HOW TO GET fROM DAR ES SALAAM TO ZANZIBAR
A fruit seller walking the streets of Dar es Salaam. An authentic Tanzania city that is brimming with vibrance and culture / Image: @mkumbwajr
Do you have your sights set on the white-sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Zanzibar? Chances are, you'll have to start your visit from Dar es Salaam, the country's largest and most populated city! Getting from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar is relatively straightforward, but it's important to weigh up your options before making a decision on how you get there.
When deciding on how to get from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, you'll have a couple of transport options to choose from, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Deciding which one to go for can be a little overwhelming, but we'll give you all the must-know information to ensure the decision-making process is as simple as possible.
Without further ado, let's dive in and show you how to travel to one of Tanzania's most beautiful islands.
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The pristine views of Zanzibar. Stunning coastal landscapes surround the island making it a paradise dream for every visitor / Image: @danaetsoutreli
Where is Zanzibar?
You've seen pictures of Zanzibar's dreamy palm-tree-lined shores and colorful old towns, but where exactly is this postcard-perfect paradise?
This semi-autonomous region sits off Tanzania's northeast coast, with Dar es Salaam lying just slightly south. Although it's often described as an island, Zanzibar is an archipelago consisting of more than 50 landmasses. Unguja is Zanzibar's main island, and you'll likely stay there during your visit.
A view of the inner city streets of Dar es Salaam. There are many ways on how to get from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar / Image: @mkumbwajr
2. Whats the distance from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar?
The distance between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar is approximately 82 km. This figure refers explicitly to the length of the stretch of sea separating Zanzibar City, the archipelago's primary commercial and transportation hub, and Dar es Salaam.
3. How Many Hours Is It From Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar?
Traveling to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam can take between 20 minutes and two hours, depending on which mode of transport you choose. Regardless, getting between the two usually isn't too time-consuming.
Inside a traditional boat in Zanzibar that will take you on various routes. This one going to prison island also known as Changuu Island / Image: @liliess
4. Methods of Transport to Get to Zanzibar From Dar es Salaam
When you're heading to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, you can choose between two transport options. The most popular way is to take the super-speedy flight from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. Your alternative is the ferry, a great, albeit slower alternative.
Getting From Dar ES Salaam to Zanzibar by Flight
As you might expect, traveling by air is significantly faster than by boat. When you opt for the flight, you'll arrive in Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam in less than half an hour and often in as little as 20 minutes. Although it depends on the time of year, for the most part, numerous flights link these destinations each day.
A bunch of airlines operate routes connecting these two hotspots. Most of these are Tanzanian carriers like Air Tanzania, Precision Air, As Salaam Air, and Coastal Aviation, but international counterparts like Qatar Airways also service this flight path.
If you're not planning to leave the airport and prefer to fly in and out of Dar es Salaam on the same day, you won't need to worry about local transportation. However, those of you hoping to spend a few days in this bustling metropolis or who have a long layover will find there are a few available options.
Most accommodations are in central Dar es Salaam, just a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport. A taxi usually costs around TZS 40500.00 ($15), whereas a bus costs about TZS 675.00 ($0.25). While it's a small fraction of the price of a cab, it generally takes twice as long, the timetables can be pretty unreliable, and the bus stop is a 5-10 minute walk from the terminal.
How Much Is a Flight From Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar?
As with most flights, the cost of the trip from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar by plane is difficult to predict. Fares vary quite a lot between airlines and regularly change based on the time of year, but they can go for less than TZS 94500.00 ($35) or exceed TZS 270000.00 ($100). In general, it's best to monitor the prices for a few weeks before booking to get a better idea of the average based on the dates you have in mind.
One of the ferry’s that takes you from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar is called the ‘Kilimanjaro’. Experience this authentic crossing to get to the paradise island / Image: @nichiyoshi
Getting From Dar ES Salaam to Zanzibar by Ferry
Though flying is quicker, many people take the ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar instead. This tends to be a convenient way to travel if you've spent a few nights in the city before heading to Zanzibar, as it spares you the notoriously traffic-filled journey back to the airport.
