Abeid Amani Karume International Airport

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is the sole airport serving Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. Located about 5 km south of Stone Town, the island's historic capital, ZNZ handles both domestic flights from mainland Tanzania and a growing number of international routes catering to Zanzibar's popularity as a beach and cultural tourism destination.

The airport has a single terminal that has undergone expansion in recent years to handle increasing passenger volumes. The terminal building is compact, with departures on the upper level and arrivals on the ground level. All airlines operate from the same terminal, and walking from one end to the other takes no more than 5 minutes.

Terminal layout:

• Ground floor: Arrivals hall, immigration, baggage claim, customs, ATMs, SIM card vendors, taxi counter
• Upper floor: Check-in counters, departures lounge, duty-free, gate areas, VIP lounge

ZNZ is a small airport by international standards. Facilities are limited compared to major hubs, but the recent expansion has improved check-in capacity, added air conditioning in parts of the terminal, and expanded the departures lounge. During peak tourist season (June-October and December-February), the terminal can feel crowded, especially when multiple international flights depart in close succession.

Nearby Airports

Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) -- 70 km east (across the Zanzibar Channel on the mainland)

• Tanzania's largest airport and primary international gateway
• More international route options, including long-haul flights
• Connected to Zanzibar by frequent short flights (20 minutes) and ferry service from Dar es Salaam port

When to fly via DAR instead of ZNZ:

• If your airline does not serve ZNZ directly
• For connections to southern and western Tanzania (Selous, Ruaha)
• For a wider selection of international carriers

Connecting between DAR and ZNZ:

Method	Time	Cost	Notes
Flight (Precision Air, Air Tanzania)	20 min	$50-100 USD	Multiple daily flights
Ferry (Azam Marine)	90-120 min	$35-40 USD (tourist class)	Departs from Dar es Salaam port, not the airport

Minimum connection time: If connecting through DAR on separate tickets, allow 5-6 hours to account for travel between DAR airport and the ferry terminal or to catch a connecting flight.

ZNZ is located 5 km south of Stone Town, making it one of the more conveniently located airports for its main destination.

Typical travel times:

• Stone Town: 10-20 minutes
• Nungwi (north coast): 50-70 minutes
• Kendwa: 45-60 minutes
• Paje (southeast coast): 40-50 minutes
• Jambiani: 45-55 minutes
• Matemwe (northeast coast): 40-50 minutes

Travel times vary depending on road conditions. The main road to Stone Town is paved, but roads to beach areas on the north and east coasts are narrower and can be rough in places. Traffic in Stone Town's narrow streets can add time during busy periods.

There is no rail or bus service from the airport. Taxis, hotel transfers, and private cars are the only options.

Uber, Bolt, and other international rideshare apps do not operate in Zanzibar.

Airport Taxis

Taxis are the primary transport from ZNZ. A taxi desk is located in the arrivals hall where you purchase a prepaid voucher at fixed rates.

Destination	Fare (USD)	Time
Stone Town	$10-15	10-20 min
Nungwi	$45-55	50-70 min
Kendwa	$40-50	45-60 min
Paje	$35-45	40-50 min
Jambiani	$40-50	45-55 min
Matemwe	$35-45	40-50 min

Notes:

• Fares are typically quoted in USD, though payment in TZS is also accepted
• Negotiate the fare before departing if not using the prepaid desk
• Taxis are not metered -- always agree on a price first
• Vehicles range from sedans to minivans; request a specific size if traveling with luggage

Hotel Transfers

Most hotels and resorts on the island offer airport transfers, especially those on the north and east coasts. Transfers are often included in package bookings or available for $30-60 USD depending on distance. Pre-arranged transfers are recommended for first-time visitors, as drivers will be waiting with a name sign at arrivals.

Local Transport Apps

ZanTaxi is a local taxi booking service reachable by phone. Some visitors report success using WhatsApp to arrange pickups, but coverage is inconsistent. For the most reliable service, use the airport taxi desk or arrange a hotel transfer.

There is no public bus or train service to Zanzibar's airport.

Zanzibar has a network of dala dala (local minibuses) that connect towns across the island, but none serve the airport directly. The nearest dala dala stop is on the main road, about a 10-minute walk from the terminal, and is not practical for travelers with luggage.

For budget travelers, the best option is to take a taxi to Stone Town (around $10 USD) and then use dala dalas for onward travel across the island. Dala dala fares are very cheap -- typically TZS 2,000-5,000 ($0.75-2 USD) per journey -- but service is irregular and vehicles are often crowded.

ZNZ has a small parking area directly in front of the terminal.

