Planning a trip to the idyllic island of Zanzibar? Whether you’re seeking white‑sand beaches, historic stone towns, or vibrant spice markets, getting there is the first step on your adventure. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about flights to Zanzibar: from the main airport and top airlines to real‑world routes, flight durations, seasonal price trends, booking advice, and entry requirements. Read on to find the fastest connections, the best fares, and practical tips to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Main Airports in Zanzibar
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
The only international airport serving Zanzibar is Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (IATA code: ZNZ), located about 5 kilometers south of Zanzibar City. Opened in its modern form in 2011 and renamed after Tanzania’s first president, the airport features a single asphalt runway (3,007 m long), a recently expanded passenger terminal, and customs facilities for Tanzania and Kenyan visa‑on‑arrival services. ZNZ handles direct services from Europe and the Middle East, plus one‑stop connections from many other continents. Ground transport options include taxis, hotel shuttles, and local “dala dala” minibuses, so once you land, getting to your resort is straightforward.
Airlines Serving Zanzibar
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways offers one of the most convenient connections to Zanzibar via its Doha (DOH) hub. Daily flights between Doha and Zanzibar take approximately 5 hours and 50 minutes on Airbus A320 family aircraft, featuring both Economy and Business Class cabins. The DOH–ZNZ service is popular thanks to seamless lounge access in Doha, generous baggage allowances, and a well‑timed schedule that connects onward from Europe, North America, and Asia. Round‑trip Economy fares from Doha start around USD 710 one‑way when booked 2–4 months in advance; Business Class can be found for roughly USD 2,500 one‑way in peak season.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines connects Istanbul (IST) directly to Zanzibar three times per week, utilizing its modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The flight time is about 8 hours and 30 minutes, offering a comfortable cabin and generous in‑flight service. Istanbul Airport’s extensive network makes it easy for travelers from across Europe and the Americas to link through. Economy fares start at approximately USD 650 one‑way from IST to ZNZ, while Business Class seats run around USD 2,200 one‑way. For many travelers, the superior ground experience in IST—lounges, shopping, and complimentary hotel stays on long layovers—adds value.
Emirates
Emirates operates up to 33 weekly flights from Dubai (DXB) to Zanzibar, typically on Boeing 777 or Airbus A380 aircraft. The direct DXB–ZNZ sector takes about 5 hours and 29 minutes. Emirates offers Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class cabins, with state‑of‑the‑art entertainment systems and generous baggage policies. Low‑season one‑way Economy fares can be as low as USD 220, while mid‑season fares average USD 350. The large Middle Eastern hub in Dubai also provides seamless onward connections for travelers from Asia, Australasia, and the Americas.
Lufthansa (operated by Eurowings Discover)
Through its subsidiary Eurowings Discover, the Lufthansa Group runs twice‑weekly direct flights from Frankfurt (FRA) to Zanzibar. The non‑stop journey takes roughly 8 hours and 45 minutes on Airbus A330 aircraft, marketed under codeshare LH 4387. Economy fares begin around €462 one‑way, with higher‑tier Premium Economy options available for an additional €150–200. Travelers appreciate the convenience of a single‑ticket itinerary, access to Frankfurt’s lounges, and seamless connections from across Europe.
Kenya Airways (via Nairobi)
Kenya Airways operates multiple daily flights from Nairobi (NBO) to Zanzibar, each around 1 hour and 40 minutes aboard Embraer E190 or Boeing 737 jets. Fares start at KES 50,430 (approx. USD 265) one‑way when booked in advance. For international travelers, connecting through Nairobi is straightforward: major carriers from Europe, Asia, and North America feed into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. A layover of 2–4 hours is typical, with Kenyan immigration allowing transit passengers to remain in the terminal lounge.
Most Common Routes and Layovers
One‑Stop Flights
One‑stop itineraries balance total travel time against ticket cost. Below are the most popular connections:
Madrid (MAD) → Doha (DOH) → Zanzibar (ZNZ)
This route, served by Qatar Airways, pairs a 7 hour, 10 minute flight from Madrid to Doha with a 5 hour, 50 minute onward legs. Total flying time is about 13 hours, plus a typical layover of 2–3 hours in Doha. Competitive pricing and lounge access make this one of the top choices for Spanish travelers.
