Flights to Zanzibar

Flights to Zanzibar, Tanzania: Routes, Flight Times and Booking Guide

Flights to Zanzibar arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, which uses the airport code ZNZ. Direct regional flights connect Zanzibar with Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Kilimanjaro and selected safari destinations. Travellers from Europe, the United States and other long-haul destinations normally fly with at least one connection.

Zanzibar flight times depend on where you are travelling from. A direct flight from Nairobi to Zanzibar takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes, while journeys from London generally take 12 to 16 hours with a connection. Flights from New York commonly take 17 to 24 hours.

From our experience, many travellers first visit Kenya for a safari and then fly from Nairobi to Zanzibar for a few relaxing days or a full week at the beach. If you are travelling a long distance to East Africa, this combination is well worth considering.

Flights to Zanzibar at a Glance

Flight times are approximate. The total journey will depend on your airline, route, connection and travel date.

Consider a Kenya Safari Before Zanzibar

Many of our clients combine Zanzibar with a safari in Kenya. They spend a few days exploring the Masai Mara, Amboseli or another wildlife destination before flying from Nairobi to Zanzibar.

This gives you two very different experiences in one East African holiday: exciting wildlife viewing in Kenya followed by time to relax beside the Indian Ocean.

Popular combinations include:

• Masai Mara and Zanzibar

• Amboseli and Zanzibar

• Nairobi, Masai Mara and Zanzibar

• Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara and Zanzibar

• Kenya and Tanzania safari followed by Zanzibar

A typical itinerary may include three to five nights on safari followed by four to seven nights in Zanzibar.

Why Kenya and Zanzibar Work Well Together

Direct flights between Nairobi and Zanzibar make the combination relatively easy. After completing your safari, you can fly to Zanzibar and be at your beach hotel later the same day.

The slower pace of Zanzibar is also welcome after several early safari mornings and long game drives.

If your safari flight lands at Wilson Airport and your Zanzibar flight leaves from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a road transfer across Nairobi will be required. We can coordinate the airports, transfer and connection time as part of one complete itinerary.

How Many Nights Should You Spend in Zanzibar?

We recommend at least four nights in Zanzibar after a safari. This gives you time to rest, enjoy the beach and include one or two activities without making the stay feel rushed.

Five to seven nights is better if you also want to visit Stone Town, take a spice tour, go snorkelling or diving, or explore another part of the island.

These are only suggested combinations. We tailor every itinerary around your available time, interests and budget.

Where Do Flights to Zanzibar Land?

Most international and regional flights arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, commonly known as Zanzibar International Airport.

The airport code is ZNZ.

Zanzibar International Airport is located close to Zanzibar City and Stone Town. It provides access to the main beach destinations around the island, including Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe, Kiwengwa, Paje and Jambiani.

Do not confuse Zanzibar International Airport with Pemba Airport. Pemba Airport serves Pemba Island, which is a separate island within the Zanzibar Archipelago.

How Long Is the Flight to Zanzibar?

The flight time to Zanzibar depends on your departure city and whether you are travelling directly or with a connection. Regional flights from East Africa can take less than two hours, while journeys from Europe and the United States normally take between 12 and 24 hours.

It is important to distinguish between flying time and total journey time.

Flying time is the number of hours spent in the air. Total journey time also includes the time spent connecting between flights.

A cheaper ticket with a long airport connection may take considerably longer than a slightly more expensive one-stop itinerary.

Are There Direct Flights to Zanzibar?

Direct flights to Zanzibar are available from selected African, Middle Eastern and international cities. However, some routes operate seasonally or only on certain days of the week.

Regional direct flights may be available from:

• Nairobi

• Dar es Salaam

• Arusha

• Kilimanjaro

• Selected Tanzanian safari airstrips

• Johannesburg

• Other regional cities

International services may operate from cities in the Middle East, Europe and other regions.

Airline routes change, so confirm the current schedule for your intended travel dates before booking non-refundable accommodation.

Flights from Nairobi to Zanzibar

A direct flight from Nairobi to Zanzibar normally takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. This is one of the easiest routes for travellers combining a Kenya safari with a Zanzibar beach holiday.

Most scheduled flights to Zanzibar depart from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Domestic safari flights frequently use Wilson Airport.

If you need to change airports, allow sufficient time for baggage collection, Nairobi traffic and check-in at JKIA. Avoid booking a tight connection between the two airports.

Travellers can also fly from Zanzibar back to Nairobi before connecting with an international flight or continuing their Kenya holiday.