Type	Rate
Short-term (per hour)	TZS 2,000 (~$0.75 USD)
Daily	TZS 10,000 (~$4 USD)

Parking is adequate for drop-offs and short stays. For longer-term parking, options are limited. Most residents traveling off-island arrange for someone to drive them to the airport rather than leaving a vehicle parked.

Dining options at ZNZ are limited. The terminal has a small selection of food and drink vendors.

Airside (After Security)

• Departure lounge cafe: Sandwiches, samosas, and light snacks. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and beer available. Expect to pay TZS 5,000-15,000 ($2-6 USD) per item.
• Small kiosk: Bottled water, chips, and packaged snacks

Landside (Before Security)

• Arrivals hall cafe: Basic refreshments, coffee, and snacks
• Small vendors: Bottled water and light food items

Budget tip: Food and drink selection is much better and cheaper in Stone Town. If you have time before your flight, eat in town. Forodhani Gardens night market in Stone Town (open evenings) offers grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, and fresh sugarcane juice for TZS 3,000-10,000.

Free WiFi is available in the terminal, though quality is inconsistent.

Detail	Information
Network name	ZNZ Airport Free WiFi
Cost	Free
Speed	Slow; suitable for messaging, unreliable for video calls or streaming
Registration	Email or phone number

Tips:

• Do not rely on airport WiFi for essential tasks
• A local SIM card with data is a far more reliable option
• Some airport cafes offer their own WiFi networks

SIM cards are available from vendors in the arrivals hall, and purchasing one is highly recommended for staying connected on the island.

Providers at the Airport

Provider	Tourist Package	Data	Validity	Cost
Vodacom	Data bundle	5-10 GB	7-30 days	TZS 10,000-25,000 ($4-10 USD)
Airtel	Data bundle	5-10 GB	7-30 days	TZS 10,000-20,000 ($4-8 USD)
Tigo (MIC Tanzania)	Data bundle	3-7 GB	7-14 days	TZS 8,000-15,000 ($3-6 USD)

Registration Requirements

• Passport required for SIM registration (Tanzanian law)
• Registration takes 5-10 minutes
• Staff will activate and test the SIM before you leave

Recommendations:

• Vodacom has the best overall coverage across Zanzibar, including remote beach areas
• Airtel is a solid alternative with competitive data pricing
• Coverage can be patchy in rural areas regardless of provider
• If you have an eSIM-compatible phone, purchase an eSIM before arrival (Airalo, Holafly) to avoid queues

Currency

Zanzibar uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). However, US dollars are widely accepted across the island, especially at hotels, tour operators, and restaurants catering to tourists. Small denominations of USD ($1, $5, $10) are useful for tips and minor purchases.

Exchange rate: Approximately 1 USD = 2,600-2,700 TZS.

Important: US dollar bills printed before 2006 are frequently rejected across Tanzania. Bring newer bills in good condition.

ATMs

ATMs are available in the arrivals hall.

• CRDB Bank and NMB Bank ATMs are the most common
• Visa and MasterCard accepted at most ATMs
• Withdrawal limit: Typically TZS 400,000-800,000 per transaction ($155-310 USD)
• Fees: Local banks charge TZS 5,000-10,000 ($2-4 USD) per withdrawal; your home bank may add additional fees

Currency Exchange

A currency exchange counter operates in the arrivals hall. Rates are less favorable than in Stone Town.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw TZS from ATMs in Stone Town using a no-fee debit card (Wise, Revolut)
• Exchange cash at forex bureaus in Stone Town for better rates
• Pay in USD at hotels and tour operators (they accept USD at fair rates)

Tip: Zanzibar is a cash-heavy economy. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants, but carry sufficient cash for markets, local restaurants, tours, and tips.

Shopping at ZNZ is minimal compared to larger airports. A few small shops operate in the departures area.

Duty-Free

A small duty-free shop in the departure lounge sells:

• Alcohol and tobacco
• Perfumes and cosmetics
• Basic travel items

Selection is limited. Do not count on the airport for significant duty-free purchases.

Souvenirs

A handful of shops in the departures area sell:

• Zanzibar spices: Cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, black pepper (the island's historic trade goods)
• Tingatinga paintings: Colorful Tanzanian art style
• Kanga and kitenge fabrics: Traditional East African textiles
• Carved wooden items: Doors, boxes, and figurines in the Zanzibari style
• Coffee and tea: Tanzanian-grown products

Tip: For better selection and prices, shop at Darajani Market or the shops in Stone Town before heading to the airport. Airport prices are marked up significantly.

Lounge options at ZNZ are limited to one main facility.