Madrid (MAD) → Dubai (DXB) → Zanzibar (ZNZ)
Emirates and its partner flydubai connect Madrid and Zanzibar via Dubai in roughly 12 hours and 34 minutes of flight time. The long layover in Dubai—often 4–6 hours—allows for a free city tour or lounge stay.
Frankfurt (FRA) → Zanzibar (ZNZ) Direct
Eurowings Discover’s non‑stop service from Frankfurt requires no transfers, taking about 9 hours and 10 minutes. This option is highly valued by business travelers and those who prefer a single flight.
Two‑Stop Flights
When demand or pricing makes one‑stop tickets expensive, two‑stop options can provide savings, albeit with longer total travel time.
Madrid (MAD) → Nairobi (NBO) → Zanzibar (ZNZ)
A roughly 8 hour, 11 minute leg from Madrid to Nairobi, followed by a 1 hour, 40 minute connection to Zanzibar, totals about 9 hours and 51 minutes in the air. Layovers range from 2 to 5 hours.
Madrid (MAD) → Istanbul (IST) → Doha (DOH) → Zanzibar (ZNZ)
Combining Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways, this route includes three flight segments (4 h 25 m, 4 h 23 m, and 5 h 50 m), adding up to about 14 hours and 38 minutes. Total journey time, with layovers in IST and DOH, can exceed 18 hours.
Flight Durations and Distances
| Route | Total Air Time |
|---|---|
| MAD → DOH → ZNZ | 7h 10m + 5h 50m (≈13h) |
| MAD → DXB → ZNZ | 7h 05m + 5h 29m (≈12h 34m) |
| FRA → ZNZ (Direct) | 9h 10m |
| MAD → NBO → ZNZ | 8h 11m + 1h 40m (≈9h 51m) |
| MAD → IST → DOH → ZNZ | 4h 25m + 4h 23m + 5h 50m (≈14h 38m) |
| DXB → ZNZ | 5h 29m |
| DOH → ZNZ | 5h 50m |
Prices and Seasons
High Season vs. Low Season in Zanzibar
Zanzibar experiences its peak visitor season during the long dry season (June to October), when beach conditions are perfect and wildlife safaris in mainland Tanzania are at their best. Expect flight and accommodation rates to be 20–30% higher than average. The long rainy season (March to May) and the short rains (November to early December) see fewer tourists, with airfare discounts up to 25%, though some resorts and services may scale back.
Average Monthly Fares
January–March (Low): MAD–ZNZ via DOH from USD 710 one‑way; DXB–ZNZ from USD 220.
April–May (Shoulder): Fares stabilize—MAD–ZNZ from USD 780; FRA–ZNZ direct from €500.
June–October (High): Premium rates—MAD–ZNZ from USD 900; DXB–ZNZ from USD 300.
November–December (Shoulder): Discounts return—MAD–ZNZ from USD 750; FRA–ZNZ from €470.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights
Best Time to Book
Data shows booking 40–60 days ahead yields the best deals for Middle East‑hub itineraries (e.g., DOH–ZNZ), while 4–6 months in advance is ideal for East African connections (e.g., NBO–ZNZ) to capture early‑bird discounts.
Using Alerts and Metasearch Engines
Set fare alerts on Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak for your exact itinerary. Monitor price drops, then book when you see a 10–15% dip below your target fare. Consider flexible‑dates searches to identify the cheapest departure windows up to ±3 days.
Travel Requirements and Documentation
Tanzania Visa Requirements
Most nationalities can obtain a single‑entry eVisa ($50 USD, valid 90 days) or multiple‑entry eVisa ($100 USD, valid 1 year) online prior to departure. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. Print or download the approval letter and present it on arrival.
Recommended Vaccinations and Health Advice
Travelers should be up to date on routine immunizations (MMR, Polio, Influenza) and consider typhoid, hepatitis A & B, rabies (for extended stays), and meningitis. A Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory if transiting through an endemic country. Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended; consult your doctor for the latest prophylactic regimen. Drink only bottled or purified water and use insect repellent to reduce the risk of mosquito‑borne illnesses.
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