🇹🇿 Flights to Zanzibar
Cheap Flights to Zanzibar from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Dream Fare specialises in Tanzania routes with the best prices for Zanzibar — the legendary Spice Island, UNESCO Stone Town and some of the finest beaches in the Indian Ocean.
Airlines to Zanzibar
All Airlines Flying London to Zanzibar
Zanzibar has growing direct connections from major hubs alongside connections via Dar es Salaam. We compare every routing to find your best price.
Baggage Allowances — London to Zanzibar
| Airline | Cabin Bag | Hold Baggage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar Airways | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Excellent for families with extra luggage |
| Ethiopian Airlines | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Best two-piece allowance on the route |
| Kenya Airways | 1 bag up to 12kg | 1 x 23kg | Extra bags purchasable at booking |
| Turkish Airlines | 1 bag up to 8kg | 2 x 23kg | Generous two-piece standard economy |
| Emirates | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Flex fares may vary — confirm at booking |
When to Visit
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar has a tropical climate moderated by the Indian Ocean, warm year-round with two distinct rainy seasons. Zanzibar is 3 hours ahead of GMT.
Best Season
June — October
The most popular time to visit Zanzibar. Warm, dry and sunny (25°C to 30°C) with lower humidity. Perfect beach conditions, excellent visibility for diving and snorkelling, and ideal for combining with the Tanzania safari season.
Hot & Dry
Dec — February
Hot and largely dry (27°C to 33°C) with brief afternoon showers. Excellent beach weather and a popular period for UK visitors escaping winter, particularly around the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Long Rains
March — May
The heaviest rainy season (Masika) brings frequent, sometimes prolonged downpours (25°C to 30°C). Many beach resorts offer significantly discounted rates. The island remains lush and green, with fewer crowds at the historic sites.
Short Rains
November
Brief afternoon showers (Vuli) that typically clear quickly (25°C to 31°C). A good value shoulder season offering warm sunny days between showers, before the busy December peak season begins.
About Zanzibar
Zanzibar — The Spice Island
Zanzibar is an extraordinary semi-autonomous archipelago off the Tanzanian coast — a legendary crossroads of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian and European trading cultures, famous for centuries as the centre of the global spice trade. With UNESCO World Heritage Stone Town, pristine palm-fringed beaches and crystal-clear Indian Ocean waters, Zanzibar offers one of Africa’s most rewarding and culturally rich island experiences.
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Stone Town (UNESCO)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of Zanzibar’s cultural identity — Stone Town’s labyrinth of narrow alleys, bustling bazaars and over 500 ornately carved wooden doors reflect centuries of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influence. The House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the former Slave Market and Freddie Mercury’s birthplace are all essential stops.
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Spice Farms & Plantation Tours
Zanzibar earned its nickname as the Spice Island through centuries of clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and black pepper cultivation that once made it one of the world’s most valuable trading ports. Guided spice farm tours allow visitors to see, smell and taste these exotic crops growing in their natural environment, alongside tropical fruit tasting.
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Pristine Beaches
Zanzibar’s beaches rank among the finest in the Indian Ocean — Nungwi and Kendwa in the north offer powder-white sand with minimal tidal variation, while Paje, Jambiani and Bwejuu on the east coast combine beautiful beaches with excellent kitesurfing conditions. The turquoise, crystal-clear waters and swaying palm trees create a genuine tropical paradise.
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Diving & Marine Life
Zanzibar’s surrounding waters offer exceptional diving and snorkelling, particularly around Mnemba Atoll, a private island reserve with vibrant coral reefs, dolphins and abundant tropical fish. The Jozani Forest, home to the rare and endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey found nowhere else on earth, is also a unique wildlife experience.
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Zanzibari Cuisine
Zanzibar Pizza (a uniquely Zanzibari street food, a stuffed savoury crepe sold at the Forodhani Gardens night market), fresh grilled seafood, Pilau rice infused with island spices, Biryani, Octopus curry and the famous Zanzibar mix (a tangy street food snack) showcase the island’s rich Swahili coast culinary heritage with strong Arab and Indian influences.
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Birthplace of Freddie Mercury
Queen frontman Freddie Mercury was born in Stone Town in 1946, and his childhood home is now a small museum and popular pilgrimage site for music fans. The Mercury Restaurant and various sites around Stone Town celebrate this unexpected connection between the legendary rock star and the Spice Island.
Top Places to Visit in Zanzibar
Stone Town (UNESCO)
Zanzibar’s historic heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 — the labyrinth of narrow alleys, bustling markets, ornately carved wooden doors and centuries-old buildings reflect the island’s extraordinary multicultural trading history. The House of Wonders, Old Fort, former Slave Market memorial and the Forodhani Gardens night food market are all unmissable.
Nungwi & Kendwa Beaches
In the far north of the island — Nungwi and Kendwa offer some of Zanzibar’s most beautiful powder-white beaches with minimal tidal variation, meaning swimming is possible throughout the day unlike many other parts of the island. A vibrant beach scene with excellent sunset views, dhow building traditions and lively nightlife.