Flights from Tanzania to Zanzibar

Zanzibar is well connected with mainland Tanzania. This makes it easy to add a beach stay after visiting the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire or another Tanzanian safari destination.

Arusha to Zanzibar

Flights from Arusha to Zanzibar normally take approximately one to one and a half hours. Some services operate directly, while others make a short stop.

Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar

A direct flight from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar takes approximately one hour. This route is convenient after a northern Tanzania safari or a Kilimanjaro climb.

Serengeti to Zanzibar

Flights may operate from selected Serengeti airstrips to Zanzibar. They can be direct or include stops at other safari airstrips.

Safari aircraft normally have stricter baggage limits than international airlines. Soft-sided luggage may be required.

Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

A direct flight from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar normally takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Several services may operate during the day, depending on the current schedule.

Flights from New York to Zanzibar

Flights from New York to Zanzibar normally require one or two connections. There are generally no regular nonstop services between the two destinations.

The complete journey commonly takes approximately 17 to 24 hours. Flights may depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport and connect through an African, European or Middle Eastern hub.

When comparing flights from New York to Zanzibar, consider:

• Total journey time

• Number of connections

• Checked baggage allowance

• Length of each connection

• Whether all flights are on one ticket

• Arrival time in Zanzibar

Travellers from New York can also fly into Nairobi, complete a Kenya safari and then continue to Zanzibar.

Flights to Zanzibar from the USA

Travellers from most US cities will require at least one connection.

Zanzibar flights can be arranged from cities such as:

• New York

• Atlanta

• Washington DC

• Boston

• Chicago

• Houston

• Miami

• Los Angeles

Depending on the departure point and connection, the journey may take approximately 17 to 26 hours.

For a longer East African holiday, consider arriving through Nairobi for a safari before continuing to Zanzibar.

Flights from London and the UK to Zanzibar

Flights from the UK to Zanzibar usually require one connection. A journey from London commonly takes approximately 12 to 16 hours, although a long layover can increase the total travel time.

Flights may depart from Heathrow, Gatwick or another London airport, depending on the airline and season.

Travellers from Manchester and Birmingham should compare local departures with London options. A lower airfare from London may not remain cheaper after including rail travel, parking or an airport hotel.

Direct UK-to-Zanzibar services are limited and may be seasonal. Confirm the current schedule for your travel dates.

Flights from Johannesburg to Zanzibar

Flights from Johannesburg to Zanzibar may operate directly or with one connection, depending on the season.

A direct flight normally takes approximately three and a half hours. One-stop journeys can take six hours or longer.

Travellers from Cape Town and other South African cities may connect through Johannesburg before continuing to Zanzibar.

Flights from Dubai and Doha to Zanzibar

Direct flights from Dubai or Doha to Zanzibar generally take approximately 5½ to 6 hours.

Both cities are useful connecting points for travellers arriving from Europe, Asia, Australia and other parts of the Middle East.

Check the complete itinerary carefully. A flight displayed as one service may include an intermediate stop.

How to Find Cheap Flights to Zanzibar

There is no single airline or booking date that always offers the cheapest Zanzibar flight tickets. Prices change according to demand, availability, travel dates and departure city.

The following steps can help you find better value.

Compare Flexible Dates

Moving your journey by one or two days can make a considerable difference to the fare. Compare several departure and return dates before confirming your hotel.

Compare the Complete Journey

Do not select a ticket based only on the advertised price. Check:

• Total travel time

• Number of connections

• Checked baggage

• Cabin baggage

• Seat-selection charges

• Airport changes

• Overnight layovers

• Cancellation conditions

• Ticket flexibility

Avoid Risky Self-Transfers

A self-transfer normally means that your flights are issued on separate tickets.

You may need to collect your baggage, pass through immigration, check in again and clear security. If the first flight is delayed, the next airline may not be responsible for rebooking you.

A through-ticket is usually safer, especially for long-haul journeys with checked baggage.

Book Busy Travel Periods Early

Demand is generally higher during:

• Christmas and New Year

• Easter

• European and American school holidays

• July and August

• The main East African safari season

• Major public holidays

Booking earlier usually gives you a better choice of flights and connections.

When Is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Zanzibar?

Lower flight prices may be available outside Christmas, New Year and the main school holiday periods.

April and May can offer attractive flight and hotel prices, but they fall within Zanzibar’s main rainy season. November may also offer value, although short rains can occur.

The cheapest time is not automatically the best time for every traveller. Consider the weather, tides and planned activities alongside the fare.

Zanzibar Flight Tickets, Connections and Baggage

Before booking your Zanzibar flight tickets, check whether all sectors are issued on one ticket.

