How to get to Zanzibar
How to get to Zanzibar
How to get to Zanzibar : The Stunning Zanzibar Island is a semi- autonomous archipelago of Tanzania and as visiting intending to have a beach holiday on this amazing tropical destination, you will need to understand the location, main gateway (airport) and how to get to Zanzibar.
Zanzibar Island often referred to as Spice Island due to its abundance of valuable spice including cinnamon and nutmeg, the archipelago is a great beach holiday and a popular honeymoon destination attracting millions of visitors including couples and newlyweds to the island for a beach retreat.
This article details how to get to Zanzibar
Flights
Most visitors access the island by plan often flying directly into Zanzibar airport or connect to the island via Dar es Salaam airport.
The main airport in Zanzibar is Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar Airport) located on Unguja Island, the airport is located 3.1 miles south of Stone Town, the main city on the Island. There are flights to East Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
From countries like U.K and U.S, there are no direct flights to Tanzania and Zanzibar, so visitors are more likely to connect from Dubai, Amsterdam, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Doha or Istanbul.
Flights from Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam are possible to Kilimanjaro International Airport, the closest airport to some of Tanzania’s wildlife destinations such as Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
Note: Visitors to the Island are required to have a Zanzibar Visa and certain vaccinations such as Malaria and Yellow Fever Vaccinations.
Ferry
Ferry transport is offered from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Island, this is an ideal way to start your exploration adventure of this exotic island off the East Africa coast of mainland Tanzania. The adventure is more breathtaking during the dry season when the winds are softer.
The journey by ferry from Dar es Salaam, the mainland of Tanzania to Zanzibar Island lasts for about 90 minutes to 2 hours. Along the journeys will enjoy uninterrupted views across the Indian Ocean, this journey can be completed on a day trip.
When decided on traveling to Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar via ferry, guests are advised to choose a reputable operator when visiting Zanzibar and Petnah Africa Tours & Travel is your best option. We will help you choose one of the fast ferries.
Ferry tickets
When you have choose ferry transport to be your mode of transport, it is essential to book and purchase your ticket a day or two prior to your day of trip as a Zanzibar ferry is very popular to visitors of Zanzibar Island, most especially between June and October which is the island Peak season and the weather is at its best.
Booking for a ferry ticket can be done online or directly with the operator or at the ferry terminal in Dar es Salaam. You can also be assisted by your hotel, when booking a valid passport is needed.
Also carrying a small amount of Zanzibar currency and Tanzania shillings (TZS) is recommended as back-up when paying for items most especially where credit card facilities are unavailable in Stone Town and beyond.
Ferry prices
Ferry rates are different from Tanzanian Residents and Foreign visitors travelling from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar by ferry, depending on the class you choose to travel in. Ticket prices vary between $35 and $60 adults.
When traveling in Azam, tourists have a choice between Economy, Business, VIP and Royal Class. There are 4 main departure times for Azam in both directions that is 7 am, 9:30 am, 12:00 pm and 4pm.
Ferry Arrival Procedures
Visitors are required to fill out a boarding card before they disembark, the form has to be presented to immigration officials together with their passport. Visitors may also be asked to present a yellow fever certificate most especially if your previous travel was through an at-risk country such as Kenya or Ethiopia.
Visitors can collect their luggage from the ferry cages which will be brought onto the deck or ferry terminal, from there, visitors can head to their most hotels in Stone Town that is if they do not have too much luggage. From the ferry terminal in Zanzibar it is a short walk to Stone Town, there also taxis available at the ferry terminal with plenty of drivers available just outside the main building.
When and where to book a flight to Zanzibar
Booking options
When planning to travel to Zanzibar by flight, you can book your flights directly on an airline website or through your tour operator such as Petnah Africa Tours & Travel.
Note: Visitors need to understand the best time to visit Zanzibar as it can impact flight prices and availability.
Flights to Zanzibar
Visitors planning to travel to Zanzibar for Zanzibar safaris and beach holidays can travel to the island by flying to the island’s main airport is Zanzibar Airport “Abeid Amani Karume International Airport” (ZNZ). The main airport connects to countries such as
UAE: Dubai (DXB)
Kenya: Nairobi (NBO) & Mombasa (MBA)
Qatar: Doha (DIA)
Switzerland: Zurich (ZRH)
Cost of getting to Zanzibar?
The cost of getting to Zanzibar varies depending on your origin, time of the year and the fact that a connecting flight for international visitors include those from the U.S and U.K may be required.
Prices for flight are from £400/$550 for a return flight from Dubai, these prices can vary from season to season. During the rainy season that is in March, April and May, cheaper prices may be available since there are fewer visitors.
Other considerations
Visitors to Zanzibar need to be aware of any travel restrictions that is depending on the latest Covid -19 travel information and requirements. Travel insurance is recommended to protect against any unforeseen circumstances.
FAQs About How to get to Zanzibar?
Most visitors flying to Zanzibar Airport use Zanzibar Aiport (ZNZ) which is located 3.1 miles south of Stone Town, the main city on the island. Flights can be made to Zanzibar from East Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