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Zanzibar’s only national park — home to the rare and endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, found nowhere else on earth, alongside Sykes monkeys, bushbabies and diverse birdlife. Raised boardwalks through mangrove forest provide an excellent introduction to the island’s unique ecosystem, easily combined with a beach day on the southeast coast.
Mnemba Atoll
A small, privately managed coral island off Zanzibar’s northeast coast — Mnemba Atoll offers exceptional diving and snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs, dolphins and abundant tropical marine life. Widely regarded as one of the finest dive sites in the western Indian Ocean, accessible by boat trip from Nungwi or nearby resorts.
Spice Farms (Kizimbani)
Just outside Stone Town — guided spice farm tours showcase the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and black pepper that made Zanzibar one of the most valuable trading ports in history. Walk through working plantations, smell and taste exotic spices fresh from the source, and sample tropical fruits in this immersive agricultural experience.
Paje & Jambiani Kitesurfing Beaches
On Zanzibar’s southeast coast — Paje and Jambiani combine beautiful beaches with some of the best kitesurfing conditions in East Africa, thanks to consistent trade winds. The dramatic tidal range exposes vast sandbanks at low tide, creating a unique and ever-changing coastal landscape popular with watersports enthusiasts and beach lovers alike.
Travel Tips
Zanzibar Travel Guide
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Visa for Zanzibar
As Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, UK citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for approximately $50 USD. Alternatively, apply online at visas.immigration.go.tz before travel to save time. The same visa covers travel to mainland Tanzania within its validity period.
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Currency & Money
Zanzibar uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), though USD is widely accepted at hotels, resorts and many tourist businesses (post-2008 notes only, no marks or tears). Cards are accepted at larger hotels. ATMs are available in Stone Town and major resort areas. Bring some local currency for markets, taxis and smaller establishments.
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Getting Around Zanzibar
Taxis and private transfers connect the airport, Stone Town and beach resorts — agree fares before travelling. Dala-dala (shared minibuses) offer a cheap, authentic way to explore independently. Most beach resorts arrange airport transfers and excursions. Hiring a scooter or car is popular for independent exploration of the island.
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Tidal Variation
Zanzibar experiences significant tidal variation, particularly on the east coast around Paje and Jambiani, where the sea can recede hundreds of metres at low tide. The northern beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa have minimal tidal variation, making them ideal for swimming throughout the day regardless of tide times.
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Weather in Zanzibar
Zanzibar has a tropical climate, warm and humid year-round (25°C to 33°C). June to October is the most popular dry season. March to May brings the heaviest rains (Masika), while November sees lighter short rains (Vuli). The Indian Ocean keeps temperatures relatively consistent throughout the year. Zanzibar is 3 hours ahead of GMT.
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Culture & Etiquette
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim and significantly more conservative than mainland Tanzania — modest dress is expected away from private resort beaches, particularly in Stone Town and local communities. Swimwear should be confined to resort pools and beaches rather than worn while walking through towns. Friday is the main day of prayer, affecting some business hours.
Flights to Zanzibar FAQ
How do I fly from London to Zanzibar?
Qatar Airways via Doha offers direct onward flights to Zanzibar without needing to transit Dar es Salaam, making it one of the most convenient routings. Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa, Kenya Airways via Nairobi and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul also operate direct onward connections to Zanzibar. Dream Fare will find the best routing for your dates.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Zanzibar?
Yes. As Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, UK passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for approximately $50 USD. Alternatively, apply online at visas.immigration.go.tz before travel to save time at the airport.
Can I fly directly into Zanzibar or do I need to go via Dar es Salaam?
Several major airlines including Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways operate flights with direct onward legs into Zanzibar from their hub connections, avoiding the need to transit through Dar es Salaam. If you do arrive in Dar es Salaam first, frequent domestic flights and fast ferries connect to Zanzibar in approximately 20 minutes to 2 hours.
What is the best area to stay in Zanzibar?
Nungwi and Kendwa in the north offer the most reliable year-round swimming due to minimal tidal variation and a lively atmosphere. Paje and Jambiani on the east coast are excellent for kitesurfing and a more relaxed pace, though with significant tidal changes. Stone Town itself is ideal for culture lovers wanting to be close to the historic sites.
Is Zanzibar good for combining with a Tanzania safari?
Yes — Zanzibar is the classic safari-and-beach combination, easily reached via a short flight or ferry from Dar es Salaam, or directly connected from Kilimanjaro International Airport (the gateway to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater). Most visitors spend several days on safari followed by a relaxing beach extension on Zanzibar.
How much do return flights from London to Zanzibar cost?
Return flights from London to Zanzibar start from approximately £519 with Dream Fare. Qatar Airways via Doha and Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa are typically the most competitive direct-onward options. Contact us on 020 8264 0018 for the latest fares and complete Tanzania safari and beach travel advice.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.