It's also considered the more inexpensive option of the two. On average, the ferry ticket prices are cheaper than the airfare, but that's not always the case. If you're leaning towards the boat for economic reasons, compare the costs of flying and going by ferry first, as you'll sometimes come across a flight for less than the boat ticket.
A handful of local companies service this route, including Azam Marine Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries and Zan Fast Ferries. Both operators are well-regarded, so you can't go wrong with either of the two. Additionally, they both offer multiple departures daily, with increased frequency at weekends and busy periods.
The ferry terminals in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar are chaotic at the best of times. You'll likely encounter numerous taxi drivers and locals offering to help you with your luggage for a small tip, in addition to the crowds of ferry passengers.
Where Is the Dar es Salaam Ferry Terminal?
The Dar es Salaam ferry terminal is in the heart of the city center. This bustling port is roughly 11 km east of the airport and a stone's throw from the city's main tourist areas. It's connected to other spots in the city by taxi and local bus.
Many of Dar es Salaam's best-loved hotels are just a short walk or an even shorter taxi ride from the ferry port, making it super easy to reach from the city center. From the airport, catch a 20-minute taxi for around TZS 54000.00 ($15) or take the 40-minute bus for just TZS 675.00 ($0.25). However, the bus typically stops close to the ferry terminal rather than precisely at it, so you may need to walk for a few minutes to get there.
How Long Does It Take From Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar by Ferry?
It usually takes 1-2 hours to get from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar by ferry. The journey is quick if the sea conditions are calm and there are no hold-ups. If the water is choppy, as it can be in the afternoon and especially during the rainy season, the trip will likely be longer (and much less comfortable!).
A birds eye view of the incredible coastline of Zanzibar Island - this is what you might see when you arrive on water from Dar es Salaam / Image: @moseslondo
How Much Is the Ferry From Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar?
Ferry costs fluctuate based on demand and the time of year and differ between companies. Moreover, the ticket class you purchase will determine how much you'll pay for your seat, and non-residents may be required to pay higher prices.
On average, a standard ferry ticket will set you back around TZS 108000.00 ($40) if you're not a resident, but this may be higher or lower depending on the specifics of your booking.
You'll find tickets available on the websites of Azam Marine Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries and Zan Fast Ferries, and they can also be booked using a third-party site like Bookaway.
There's an official desk at the ferry terminal if you'd prefer to purchase your ticket on-site. Sometimes, you may need to come here to collect pre-booked tickets, as it's not always possible to pay for your reservation online. With this option, you must pay in either Tanzanian Shillings or U.S. Dollars.
Classic boats docked on the Zanzibar coastline, drifting in the calm seas offering picturesque views from land and dreamy boat rides on the water / Image: @szabolcs
5. Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Get Cheap Flights From Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar?
While there's no sure-fire way to snag cheap flights, there are various things you can do to increase your chances of securing a budget-friendly fare.
Several weeks before booking your flight, use price comparison websites like Skyscanner and Kiwi to get an idea of the average fares on any given day for each airline serving the route.
A bonus feature of these sites is how they allow you to add a price alert to selected flights, keeping you informed of any changes in costs. You'll also be able to check out the price trends for each flight to give you an indication of the cheapest times to book in previous years.
What Airlines Fly From Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar?
Most airlines that fly between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar are Tanzanian aviation companies like Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, As Salaam Air, and Air Tanzania. International carriers like Qatar Airways and charter airlines like Hahn Air also offer flights on this route.
Is There a Bus From Dar es Salaam Airport to the Ferry Port?
A bus that travels close to the ferry port operates from a bus stop about a 5 or 10-minute walk from Dar es Salaam Airport for approximately TZS 675.00 ($0.25). The different bus lines can be confusing, and the journeys are twice as long as in a taxi, so ensure you set aside plenty of time with this option.
This Is How You Get From Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar!
Traveling from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar doesn't have to be as challenging or confusing as it seems. With this detailed guide, we've hopefully taken some of the stress out of the journey and given you a chance to decide on the most suitable option for you.
Now that you know how to get from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, all that's left to do is pack those bags and catch a quick flight or ferry.
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