Peak Season (June-Oct, Jan-Feb): Higher frequency, higher prices. Book in advance.
  • Low Season (April-May): Lower frequency, lower prices.
  • Airport facilities: ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free, cafes, car rental desks, SIM card vendors.

Airport Taxis

Most common transfer option. Agree on fare before starting. Stone Town of zanzibar: USD 8-12. Nungwi: USD 24-40. Paje: USD 20-32.

Pre-arranged Transfers

Many hotels offer pick-up services. Frequently at a fixed rate, for convenience and peace of mind.

Dala-dala Bus

Cheapest option, but not from the source airport. Not recommended with luggage. Requires walking to main road.

Flight Booking Resources

Find Deals

  • Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.
  • Skyscanner for comparing flight prices.
  • Booking well in advance is advisable during peak season.
  • Consider layover flights through West Asian or African hubs.

Car Rental Options

  • Local car hire companies operate; major international chains are not directly present.
  • International Driving Permit and temporary Zanzibar permit are needed.
  • Road conditions vary; self-driving requires caution.
  • Compare options at DiscoverCars.com.

Land Transportation within Zanzibar

No Land Borders

Zanzibar Island has no land borders. All arrivals are by air or sea.

No Train Service

The island's infrastructure does not include a railway network.

No Long-Distance Buses

Conventional long-distance buses do not operate. Dala-dalas (shared minibuses) serve as the main public transport.

Sea Travel & Departures

Ferry Services

Boats are a popular plus budget-friendly way to travel between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Information

  • Main link: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (Stone Town).
  • Operator: Azam Marine Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries is reliable.
  • Journey duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Ferry Booking & Procedures

Several departures daily. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.

Booking & Arrival

  • Cost for foreigners: USD 35-50 (Economy). VIP and Business class options.
  • Purchase passes from official offices or authorized agents to avoid scams.
  • Immigration upon Zanzibar Port: Similar to airport procedures; provide your passport and visa.

Cruise Port

Zanzibar Port in Stone Town of zanzibar also serves as a trading port of call for international cruise companies.

Departure Timing

For international flights, arrive 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic/ferries, arrive 1 hour before.

Exit Fees

No separate departure tax for international flights; usually included in ticket price. Small taxes might apply for domestic or ferries.

Local Insights on Transport

Getting Around Zanzibar

Zanzibar Island has no land borders, nor does it feature extensive land-based public transportation systems in the conventional sense. Travel between the island and mainland Tanzania is exclusively by air or sea.

Internal Travel Options

  • Taxis are the most direct option for longer distances.
  • Dala-dalas serve as the main public transportation system for inter-town travel.
  • Scooter rentals can be found but roads demand caution.

Walking & Cycling

Exploring Zanzibar on foot or by bicycle offers unique perspectives, especially in particular places.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

  • Stone Town is best explored on foot with its narrow, winding alleys.
  • Beach areas are ideal for walking along the coastline when the tide is out.
  • Bicycle rentals are available in beach towns for local exploration; caution on main roads.

Important Considerations for Transfers

Airport to Stone Town

Approximately 15-20 minutes by taxi.

Airport to North Coast Nungwi

Approximately 1-1.FIVE hours by taxi.

Airport to Southeast Coast Paje

Roughly 60 minutes by taxi.

Traveler's Note

Consider pre-booking your airport transfer through your accommodation for a smooth arrival plus staying away from fare negotiations after a long journey.