VIP Lounge (Departures)

• Location: After security, departure level
• Access: Day pass purchase ($25-35 USD), business class passengers on select airlines
• Hours: Open during departure periods
• Amenities: Air conditioning, comfortable seating, snacks, soft drinks, beer and wine, WiFi
• Quality: Basic but a welcome escape from the crowded departure gate area, which has limited seating and can be hot

Priority Pass

Priority Pass acceptance at ZNZ is limited. Check current participating lounges on the Priority Pass website before relying on it.

Airline Lounges

No dedicated airline lounges operate at ZNZ. Business class passengers on Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and other carriers may receive lounge access vouchers at check-in.

Tip: Given the limited lounge facilities, arrive no more than 2 hours before your flight. Spend extra time in Stone Town instead.

Hotels near ZNZ are limited, as most visitors head directly to Stone Town or the island's beach areas. The closest hotels are along the road between the airport and Stone Town.

For early morning departures, staying in Stone Town (10-20 minutes from the airport) gives you both proximity and access to restaurants, shops, and nightlife the evening before.

Zanzibar is an archipelago of islands, with the main island Unguja (commonly called Zanzibar Island) being the primary destination. The island combines Indian Ocean beaches, a UNESCO World Heritage old town, and centuries of spice trade history.

Getting Around the Island

Destination	From Airport	Best For
Stone Town	10-20 min	History, culture, food, nightlife
Nungwi	50-70 min	Beaches, snorkeling, backpacker scene
Kendwa	45-60 min	Beach resorts, calm swimming
Paje	40-50 min	Kitesurfing, beach, budget stays
Jambiani	45-55 min	Quiet beaches, local culture
Matemwe	40-50 min	Diving, secluded beaches
Prison Island	30 min by boat from Stone Town	Giant tortoises, snorkeling

Must-See Attractions

• Stone Town: UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander narrow streets lined with carved wooden doors, spice markets, and historic buildings blending Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences. Allow at least half a day.
• Forodhani Gardens: Nightly food market on the Stone Town waterfront. Grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, sugarcane juice. Opens at sunset. Budget TZS 10,000-20,000 for a full meal.
• Spice Tours: Guided tours of working spice plantations. Learn about cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Half-day tours cost $15-25 USD per person.
• Jozani Forest: Home to the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey. Entry TZS 22,600 (~$9 USD). Located centrally, 35 minutes from Stone Town.
• Prison Island (Changuu): A short boat trip from Stone Town. Visit Aldabra giant tortoises and snorkel coral reefs. Boat and entry combined around $25-35 USD.
• Mnemba Atoll: World-class diving and snorkeling. Day trips from the northeast coast, $50-80 USD per person.

Practical Tips

• Best time to visit: June-October (dry, cooler) and December-February (dry, warm). Avoid the long rains in April-May.
• Visa: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival ($50 USD) or apply online in advance.
• Yellow fever: A vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country.
• Malaria: Zanzibar is a malaria zone. Consult your doctor about prophylaxis before travel.
• Dress code: Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. In Stone Town and villages, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees). Beachwear is fine at resorts and beaches.
• Bargaining: Expected at markets and for taxi fares. Start at about 50% of the asking price.
• Tipping: TZS 5,000-10,000 ($2-4 USD) for good service at restaurants. Hotel staff and tour guides appreciate tips of $5-10 USD per day.
• Water: Drink bottled water only. Widely available for TZS 1,000-2,000 ($0.40-0.80 USD).
• Power: Zanzibar uses UK-style three-pin plugs (Type G). Power outages occur; many hotels have generators.

Zanzibar Specialties

• Zanzibar pizza: A street food specialty -- thin dough stuffed with meat, vegetables, egg, and sometimes Nutella, cooked on a flat griddle
• Urojo (Zanzibar mix): A tangy soup with bhajias, potatoes, and coconut chutney
• Octopus curry: Fresh octopus in coconut sauce, a local staple
• Pilau rice: Spiced rice dish with Indian Ocean influences
• Spice tea: Chai with cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, available everywhere
• Fresh tropical fruit: Mango, pineapple, jackfruit, and coconut from local farms

Day Trips from Zanzibar

• Pemba Island: A 30-minute flight or 3-hour ferry north. Less developed than Unguja, known for deep-sea diving at the Pemba Channel.
• Dar es Salaam: A 20-minute flight or 90-minute ferry to mainland Tanzania. Gateway to Selous Game Reserve and the south coast.
• Mafia Island: Reachable by chartered flight. Whale shark snorkeling (October-March), quiet beaches, and marine park diving.