Getting to Zanzibar: ferry from Dar es Salaam and airport transfers

Flying into Zanzibar

International flights land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), whose Terminal 3 handles international traffic. It lies about 7 km south-east of Stone Town, which makes it a short ride to Stone Town and around an hour or more to the beaches of the north and east coasts.

From Europe there are seasonal non-stop flights, mainly from Zurich with Edelweiss and Frankfurt with Condor, plus charter flights from Italy, Poland and other countries in the winter high season; schedules change every season, so check them for your dates. Year-round, the easiest connections go through Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Addis Ababa or Nairobi.

If you are already in Tanzania, a domestic flight from Dar es Salaam takes about 20 minutes, and there are direct flights from Arusha and Kilimanjaro after a northern safari.

The ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

Fast ferries link the port of Dar es Salaam with Malindi port in Stone Town in about two hours, depending on the boat and the sea. Azam Marine, whose boats are called Kilimanjaro, runs several sailings a day in each direction, usually between early morning and late afternoon; Zan Fast Ferries also operates the route. Timetables change, so check the day's departures when you book.

Non-residents pay in US dollars. Azam's published fares are US$35 in economy (US$30 for children aged 5 to 11), US$40 in business, US$60 in VIP and US$100 in Royal class, one way. Each passenger can take 25 kg of luggage; extra weight is charged.

Book on the operator's own website or at its ticket office in the port. Touts outside the Dar es Salaam terminal offer tickets, help with bags or a "faster" boat: ignore them and go straight to the official counter. Arrive about an hour before departure.

The crossing can be rough, especially when the wind is strong from June to September. If you get seasick, choose a seat in the middle of the boat, take tablets before you board and consider VIP, which is quieter and air-conditioned. On arrival in Stone Town you pass a passport check, as Zanzibar keeps its own immigration control.

Airport transfers to Stone Town and the beaches

There is no dedicated airport bus, so almost everyone takes a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. Pre-booking with your hotel or a transfer company gives you a fixed price and a driver waiting with your name; at the airport, agree the fare before you get in.

Stone Town is about 15 minutes away; taxis cost roughly US$10–20. Paje, Jambiani and Bwejuu on the east coast take about an hour, and Michamvi a little longer. Nungwi and Kendwa in the north take about 1 h 15 to 1 h 30 depending on traffic. To the beaches, expect roughly US$40–65 per car one way; prices depend on the vehicle, the time of day and how far your hotel is from the main road.

Traffic through Zanzibar City can be slow at rush hour, so leave plenty of time for your departure flight: from the north, plan to leave your hotel at least three and a half hours before take-off.

Getting around the island

Taxis are the most practical way to move between areas; there are no meters, so agree the price first, and ask your hotel for a reliable driver if you want a day of sightseeing.

Dala-dalas, the shared minibuses that leave from Darajani market in Stone Town, reach most villages for very little money; they are slow and crowded but an experience in themselves. Many boat trips and excursions include hotel pick-up, which saves you the logistics.

Hiring a car or scooter is possible, but you need a local driving permit as well as your licence, and roads are narrow, poorly lit at night and busy with cyclists and pedestrians. If you would rather not drive, combine a transfer between bases with tours from each one; our where to stay guide helps you pick the bases. Read more in our Zanzibar visa, insurance and safety guide.

Going on to Pemba or the mainland

Azam Marine also sails between Zanzibar and Pemba, the quieter northern island, and small planes fly there in about half an hour. To continue to the mainland for a safari, the ferry back to Dar es Salaam or a short flight to Dar, Arusha or Kilimanjaro are the usual routes; day safaris by plane from Zanzibar are covered in safari from Zanzibar.