Fly from Kilimanjaro (JRO) to Zanzibar (ZNZ)
Whether you’re travelling from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar for vacations, business or family visits its always a smart choice to compare prices and make sure you’re getting the best deal before booking your travel. travelling from the North of Tanzania to the East coast Islands can be quite the exhausting journey but as soon as you reach the beautiful beaches and see those stunning sun-kissed shores you’ll feel the excitement generated by the hustle and bustle of Island life in Zanzibar.
For more on what to get up to while in Zanzibar check out our travel blog articles:
- Top 10 dive sites in the Zanzibar Archipelago according to the experts
- The Best Foodie Experiences in Stone Town, Zanzibar
If you’re all set to hit the skies, then start booking your travel arrangements with us today.
Distance and Flight Time
The prevailing easterly winds usually result in becoming airborne on this 391 km / 243-mile leg to Zanzibar in an eastern direction. This gives those on the left-hand side of the aircraft the most impressive views of the majesty and serenity of the world’s highest free-standing mountain, Kilimanjaro, at 5900m or a little under 20 000 ft. Her Uhuru peak, the highest of 3, is perennially frozen and snow-capped. A slow bank to the right, Zanzibar bound. This route takes anything from 1h30 to 3h30 to cover, dependent on the aircraft type being used by your chosen operator. Flying over Tanzania, its coast and the islands provides so much ‘eye candy’ that quick is not always better!
There are regular direct flights servicing the Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar route with 2 flights per day from Precision Air.
If you prefer to get a better lay of the land you can also travel by road by hiring a car or booking a bus, travelling by road you will have to cover around 447 kilometres then once you reach the coast you will need to take a ferry to the Island which will cross an additional 72 kilometers which should be a 2 hour boat trip.
Not to Miss During Flights
Soon after take-off, off to the left, the Nyumba ya Mungu reservoir can be seen. A little later you’re tracking the East Rift – a continuous geological formation visible from space. Kindoroko peak, standing 2000m, comes into sight on the left-hand side. First, the West Usambara and then the East Usambara Mountains guide your path. The leafy, hiker friendly Highland town of Lushoto is nestled at 1200 min a valley of the West Usamburas.
Your path crosses the shoreline with 80% distance flown and now come the colours and textures of the sea, the beaches, corals and rocks that, with the varying depth of the water contribute to the changing colours. Zanzibar will be visible as you make your approach from the north-west, its western shores fringed with white sand beaches and reefs.
On the final descent, good views of Stone Town and the bustling port of Zanzibar Town are waiting to be captured.
Airport & Layover Tips
Explore Tanzania’s larger airport also known as the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. This international airport may not be the largest or most modern by international standards but it never the less plays host to thousands of domestic, regional and international travellers each week. Once passed immigration – Zanzibar is semi-autonomous but there is nothing needed as you’ve already cleared into Tanzania – baggage collection is easy.There are many options for your onward transfer: taxis and buses to the town a mere 10 km away.
Upon departing the airport you will find that there is no shortage of travel alternatives when leaving the airport with a range of rental car agencies, cabs, buses and shuttles all just a call away.
