how to get to zanzibar
If you’re planning to travel from Tanzania to Zanzibar, note that Zanzibar is an island autonomous region in the Indian Ocean, located 25-50 kilometers off the coast of Tanzania. The Zanzibar Archipelago comprises several small and large islands, including Unguja (the main island, often known as Zanzibar) and Pemba Island. Zanzibar City, situated on the island of Unguja, serves as the capital of the region and features a historic center, Stone Town, that has been declared a World Heritage Site.
Zanzibar is a beautiful place to spend your vacation, offering turquoise-blue water, sandy beaches, and serene little islands that are rarely visited by tourists. You can explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visit the small fishing villages dotted across the region.
There are two modes of transportation that you can use to reach Zanzibar from Tanzania’s mainland: ferry or air transport. If you’re planning to take the ferry, you can start your journey from Dar es Salaam. The ferry ride from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar takes approximately two hours, and it’s a straightforward journey. The ferry departs from the dock in downtown Dar (just off Sokoine Drive) and arrives in Stone Town.
Azam Marine Coastal and Fast Ferries are the two companies that provide ferry services between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town, Zanzibar. It usually takes around 2-3 hours to reach the destination. You can choose the ferry that best suits your schedule, but it’s recommended to stick to these two companies. The first ferry from Dar es Salaam departs at 7:00 a.m., followed by 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3:45 p.m. departures. Boarding the ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar is an affordable and straightforward process compared to air travel.
The cost of the ferry ticket will depend on the class you choose. VIP tickets are priced differently and offer comfortable recliners and air conditioning on the enclosed top deck. However, prices may vary based on when the tickets were purchased. If you get seasick easily, be cautious and avoid the top cabin, as it can be the worst place to experience the ferry’s rocking motion caused by the waves. To ensure your safety and avoid any unnecessary disruptions during your safari by ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Island, keep in mind the above details while organizing your trip.
Getting from Tanzania to Zanzibar by air transport is the quickest mode of transportation, although it may be more expensive than ferry travel. It is accessible from many places in Tanzania and operates 24 hours a day. The international airport, Abeid Aman Karume, makes Zanzibar easily accessible by aircraft worldwide.
Air Tanzania is one of the airlines that offers many flights from different parts of Tanzania to Zanzibar Island. Other airlines from Tanzania to Zanzibar include Air Excel, Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, Precision Air, and Regional Air. They offer direct flights from various locations in Tanzania such as Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Kigoma, Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Tanga.
There are also seasonal flights that offer flights from Tanzania to Zanzibar such as Air Excel, Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, and Regional Air. These flights operate from Seronera, Grumeti, and Lake Manyara to Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is accessible all year due to the consistent services from Tanzania. The best time to visit Zanzibar for tourism activities is during the archipelago’s dry season, which runs from July to September. The short rains of November and December also offer blue skies after downpours. However, it is best to avoid the peak of the heavy rains in April and May when it can be wet.
