How to get to Zanzibar
Zanzibar sits in the Indian Ocean off Tanzania's coast. International visitors almost always arrive on the main island, Unguja, at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) — a short drive from Stone Town. There is no road bridge from the mainland; access is by air or ferry from Dar es Salaam.
International flights to ZNZ
Direct and connecting flights serve ZNZ from European hubs (seasonal charters and scheduled carriers), the Middle East, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and regional East African cities. Many travelers fly into Tanzania via Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Dar es Salaam (DAR), complete a mainland safari or climb, then take a domestic connection to Zanzibar.
From Arusha and the Northern Circuit
After Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park safaris, most travelers fly from Arusha (ARK) or Kilimanjaro (JRO) to ZNZ — typically 1–1.5 hours flight time. Scheduled carriers and charter flights operate multiple daily departures in peak season. Road transfer from Arusha to Dar es Salaam then ferry is possible but rarely chosen — flying is faster and more comfortable after a long safari.
Fly-in safari guests sometimes connect from Serengeti bush airstrips (Seronera, Kogatende, Grumeti) via Arusha or direct charter to ZNZ on luxury itineraries.
After Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbers descending Mount Kilimanjaro typically transfer from Moshi or Arusha to JRO, then fly to Zanzibar the same day or following morning. JRO–ZNZ flights suit post-summit recovery — roughly one hour in the air replaces another week of mountain exertion with reef snorkeling.
From Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's commercial capital on the mainland coast. Options include:
- Domestic flights DAR–ZNZ (approximately 20 minutes) — the standard choice
- Ferry from Dar port to Stone Town (roughly 2 hours on fast ferries) — budget-friendly but subject to weather and schedule
Ferry tickets should be booked through reputable operators; arrive early for immigration and baggage checks.
From Nairobi and Kenya
Nairobi (NBO) connects to ZNZ on regional carriers — useful for itineraries combining Maasai Mara National Reserve with a beach finale without returning through Uganda. Flight time is roughly 1.5 hours.
Uganda and Rwanda combinations
Travelers finishing gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park often fly Entebbe or Kigali to Nairobi or Dar es Salaam, then connect to ZNZ — or route through Arusha on a longer East Africa arc. Allow a full travel day for multi-leg connections.
Airport transfers on Zanzibar
ZNZ lies roughly 15–20 minutes from Stone Town and 60–90 minutes from north-coast resorts (Nungwi/Kendwa) or east-coast lodges (Paje, Matemwe) depending on traffic and road conditions. Pre-arrange lodge transfers or licensed taxis; confirm whether your beach stay requires a Stone Town stop first.
Combining with onward destinations
Most Zanzibar visitors depart internationally from ZNZ. Some continue to Pemba Island or Mafia Island on short flights for advanced diving. Return to the mainland for southern Tanzania parks such as Nyerere National Park or Ruaha National Park.
Seasonal access notes: best time to visit Zanzibar. Main hub: Zanzibar destination guide.
