Book cheap flights to Zanzibar

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Discover the cheapest flights to Zanzibar
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The prices shown on this page were available within the last 20 days for the specified periods and should not be considered the final price offered. Please note that availability and prices are subject to change.

Popular flight routes to Zanzibar

Johannesburg
Flights from Johannesburgto Zanzibar
7245R
6767R
Prime price per passenger
Cape Town
Flights from Cape Townto Zanzibar
11222R
10510R
Prime price per passenger
Dar es Salaam
Flights from Dar es Salaamto Zanzibar
1283R
1206R
Prime price per passenger

How long is the flight to Zanzibar?

If you’re planning a trip to Zanzibar, we at eDreams have checked the most popular routes to help you plan ahead. From Johannesburg, the flight takes about 4h 26m; from Port Elizabeth, around 6h 7m; and from Durban, roughly 6h 14m.
Flight Time (in hours)
JohannesburgPort ElizabethDurbanCape Town
0h 1h 2h 3h 4h 5h 6h 7h 8h
4h 26m
6h 7m
6h 14m
7h 14m

How much does a flight to Zanzibar cost?

At eDreams you can find flights from Johannesburg to Zanzibar starting from R 2 747, with an average price of R 5 280. If you depart from other cities such as Cape Town, you can find tickets from R 5 913, and from Durban starting from R 7 498, according to data from the last 72 hours.
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JohannesburgCape TownDurban
R 5 280
R 7 819
R 7 839
JohannesburgCheapest
Cheapest Price: R 2 747
Cheapest
Average

Find and book the best flights to Zanzibar

Zanzibar stands as a historically significant island destination, renowned for its rich heritage and key role in East African trade. This archipelago, off the coast of Tanzania, offers a distinct blend of African, Arabic, and Indian influences.

Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its intricate coral stone buildings, carved doors, and narrow alleyways. Notable sites include the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Palace Museum, each revealing layers of the island's past. You can also visit the former slave market and the Anglican Cathedral.

The island’s appeal lies in its deep history, diverse cultural tapestry, and the stories embedded within its ancient architecture. Visitors come to uncover its unique blend of past and present, experiencing a destination shaped by centuries of global interactions.

When is the best time to fly to Zanzibar?

High Season

Zanzibar's high season, typically from June to October, brings cooler, drier weather. Daytime temperatures average around 25°C to 28°C, with refreshing sea breezes. Upon landing, you'll feel a lively atmosphere as the island buzzes with activity. Clear skies and calm waters define this period, making outdoor experiences like swimming and exploring Stone Town's narrow alleys particularly pleasant.

The island's cultural pulse quickens during these months. Events such as the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) often take place, attracting a diverse crowd. Local life integrates seamlessly with the increased visitor numbers; markets are lively, and there's a palpable energy across the island. The consistent good weather ensures most activities are readily available, from spice farm tours to dhow trips, shaping Zanzibar's identity as a sun-soaked retreat.

Low Season

The low season, generally from March to May and again in November, marks Zanzibar's rainy periods. Temperatures remain warm, often exceeding 30°C, but humidity is high, and heavy tropical downpours are common, especially in April and May. The air feels thicker upon arrival, and the pace of life slows significantly across the island. These rains are typically short but intense, followed by sunshine.

During these months, the island takes on a more tranquil character. While some outdoor activities might be impacted by the weather, the landscape becomes lush and green. Local cultural life shifts to an internal rhythm; you might encounter fewer organised events, but daily routines continue with resilience. Zanzibar feels more subdued, offering a chance to experience its natural beauty and local interactions away from the peak crowds, embodying a quieter, more reflective side of island life.

Zanzibar bucket list: Best activities & sights

Touch down in Zanzibar, and you immediately feel the island’s unique rhythm. The scent of spices drifts through the air, hinting at centuries of trade and culture waiting to be discovered. This archipelago promises an adventure rich in history and natural beauty.

Here are some highlights of what awaits you:

Stone Town
Wander through the labyrinthine alleys of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Ancient buildings, carved wooden doors, and bustling markets tell stories of Zanzibar’s Swahili, Arab, Persian, and European heritage.

Spice Plantations
Immerse yourself in the island’s fragrant history with a tour of a local spice farm. You can see, touch, and smell the cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon that shaped Zanzibar’s past.

Prison Island (Changuu Island)
Just a short boat ride away, this small island offers a glimpse into Zanzibar’s history as a former prison and quarantine station. Today, it’s home to a sanctuary for giant Aldabra tortoises.

Jozani Forest National Park
Explore the rare beauty of this protected rainforest, the last remaining natural forest in Zanzibar. It’s the primary habitat for the endangered red colobus monkeys, which are unique to the island.

Kendwa Beach
Experience the pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters on Zanzibar’s northern tip. Kendwa is known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning sunsets over the Indian Ocean.

Forodhani Gardens
As evening descends, Forodhani Gardens transforms into a lively outdoor food market. Sample local street food, from fresh seafood skewers to Zanzibari pizzas, right on the waterfront.

Secure your seat to Zanzibar today

To find the best flight deals to Zanzibar, remember to book in advance and consider flying during the off-peak season. For frequent travellers, eDreams Prime offers even more benefits, making your journey planning smooth and simple. Get ready to discover the magic of Zanzibar – your adventure starts with a flight!

Frequently asked questions about flights to Zanzibar

How can I find cheap flights to Zanzibar on eDreams?
At eDreams you will find flights from R996 to Zanzibar. Thanks to the combination of various technologies, machine learning algorithms and real user searches on our platform, you will be able to choose between the different options that best suit your needs when you have to fly to Zanzibar.
When's the best time to go to Zanzibar?
According to our customers' flight searches, the best time to fly to Zanzibar is March.
What are the cheapest airlines flying to Zanzibar?

Looking at the prices of our customers' bookings from US to Zanzibar, your best bet for cheap flights is:

  • Ethiopian Airlines: the average price of a one way flight is R8 512,08 . The average price of a Johannesburg ticket to Zanzibar is R8 034,64 and R10 895,74 if you leave from Cape Town.
  • RwandAir: a one-way ticket costs on average R8 739,46: this has been calculated taking as a reference the average price of flights of Johannesburg to Zanzibar, which amounts to R8 739,41 and that of flights departing from Cape Town, whose average price is R11 370,88.
  • Fly Safair: the average price of a one-way ticket is R9 693,73. The flight between Johannesburg and Zanzibar costs on average R8 071,79 and the ticket price from Bloemfontein round the R13 007,79.
Which airlines fly to Zanzibar?

Airlines with indirect flights to Zanzibar include:

  • Kenya Airways, which flies from Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban.
  • Ethiopian Airlines, with flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as from Durban.
How long before a flight to Zanzibar should I be at the airport?
If you want to be on time for your flight to Zanzibar, you should get to the airport at least two to three hours in advance. Check-ins, security controls, customs, and boarding the airplane can take some time. At eDreams, you can find the best deals for flights to Zanzibar departing from over 10 cities and choose from a variety of services that will improve your time at the airport and guarantee a much better travel experience, such as priority boarding and additional luggage. For more convenience, when booking your flight to Zanzibar with eDreams you can also add insurance or opt for a refundable fare and have a problem-free trip!
How many airports are in Zanzibar and which is the main one?
Zanzibar has 1 airport. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport operates domestic and international flights to 10 cities. Some of the most popular destinations are Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam and Nairobi.

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