There are two ways onto Unguja: fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) just south of Stone Town, or take the fast ferry across from Dar es Salaam. Almost everyone flies.
The airport is small, hot and slow. Budget an hour to clear arrivals in peak season, have your e-visa, health insurance and yellow fever certificate accessible, and expect to be met by more “helpers” than you need.
Your options
Direct international flights
Zanzibar has grown a substantial direct network. Seasonal and year-round direct services operate from Doha, Dubai, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Istanbul, Muscat and several European cities — Milan, Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Frankfurt and Zurich among them, mostly as winter charters or seasonal scheduled flights.
From Asia and the Americas you will connect, most commonly through Doha, Dubai, Addis Ababa or Nairobi. Check whether your itinerary lands at Zanzibar (ZNZ) or Dar es Salaam (DAR) — the difference is a ferry or a hop.
Via Dar es Salaam — flight or ferry
Flights from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar take about 20 minutes and go many times a day on Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, Auric Air and others. Cheap, quick and the least hassle.
The fast ferry takes about two hours and docks right at the edge of Stone Town, which is a genuinely lovely way to arrive. Book the reputable operators in advance in high season, keep your passport handy — this is treated as an international crossing with immigration formalities — and take seasickness precautions if the water is rough.
Avoid the slow overnight cargo ferries. The time saved is not worth it.
From the safari circuit
Small aircraft connect Zanzibar directly with Arusha, Kilimanjaro (JRO) and the Serengeti airstrips, which is why so many people finish a northern-circuit safari on the beach here. Flights run daily and take 1.5–2 hours from Arusha.
Coastal Aviation and Auric Air also run direct hops from the Selous/Nyerere airstrips, making a two-centre safari-and-beach trip straightforward.
Arriving at ZNZ
The airport is 6 km from Stone Town. There is a bank and a couple of ATMs, mobile operator desks for SIM cards, and a taxi rank outside.
Have your accommodation address written down and, ideally, a pre-arranged transfer. If you have not booked one, agree the fare with a driver before you get in the car — there are no meters.
Transfer times and prices from the airport
Indicative private transfer prices, one way, for up to three people. Hotels usually arrange transfers and often build them into the room rate.
| Destination | Drive time | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Town | 15 min | $10–$15 |
| Nungwi / Kendwa | 1 h 15 min | $50–$60 |
| Kiwengwa / Matemwe | 1 h – 1 h 20 | $45–$60 |
| Paje / Jambiani | 45–60 min | $35–$45 |
| Bwejuu / Michamvi | 1 h – 1 h 15 | $45–$55 |
| Fumba (Safari Blue) | 40 min | $30–$40 |
Getting around the island
Private taxi and transfer
The default. Comfortable, air-conditioned and door to door. Agree the price before you set off; there are no meters anywhere on the island.
Dala-dala
Converted minibuses running fixed routes from Darajani market in Stone Town for $1–$2. Route 116 to Nungwi, 324 to Paje and Jambiani, 326 to Makunduchi past Jozani. Slow and crowded, but the real thing.
Pikipiki and tuk-tuk
Motorbike taxis and three-wheelers, ideal for short local runs — Paje to Jambiani, or a beach to the nearest village. A few dollars, agreed in advance.
Car or scooter hire
Possible, and you will need a Zanzibar driving permit that the rental agency arranges. Driving is on the left, main roads are surfaced and unlit at night, and livestock on the road is normal.
