This Zanzibar Transportation Guide gives an indication of how to both get to and from Zanzibar and Pemba, and also how to get around within the islands of the archipelago.  Used in conjunction with our Tanzania Transportation Guide, you should be able to get as much information as necessary to plan your trip and see as much as possible in the time you have available.

Zanzibar Transportation Guide

Getting There & Away

By Air 

If you are arriving directly into Zanzibar, there are both international scheduled and charter international flights to choose from. Key amongst the scheduled flights are Kenya Airways (in partnership with Precision Air of Tanzania), Oman Air and Gulf Air. Seats are routinely overbooked on these flights, so it is worth booking well in advance and ensuring that flights are re-confirmed. 

There are a number of different options to choose from if you are arriving from Tanzania's mainland. There are daily flights between Zanzibar Town, Pemba, Tanga, Arusha and Dar es Salaam operated by Coastal Aviation, Precision Air and Zan Air. Some of these flights may also connect to the main safari destinations and flights from the Selous and Saadani Game Reserves are also possible. Flights cost in the range of US$55-65 (from Dar es Salaam) to US$145-160 (from Arusha).

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Flights to Zanzibar

By Sea

Daily ferry services operate between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, ranging from fast boats that take one and a half to two hours, to slow overnight ferries. There is also a ferry that operates several times a week between Zanzibar and Pemba. The ferry costs US$35 for the fast boat.

Getting Around

From the Airport 

The airport is about 7kms away from Zanzibar Town. A taxi fare from the airport to Stone Town should cost in the region of US$10. Transfers to the beach resorts and other destinations on the island are approximately US$40-50.

From the Ferry Port

The ferry port is within walking distance of many budget hotels within the Malindi part of Stone Town, and a short taxi ride to other parts of Stone Town. Where your hotel cannot be accessed by car, the taxi will take you to the nearest point and then the driver will help you get to the hotel with your luggage.

Many of the hotels, including Zanzibar budget hotels and guest houses, offer free air and ferry port pick-ups or transfers at a very reasonable price. It is recommended to use these services as much as possible, as touts at both places will try and hussle for your custom; both for taxi fares as well as hotels. It's a commissions game, so take anything being said with a pinch of salt, particularly if the touts try to put you off whichever hotel you have booked.

Around Town

Once you are on the island and settled in your accommodation, it's pretty easy to get around. Stone Town itself is best explored by foot. A guided tour will help you get your bearings around the key landmarks, but it's worth spending time just losing yourself in the atmospheric streets. If you really do get lost, it won't be for long, and friendly Zanzibaris will always be willing to show you the way. 

There are plenty of taxis about but be prepared to bargain and agree the price upfront.  Although Stone Town is generally safe, it is recommended to use taxis in the evening, particularly in the port and market areas. 

Around the Island

Distances across the island are not huge. You can hire taxis, private mini-vans with a driver and also rent vehicles and motor cycles to get about the island. It's probably easier to just come to an arrangement with a taxi driver or tour operator for your transport arrangements given the level of paperwork and the propensity of breakdowns and/or accidents, but prices for rental are reasonable and it does afford you a good level of flexibility. You will need an international driver's license if you wish to drive.

There are dalla dallas that go to all major towns on the island and to the main beaches.  They are cheap but don't leave until they are packed with people. You will need to allow plenty of time for lots of stops en-route to your destination.

Special Note:

Please be aware that Zanzibar is governed as a semi-autonomous region. If you have a visa for Tanzania it will also be valid for Zanzibar, but all arriving passengers to Zanzibar in both the air and ferry ports are required to pass through immigration formalities. You should also make sure that you have a valid yellow fever certificate as this can be checked on the island as well as at the main international airports in Tanzania and Kenya.