How to get to Zanzibar

How to get to Zanzibar  : If you’ve recently hiked Kilimanjaro’s peaks, traveled the vast Serengeti plains, or are simply looking for a beach vacation unlike any other, the Spice Islands should unquestionably be your next stop. The most common query from visitors is how to get to Zanzibar.

Zanzibar won’t let you down, whether you decide to fly there over the breathtakingly blue waters to see the tropical wilderness from the air or take a ferry to Stone Town to see the island’s center from the ground or the water.

Zanzibar, In addition to its extraordinary beauty, it is well known for having once served as a center for the spice trade, earning the moniker The Spice Islands. Unguja, also known as Zanzibar Island, is the largest island in the archipelago. The international airport and the nation’s capital, Zanzibar City, are located here. There are numerous additional smaller islands to discover, though.

WHERE IS ZANZIBAR?

Due to its long history of agriculture and the export of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, Zanzibar, an archipelago in East Africa just east of Tanzania, is also known as the “spices island archipelago.” The main island, Unguja, is surrounded by numerous small islands that are home to idyllic resorts with first-rate fusion cuisine, incredible diving locations, and exquisite beaches. The second-largest island, Pemba Island, is located north of Unguja. It has fewer visitors than Unguja and is great for an off-the-beaten-path experience.

IS ZANZIBAR SAFE?

On the East African Coast, Zanzibar is regarded as one of the safest vacation spots. To be safe, it is advised to keep valuables locked in a hotel safe because muggings, pickpocketing, and thefts do happen, especially late at night or when wandering around Stone Town.

 When flying to Zanzibar, vacationers taking a safari in the Serengeti have a few options. One option is to take a direct flight from Seronera to Abeid Amani Karume Airport (Zanzibar), which costs between $400 and $450 per person. Grumeti and Kogatende are two additional airports that offer flights to Zanzibar from Serengeti.

THE BEST TIMES TO TRAVEL TO ZANZIBAR

The majority of tourists try to avoid visiting Zanzibar between March and June, with brief breaks in September, when it rains. When the weather is warm and dry, June, August, and October would be the ideal times to visit Zanzibar.

 As a word of caution, the ocean can be choppy. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t do well with boats and rough seas and are unsure of how to get to Zanzibar, choose the skies and reserve a flight.

SAFARI IN TANZANIA BEFORE FLYING TO ZANZIBAR

Many tourists like the option of scheduling their safaris in Tanzania and then flying straight to Zanzibar for a relaxing beach vacation after their trek. Visitors to Mount Meru can take a direct flight for between $230 and $270 from Arusha to Zanzibar, which takes about an hour and a half. If you make your reservation through a travel agency, a shuttle can be arranged to take you right to your hotel or resort.

A flight from Nairobi to Zanzibar is an option for hikers and visitors to Mount Kenya, as is a stopover in Dar es Salaam before continuing on to the Spice Islands. Direct flights from Nairobi to Zanzibar cost between $190 and $250. Make sure you have travel insurance for peace of mind and that all your necessities are covered for the best traveling experience.

GETTING THERE

The most convenient way to travel to Zanzibar is by air, first connecting at a domestic airport in Tanzania with an international flight. From there, you can enjoy leisurely, affordable ferry rides around this famous island.

Take a quick and simple ferry ride to Zanzibar if you’re already in Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam (and you’re itching for the beach life). Regular boats depart from the Dar es Salaam ferry station; the trip should take about 70 minutes and cost up to USD 50. As an alternative, you can fly into Unguja Island’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.

From the EU: Airlines operate routes through Europe, usually with a brief layover. Blue Panorama and Condor operate flights out of Rome and Milan, while Tui and Condor operate flights out of Brussels.

From the US: From the US, there are no direct flights to Zanzibar. Depending on the airline you choose, the stop along the way may be in Nairobi or Dubai. The amount of time it takes to travel can range quite widely, up to 21 hours.

FLIGHTS TO ZANZIBAR

With so many flights available, flying to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam is only slightly more expensive than taking a ferry, but it offers stunning aerial views and gets you to Abeid Amani Karume Airport in Zanzibar City quickly and reliably. From there, you can choose to spend a few nights in Stone Town or continue on to your destination right away.

FLIGHTS FROM KILIMANJARO TO ZANZIBAR

From the airport in Makao Mapya, climbers and tourists who are visiting Kilimanjaro can take a direct flight to Zanzibar. Since there are numerous airlines and daily scheduled flights, getting to Zanzibar is affordable and convenient for an impromptu post-hike getaway. The direct flight only lasts an hour.

TAKE A FERRY TO ZANZIBAR FROM DAR ES SALAAM.

The main commercial port of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, is about one to two hours away from Zanzibar City, which is situated to the west of the island. As Stone Town (the oldest section of Zanzibar city) comes into view, the ferry offers passengers a rare oceanic view of Unguja as the horizon of white coral stone buildings lines the turquoise water surrounding the port.

There are two main ferry companies (Azam Marine and Fast Ferries), both of which offer contemporary catamarans that make the trip to the island quick and comfortable. Both companies have multiple departure times throughout the day. Prices range from $35 to $50 depending on your seats and times of travel, but make sure to make reservations at least a day in advance because they can fill up quickly.

GETTING AROUND

There are many ways to get around once you’re in Zanzibar.

Dala-dala: Take a dala-dala for a truly local experience. These converted Jeepney-style cars can fit about 20 people, though you might find them a little claustrophobic and uncomfortable. You can take them from Darajani Market in Zanzibar City to the north and south from Stone Town on Unguja.

 You will simply have to ask a local since there are no schedules for the dala-dalas. Some touts might try to take advantage of you by getting your fare up front and charging you a much higher fee. A trip shouldn’t cost more than 2,000 Tshillings, plus an additional 1,000 shillings for luggage storage.

Taxi: taxis can be reserved in popular tourist locations like your hotel and the airport. As an alternative, you can request that a tour operator hire a private driver on your behalf if you plan to book your trip through them.

 Rental of a car or motorcycle: If you want to go on your own for some exploration, this is a very alluring option. To rent a two-wheeler, you don’t necessarily need a license, but to rent a car, you do.

 By foot: The majority of locations in Stone Town are reachable on foot if you plan to stay put.