Flights to Zanzibar: Your Complete Guide to Paradise from the UK

Why Zanzibar Should Be Your Next Holiday Destination

I still remember stepping off the plane in Zanzibar for the first time – that wall of humid, spice-scented air hitting me as I descended the steps onto the tarmac. This stunning island off Tanzania’s coast has gone from a hidden gem to one of the hottest destinations for us Brits seeking something beyond the typical Mediterranean escape.

With its turquoise waters, powdery white beaches, and fascinating blend of African, Arab, Indian and European influences, Zanzibar offers a holiday experience that sticks with you long after your tan fades. But getting there from the UK requires a bit of planning, especially if you’re watching your pennies (and who isn’t these days?).

Finding Flights to Zanzibar from the UK

Can You Fly Direct to Zanzibar from the UK?

Let’s start with the question I get asked most: “Can I fly direct to Zanzibar from the UK?”

The short answer is no – currently there aren’t any direct flights from any UK airport to Zanzibar. Every route requires at least one stop, which initially disappointed me until I realised it’s part of what keeps Zanzibar feeling like a genuine adventure rather than just another package holiday destination.

Best Flight Routes to Zanzibar

After trying various routes over my three trips to Zanzibar, I’ve found these options work best:

London to Zanzibar via Doha (Qatar Airways) This has become my go-to route. Flying from Heathrow to Doha, then connecting to Zanzibar typically takes around 12-14 hours total flying time. The stopover in Doha is usually 2-3 hours, which is just enough to stretch your legs without being painfully long.

London to Zanzibar via Dubai (Emirates) Another solid option, with similar total journey time. Dubai’s airport has fantastic facilities if you end up with a longer layover.

London to Zanzibar via Nairobi (Kenya Airways) This route often works out cheaper, though flight times can be less convenient. The plus side? You’re already in East Africa during your layover, which somehow makes the journey feel more like part of the adventure.

Regional UK airports to Zanzibar Flying from Manchester, Edinburgh or Birmingham? You’ll need two stops in most cases – typically through a European hub first (Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Paris), then one of the Middle Eastern or African hubs mentioned above.

How Long Is the Flight to Zanzibar?

All in, you’re looking at:

• Flight time only: 11-12 hours actual flying
• With standard connections: 14-17 hours total journey
• With longer layovers: Can extend to 24+ hours

My tip? Don’t automatically choose the shortest overall journey. I once opted for a 20-hour total journey with a 6-hour Dubai stopover over a 16-hour option with a 90-minute connection. That extra breathing room in Dubai saved me from the stress of potentially missing my connection, and I actually arrived more refreshed.

Best Time to Book Flights to Zanzibar

When to Find the Cheapest Flights to Zanzibar

Through painfully expensive trial and error (my first trip cost nearly double my most recent one), I’ve worked out that Zanzibar flights follow these patterns:

Book 3-5 months ahead: This sweet spot has consistently yielded the best fares in my experience. Too early (6+ months) and airlines haven’t started competing on price yet; too late (under 8 weeks) and you’re at the mercy of last-minute pricing.

Avoid UK school holidays like the plague: Flights that cost £550 in early June can jump to £850+ during the late July and August rush. The same goes for Christmas and Easter periods.

January and February deals: If you can handle post-Christmas booking, this is when I’ve spotted some brilliant sales for travel in the April-June period.

Fly mid-week: In my searches, Tuesday and Wednesday departures from the UK to Zanzibar typically save £30-70 compared to weekend flights.

Best Time of Year to Visit Zanzibar

The “when to visit” question is trickier than it seems, as it depends what you’re after:

June to October (Dry Season) My first visit was in July, and the weather was spot-on – sunny days around 28°C with cooling breezes and virtually no rain. This is high season, though, so expect higher flight and accommodation prices.

December to February (Short Dry Season) Another popular time with excellent beach weather. I found January particularly pleasant, though flights from the UK were pricey due to the post-Christmas escape crowd.

November and March-May (Rainy Seasons) Don’t write these off too quickly! My most memorable trip was in late March – yes, we had some spectacular afternoon downpours, but they rarely lasted more than an hour, prices were about 30% lower, and the island was gloriously uncrowded.

How Much Do Flights to Zanzibar Cost?

This is where expectations need managing. Zanzibar isn’t a budget destination when it comes to flight costs from the UK.

Budget flights: £450-550 return (off-season, booked well in advance, longer layovers) Average cost: £550-700 return (shoulder season, standard routing) Peak pricing: £700-950+ return (school holidays, Christmas, last-minute bookings)

My personal record was a £438 return from London via Nairobi in November 2023, but that involved an overnight layover (which actually became a bonus mini-exploration of Nairobi).

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Zanzibar

After booking four trips over the years (one for family, which meant buying seven tickets!), here’s what actually works:

1. Set up multiple fare alerts I always set alerts on at least three platforms: 123Flights.co.uk, Google Flights, and Skyscanner. Different engines catch different deals, and I’ve found variations of up to £80 for identical routes.

2. Consider flying to Dar es Salaam instead Sometimes flying to Tanzania’s mainland city of Dar es Salaam works out £100-150 cheaper. From there, you can take the ferry to Zanzibar (about £35 each way), which turns into a scenic addition to your journey rather than just a cost-saving exercise.

3. Check one-way flights separately Oddly, I once saved nearly £180 booking separate one-way tickets with different airlines rather than a return with the same carrier. It takes more searching but can be worth it for family trips especially.