A through-ticket usually provides better protection if a delay causes you to miss your connecting flight. Your checked luggage may also be transferred automatically to Zanzibar.

With separate tickets, you may need to collect and recheck your baggage during the journey.

Check the baggage allowance for every flight, particularly if your holiday includes a small safari aircraft. Regional and safari airlines may have stricter weight limits and may require soft-sided bags.

Zanzibar Airport Transfers

Transfer time from Zanzibar International Airport depends on your hotel’s location.

These times are approximate and may change according to traffic, road conditions and your hotel’s exact location.

We recommend arranging your airport transfer before arrival, particularly if your flight lands at night.

Flights, Hotels and Zanzibar Holiday Packages

Booking flights, accommodation and transfers separately can work if you have flexible plans and are comfortable coordinating several suppliers.

A complete Zanzibar holiday package is more convenient when you require:

• Regional or international flights

• Zanzibar hotel accommodation

• Private airport transfers

• All-inclusive accommodation

• Honeymoon arrangements

• Family-friendly rooms

• Excursions and activities

• A Kenya safari

• A Tanzania safari

Coordinating the complete holiday also reduces the risk of booking flights that do not connect properly with your safari or hotel dates.

Zanzibar All-Inclusive Packages with Flights

Zanzibar has several all-inclusive resorts, particularly around Nungwi, Kiwengwa and the northeast coast.

A Zanzibar all-inclusive package may include:

• Flights

• Private airport transfers

• Hotel accommodation

• Meals

• Selected drinks

• Resort activities

• Optional excursions

The meaning of all-inclusive varies between hotels. Some resorts include several restaurants and a broad choice of drinks, while others apply restrictions.

We can help you compare the complete package, hotel location and beach experience rather than choosing a resort based only on the meal plan.

What to Check Before Booking

Before confirming your flight to Zanzibar, check:

• The airport code is ZNZ

• Passenger names match the passports

• Passport validity requirements

• Tanzania visa and entry requirements

• Zanzibar travel insurance requirements

• Baggage allowances

• Connection times

• Whether an airport change is required

• Whether all flights are on one ticket

• Your Zanzibar arrival date

• Hotel check-in dates

• Airport transfer arrangements

Entry rules and airline schedules can change. Always confirm the current requirements before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the flight to Zanzibar?

The flight time depends on your departure city. A direct flight from Nairobi takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Journeys from Europe and the United States commonly take between 12 and 24 hours.

What airport do you fly into for Zanzibar?

Most travellers arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, commonly known as Zanzibar International Airport.

What is Zanzibar’s airport code?

Zanzibar International Airport uses the airport code ZNZ.

Are there direct flights to Zanzibar?

Yes. Direct flights operate from selected African, Middle Eastern and international cities. Some routes are seasonal or only operate on certain days.

Can you fly directly from Nairobi to Zanzibar?

Yes. Direct flights operate between Nairobi and Zanzibar. The journey normally takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

Can you fly from a safari to Zanzibar?

Yes. Flights may operate from Arusha, Kilimanjaro and selected Tanzanian safari airstrips. Travellers completing a Kenya safari can fly to Zanzibar through Nairobi.

Can you combine Kenya and Zanzibar?

Yes. Many travellers spend three to five nights on safari in Kenya before flying to Zanzibar for four to seven nights at the beach.

How many nights should you spend in Zanzibar?

We recommend at least four nights. Five to seven nights is better if you want to relax at the beach and include Stone Town, a spice tour or marine activities.

When should you book Zanzibar flights?

Book early for Christmas, New Year, July, August and major school holidays. Quieter periods may provide more flexibility, but waiting does not guarantee a lower fare.

What is the cheapest time to fly to Zanzibar?

Lower prices may be available during quieter periods such as April, May and parts of November. However, these months can experience more rainfall.

Plan Your Zanzibar Holiday With Us

Finding a suitable flight is only one part of planning a successful Zanzibar holiday. Your hotel location, beach conditions, tides, airport transfer and travel season can all influence your experience.

We can tailor a complete holiday with:

• Flights to Zanzibar

• Handpicked Zanzibar hotels

• Private airport transfers

• All-inclusive beach stays

• Honeymoon and family holidays

• Zanzibar excursions

• Tanzania safari and Zanzibar packages

• Kenya safari and Zanzibar holidays

From our experience, combining a Kenya safari with a few relaxing days or a full week in Zanzibar is one of the best ways to experience East Africa.

Tell us your departure city, travel dates, number of travellers and preferred holiday style, and we will prepare a tailor-made proposal.

Ready? Request a Quote