Zanzibar Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

The Zanzibar Archipelago, a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, is served by one international airport on the main island (Unguja) and several smaller airstrips on other islands. The main airport is the gateway for tourists visiting the famous beaches and historic Stone Town, while the smaller airports facilitate inter-island travel.

This guide explains the airports serving Zanzibar, focusing on the main international gateway and the essential options for getting to your final beach or hotel.

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)

Overview: Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (often called Zanzibar Airport or Kisauni Airport) is the main international gateway, located on the main island of Unguja, approximately 5 km (3 miles) south of Stone Town. It handles all international scheduled flights (including from Europe, the Middle East, and other African countries) as well as domestic flights from mainland Tanzania (Dar es Salaam, Arusha, etc.).

Terminals:

• International Terminal: A modern, recently expanded terminal building handling all overseas arrivals and departures.
• Domestic Terminal: A separate, older terminal located next to the international one, used for flights to/from mainland Tanzania and other islands in the archipelago.

The terminals are a short walk apart. For connections, you must collect baggage and walk between them.

Getting to and from Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) & Around the Island:

• Pre-Booked Hotel Transfer (Highly Recommended):
  The most reliable and stress-free option. The vast majority of resorts and hotels offer airport transfers, often included in package deals or available for a fee. A driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a sign. This is crucial as many beach resorts are in remote areas.
• Official Taxi:
  Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. Fares are not metered and must be negotiated. Agree on the price firmly in US Dollars or Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) before getting in the car. Sample fares (in USD):
  • To Stone Town: $10-$15
  • To Northern Beaches (Nungwi, Kendwa): $40-$60 (45-60 min drive)
  • To Eastern Beaches (Paje, Jambiani): $35-$50 (45-60 min drive)
  • To South-East Beaches (Bwejuu, Michamvi): $40-$55
• Dala-Dala (Local Minibus):
  The cheapest option but not practical for tourists. These shared minibuses are extremely crowded, do not accommodate luggage, and only travel on main roads, not to resort gates. Not recommended.
• Car Rental:
  Available at the airport, but self-driving in Zanzibar is not recommended for most visitors due to informal road rules, poor signage, and the high cost/hassle of ferry transport if you want to take a rental car to the mainland.

Best for: All international travelers and those flying from mainland Tanzania. This is the primary entry point to Zanzibar.

Other Zanzibar Airstrips (For Inter-Island Travel)

• Chumbe Island Airstrip: Serves the private Chumbe Island Coral Park.
• Mnemba Island Airstrip: Serves the exclusive &Beyond Mnemba Island lodge.
• Pemba Airport (PMA): Serves Pemba Island, the northern island in the Zanzibar Archipelago, with flights from ZNZ and Dar es Salaam.

These are typically accessed via small charter or scheduled propeller aircraft from ZNZ or Dar es Salaam.

Essential Travel Information for Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)

Visa:
Most travelers require a visa for Tanzania, which covers both the mainland and Zanzibar. You can obtain a visa on arrival at major ports of entry, including ZNZ. The cost is $50 USD for most nationalities (US citizens $100). Have the exact USD cash ready, a completed form, and your passport. If you are entering Tanzania via Zanzibar and then going to the mainland, this single visa is sufficient.

Health & Vaccinations:
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (which includes many neighboring African countries). It is often checked, so carry your certificate. Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended for Zanzibar.

Currency:
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency, but US Dollars are widely accepted in Zanzibar, especially for tourism services. It’s best to have a mix of small denomination USD bills ($1, $5, $10) for taxis and tips. Exchange some money at the airport for local expenses. ATMs are available in Stone Town and at some larger resorts.

Arrival Process:
The airport can feel chaotic. After disembarking, you will:

1. Proceed to health screening (show Yellow Fever cert if required).
2. Queue for immigration/passport control and visa payment.
3. Collect baggage.
4. Pass through customs (they may scan bags).

Have all documents (passport, visa cash, Yellow Fever cert, hotel details) easily accessible.

Departure Tip:
For international departures, arrive at ZNZ at least 3 hours early. Lines for check-in, security, and immigration can be very long, especially during peak tourist season. The departure hall has limited seating and amenities. There is a departure tax, but it is included in your airline ticket.

Island Time & Flexibility:
Flights and processes can be delayed. Patience is key.

Getting to Your Resort: Key Distances from ZNZ

Transfer time is a major factor in choosing your hotel location.

• Stone Town: 10-20 minutes by taxi.
• Northern Beaches (Nungwi, Kendwa): 45-75 minutes by taxi. Roads can be rough in parts.
• North-East Beaches (Matemwe, Kiwengwa): 45-60 minutes.
• Eastern Beaches (Paje, Jambiani): 45-60 minutes.
• South-East Beaches (Bwejuu, Michamvi): 50-70 minutes.

Hotel Transfer Tip: Many resorts in the north and east are accessed via long, bumpy, sand roads. Standard sedans may struggle. Your hotel transfer should use an appropriate 4×4 vehicle.

Which Airport Should You Use?

For all international and most domestic travel to Zanzibar, you will use Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) on Unguja Island. If your destination is a private island resort (e.g., Mnemba), you will likely take a small charter flight or boat from ZNZ.

Via Dar es Salaam (DAR): Many travelers fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) on the mainland and then take a short connecting flight (20 mins) or a ferry (approx. 2 hours) to Zanzibar. Flights are more reliable than ferries, which can be cancelled in rough seas.

Bottom Line: You will arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Pre-arrange your hotel transfer. If taking a taxi, negotiate the fare firmly before getting in. Have $50 USD in cash for your visa, small USD bills for expenses, and your Yellow Fever certificate ready. The airport process can be slow, but it’s the gateway to the island’s incredible beaches and culture.