Book Cheap Flights to Zanzibar from UK

Cheap Flights to Zanzibar from the UK

Flights from London to Zanzibar typically take 11-13 hours with one stop. Most routes connect via Nairobi or other major hubs. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is the gateway to Zanzibar, located 6km from the city centre.

No direct flights operate from London to Zanzibar. Popular routing options include Kenya Airways via Nairobi, Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa, Qatar Airways via Doha. Each offers different layover durations and price points, so compare before booking.

Return fares from London to Zanzibar typically range from £450-600 in low season to £850-1,200 during peak periods. March-May (rainy) / October-November generally offers the best deals, while July-October (dry) / December-February sees higher demand and prices.

Zanzibar operates on EAT (UTC+3), 3 hours ahead of London in winter, 2 hours ahead in summer. Taxis (TZS 15,000-25,000) or hotel transfers. Journey to Stone Town 15-20 minutes.

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) – Facilities & Travel Guide

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is the primary gateway to Zanzibar, the largest city of Tanzania. Located approximately 6km from the city centre, it handles both domestic and international flights. New Terminal 3 opened 2023 for international flights. Modern facilities.

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport provides various facilities for travellers:

Currency Exchange: Available in the arrivals hall.
Shopping and Dining: Duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Wi-Fi: Free or paid Wi-Fi available in terminal areas.
Car Hire: Major rental companies have desks in arrivals.
Lounges: Business lounges available for premium passengers.

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport offers various transport options to the city:

Taxis: Taxis (TZS 15,000-25,000) or hotel transfers. Journey to Stone Town 15-20 minutes.
Private Transfers: Pre-bookable for a direct journey.
Car Hire: Available at the airport for independent travel.

Tips for a smooth journey through Abeid Amani Karume International Airport:

Arrive Early: Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights.
Currency: Carry some Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) for initial expenses.
Visa: Check visa requirements before travel.
Flight Updates: Monitor departure boards for any changes.

Flight Times to Zanzibar

There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Zanzibar. All routes require at least one connection through major hub airports.

If you're flying with a layover, here are typical flight durations:

Via Nairobi (Kenya Airways): Around 11-13 hours total.
Via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines): Around 12-14 hours total.
Via Doha (Qatar Airways): Around 13-15 hours total.
Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): Around 13-16 hours total.

It's recommended to have a minimum layover time of 2–3 hours.

Overnight layovers can sometimes offer cheaper fares.
Nairobi and other major hubs offer transit hotels and lounges for comfort during longer waits.

Zanzibar operates on EAT (UTC+3) (which is 3 hours ahead of London in winter, 2 hours ahead in summer).

Airlines Flying to Zanzibar

Kenya Airways

Ethiopian Airlines

Qatar Airways

Turkish Airlines

Emirates Airways

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Zanzibar Flight Prices

Category	Period	Average Return Fares
Economy - Low Season	March-May (rainy) / October-November	£450-600
Economy - Mid Season	Shoulder months	£600-850
Economy - High Season	July-October (dry) / December-February	£850-1,200
Business - Low Season	March-May (rainy) / October-November	£2,200-3,200
Business - High Season	July-October (dry) / December-February	£3,200-4,800+

Booking Tips:

Book 6–8 weeks before travel to save up to 15–25%.
Fly midweek (Tue–Thu): Fares are often cheaper.
Compare connecting flights: They can offer better value than direct options.
Sign up for fare alerts to track price drops.

Best Time to Book Zanzibar Flights

Price Patterns

Prices typically drop Tuesday/Wednesday for bookings

Best fares during March-May (rainy) / October-November

Prices rise during July-October (dry) / December-February

Sweet Spot

6-8 weeks before travel for best combination of availability and price.

Avoid Booking

Less than 2 weeks out (premium pricing)

During school holidays if travelling with families

Peak holiday periods without advance planning

Things to Do in Zanzibar

Stone Town

Wander through Stone Town’s narrow lanes, historic doors, and UNESCO-listed sites.

Beach Escape

Relax on Nungwi or Kendwa Beach with white sand and crystal-clear waters.

Prison Island

Take a boat trip to Prison Island to see giant tortoises and snorkel offshore.

Spice Tour

Visit local spice farms to learn why Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island.”

Forest Walk

Explore Jozani Forest to spot rare red colobus monkeys and lush greenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the cheapest month to fly to Zanzibar?

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Which London airport has flights to Zanzibar?

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