Overview
Fringed by white sand and warm turquoise water, Zanzibar is one of the most popular winter-sun destinations for UK travellers, blending Swahili history in Stone Town with laid-back beach resorts along the east and north coasts. Whether you're after a spice-scented city break or two weeks of pure relaxation, flights to Zanzibar from the UK have become easier to book in recent years, with both seasonal direct services and convenient one-stop connections via major hubs.
Best time to fly to Zanzibar
Zanzibar enjoys a tropical climate with two dry seasons that suit most travellers: June to October, when temperatures are warm but comfortable, and December to February, when it's hotter and drier still. The "long rains" fall between March and May and can bring heavy, persistent downpours, so this is generally the cheapest but least reliable time to fly. November sees shorter, lighter showers and can be a good-value shoulder season. Use the When to book chart above to see how fares typically move across the year and time your booking accordingly.
Airlines and routes
TUI Airways operates seasonal direct flights to Zanzibar from London Gatwick and Manchester during the winter-sun season, taking around 9.5 to 10 hours. Outside those dates, most UK travellers connect via a major hub: Kenya Airways through Nairobi, Ethiopian Airlines through Addis Ababa, Qatar Airways through Doha, Turkish Airlines through Istanbul, or Emirates through Dubai. Depending on the layover, total journey time on these routings is typically 12 to 16 hours door-to-door. Comparing both direct and connecting options side by side is the best way to balance convenience against cost.
Things to do in Zanzibar
Beyond the beach, Zanzibar rewards a few days of exploring. Highlights include:
- Stone Town: Wander the UNESCO-listed old town's narrow alleys, carved doors and rooftop restaurants.
- Spice tours: Visit a working spice farm to see and taste the cloves, vanilla and nutmeg the island is famous for.
- Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park: Spot the rare, endemic red colobus monkey on a guided forest walk.
- Nungwi and Kendwa beaches: Enjoy calm, swimmable water and some of the island's best sunsets in the north.
- Mnemba Atoll: Snorkel or dive over vibrant coral reefs just off Zanzibar's north-east coast.
At Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Zanzibar's airport sits around 4 to 5km south-east of Stone Town, so most journeys into the centre take just 15 to 20 minutes. Metered taxis and pre-booked transfers wait outside arrivals, and many hotels along the north and east coasts offer airport pick-up as part of a package. If you're staying further afield, agreeing a transfer price with your hotel before you fly is the simplest option.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Zanzibar
- Book seasonal direct flights as early as possible, since TUI's Zanzibar route has limited weekly departures and fills up fast for the winter season.
- Flying midweek, particularly Tuesday or Wednesday, is usually cheaper than weekend departures on connecting itineraries.
- Keep your dates flexible where you can — shifting a trip by even a few days either side of school holidays can make a noticeable difference to fares.
- Compare direct and one-stop options rather than assuming direct is always cheaper; a connection via Doha, Dubai or Nairobi can sometimes work out better value.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa to enter Tanzania, which covers Zanzibar; this can be arranged in advance as an eVisa or on arrival, and a fee applies. The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling, though US dollars are widely accepted for tours, park fees and some hotel bills — it's worth carrying a mix of both. Malaria risk is present, so speak to your GP or a travel clinic about antimalarials before you go, and check whether a yellow fever certificate is needed based on your onward or previous travel.
