Why you should fly to Zanzibar
There are several daily flights from Arusha or Kilimanjaro region to Zanzibar. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Dar es Salaam. From personal experience, I highly recommend flying.
Sure, take the ferry if you want to visit Dar es Salaam or travel further south throughout Tanzania. It’s about a 3-hr long ferry ride, and departures are on a regular schedule found here.
If you’re strapped for time, definitely fly. It’s approximately a 45-minute flight, it is direct and you get to experience an aerial view of mainland Tanzania, as well as see Stonetown and the Indian Ocean from above, which are breathtaking.
Bus travel / ferry vs flying
Even if you’re on a budget, I still suggest you fly.
Why?
Because taking a bus from Arusha to Dar typically takes 12 hours. Yes, 12. I don’t care how long it is estimated to take or what Google Maps says, you will spend most of the day on the bus.
There will be stops for lunch and bathroom breaks, which will eat up your time. No matter what the buses advertise (wifi/airconditioning) I have never found these amenities to be functioning and the bus gets very hot in the afternoon. Sometimes there is a movie (it has almost always been a poorly dubbed action movie and twice it was Rambo) and I think I would have preferred no movie at all if given the choice.
Passengers arrive at the bus station far from the ferry terminal, almost always after the last ferry has already departed. Even if it hasn’t, it would take a miracle for you to navigate traffic and purchase your ferry ticket in time.
Guaranteed, you will need to spend the night in Dar es Salaam. You will also have to get a taxi or other transport from the bus terminal to your accommodations. Chances are, you don’t have your ferry tickets in advance and will need to get to the office early to get your tickets, pick up snacks, and board the ferry.
Also, you will need to buy water (lots of water!), your lunch and dinner on the road. All in all, you spend a day and a half in travel to reach Zanzibar.
When you add it all up (bus ticket, food, water, accommodations, transportation, ferry ticket) it often reaches a price similar to the plane fare. And if you put a price value on your time – then there is no question! It’s better to fly than spend a day a half on an uncomfortable bus, eating road-side food and sitting in Dar es Salaam traffic.
Flying takes 2.5 hours accounting for transportation to the airport, waiting for your flight to board, actual flight time, and getting from the airport to Stonetown. Add a bit more time if your hotel is outside of town or in the North or East of the island.
The overnight ferry? It is an option. I wouldn’t do it, everyone I know who has taken it would NOT recommend. If you want a first-hand account, check out this post.
My Advice
If you’re visiting Tanzania definitely visit Zanzibar! You won’t be disappointed. There are museums and historical sites, a great local music scene, incredible food, and wonderful beaches. There are loads of activities and new experiences such as wildlife viewing, fishing, snorkeling, diving, and kite surfing. You can take a painting class, join a spice tour, or learn how to cook local Zanzibar dishes.
Unless you’re planning to visit Dar es Salaam and surrounding areas, or you are keen to sit on a hot bus for 12 hours, book a direct flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar. You’ll save time and possibly even money.
If you need help planning your trip to Zanzibar or booking a flight, please contact me for help.
You can also book tickets from
Air Tanzania
Fast Jet
Precision Airways
Tropical Air
Auric Air
Flight Link
Some of these flights should be paid in-person or with local Tanzanian shillings. Again, if you need help to book in advance (during high season you will!) please fill out the form below.