4. Look at package deals, even if you only want the flight Tour operators sometimes offer flight-inclusive packages that work out cheaper than flight-only options. On my second trip, I booked a package including three nights in a hotel I never used, because it was still £70 cheaper than booking the flights separately!

5. Join airline newsletters Qatar Airways and Emirates occasionally run flash sales to East African destinations, including Zanzibar. These rarely show up on comparison sites immediately.

What to Expect When Flying to Zanzibar

Zanzibar Airport Essentials

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) isn’t exactly Heathrow. Here’s what I wish someone had told me before my first landing:

Visa requirements: UK citizens need a Tanzania visa, which costs $50 (approx £40). You can get this on arrival, but after a long flight, the last thing you want is to queue for an hour. I strongly recommend applying online before you travel through the official Tanzania Immigration website.

Airport facilities: Limited. There’s a small duty-free shop, a couple of basic cafés, and currency exchange counters with not-great rates. Change only what you absolutely need at the airport.

Airport transfers: Book ahead! There’s no regular public transport from the airport, and the taxi drivers know they have a captive market. I pre-booked transfers through my accommodation each time, saving about 30-40% compared to airport taxi rates.

Flying with Children to Zanzibar

Taking my sister’s kids (aged 7 and 10) to Zanzibar taught me a few lessons:

Break up the journey: The longer layover I mentioned earlier becomes essential with kids. Those extra hours in Dubai let them burn off energy in the airport play areas.

Pack extra essentials: Specific medicines, snacks, and favourite comfort items aren’t easily replaceable in Zanzibar.

Consider night flights: Both children slept for most of the overnight UK to Middle East leg, making the journey much smoother.

Making the Most of Your Zanzibar Holiday

Where to Stay in Zanzibar

The island offers distinctly different experiences depending on where you base yourself:

Stone Town – The historic centre is fascinating but not a beach destination. I spent two nights here soaking up the history before moving to a beach area.

Nungwi and Kendwa (North) – These northern beaches have the least tidal variation, meaning you can swim all day. The area has more of a backpacker-meets-luxury vibe with stunning sunsets.

Paje and Jambiani (East Coast) – My personal favourite. More laid-back, incredible white sand beaches, though be aware of significant tides that transform the landscape every six hours.

Kizimkazi (South) – Quieter, less developed, and close to dolphin-watching opportunities.

Must-Do Experiences in Zanzibar

Once you’ve tackled the flight booking, make sure your trip includes:

Spice Tour – Fascinating insight into why Zanzibar is called the “Spice Island.” I could still smell the cinnamon on my hands hours later.

Stone Town Walking Tour – The historic UNESCO World Heritage Site is a maze best explored with a knowledgeable local guide.

Nakupenda Beach – This sandbank only appears at low tide. One of the most surreal beach experiences I’ve had.

Prison Island – Just a short boat ride from Stone Town, home to giant tortoises and beautiful snorkelling.

Blue Safari – A day trip exploring smaller islands and snorkelling spots, typically with a seafood lunch included.

Practical Travel Tips for Zanzibar

Packing Essentials for Zanzibar

Based on items I either thanked myself for bringing or desperately wished I had:

Reef shoes – Essential for swimming as many beaches have sea urchins or sharp coral.

High-SPF sunscreen – The equatorial sun is seriously strong, and sunscreen is expensive to buy locally.

Modest clothing – Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. While tourist areas are accustomed to Western swimwear, you’ll need modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees) for Stone Town and villages.

Mosquito repellent – The good stuff with DEET. Local options weren’t nearly as effective.

Power adapters – Tanzania uses the same UK-style three-pin plugs, which was a pleasant surprise!

Money Matters in Zanzibar

Cash is king – While larger hotels accept cards, most restaurants, shops, and activities require cash.

US Dollars vs Tanzanian Shillings – Both are widely accepted. I found having dollars for bigger expenses (hotels, tours) and shillings for smaller purchases (food, souvenirs) worked well.

ATMs – Available in Stone Town but rare elsewhere on the island. I always withdrew enough cash in Stone Town to last my entire beach stay.

Final Thoughts: Is Zanzibar Worth the Journey?

After three visits, I can confidently say that Zanzibar is worth every hour spent on planes and in transit lounges. The combination of stunning beaches, fascinating culture, and genuinely warm hospitality creates a holiday experience unlike anywhere else I’ve visited.

The flights from the UK might be longer and more complex than hopping to the Canaries or Greece, but that journey is part of what keeps Zanzibar special – an adventure rather than just another weekend getaway.

Ready to experience it yourself? Start comparing flights to Zanzibar today on 123Flights.co.uk, and feel free to drop me questions in the comments about anything I’ve missed!

FAQs About Flights to Zanzibar

How much does a flight from UK to Zanzibar cost? Expect to pay between £450-£950 depending on when you book and travel. The sweet spot for good deals is typically £550-£650 return.

What is the best airline to fly to Zanzibar? Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Kenya Airways offer the most convenient routes with reasonable connection times.

Do I need a visa to visit Zanzibar? Yes, UK citizens need a Tanzania visa, which costs approximately £40. Apply online before travel to avoid airport queues.

What’s the best time of year to fly to Zanzibar? June to October offers the best weather, but for lower flight prices, consider November or March-May if you can tolerate some rain showers.

Can I fly direct to Zanzibar from the UK? No, there are currently no direct flights. All routes require at least one stopover, typically in the Middle East or East Africa.

How long is the flight to Zanzibar from London? Total flying time is around 11-12 hours, with total journey time including connections typically between 14-17 hours.