Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Zanzibar. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 100 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Important Details Before You Go
A few things to sort out before you leave ZNZ:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Tanzania. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Zanzibar takes about 100 minutes by Taxi. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is TZS. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some TZS in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Zanzibar from the Airport
You have two main options for getting from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport into town:
- Taxi: About 100 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 120 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Zanzibar might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$8 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$23 USD
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
For a layover visit to Zanzibar, we’d suggest Stone Town Exploration and Forodhani Gardens (Day/Evening). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Great for a short stroll — bring a coffee and take it easy.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside ZNZ, you can spend time at Dhow Lounge or try Duty-Free & Souvenir Shops. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Best Bites Near ZNZ
For food in Zanzibar, local travelers recommend Lukmaan Restaurant. If you have time for a second stop, The Stone Town Cafe and Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at ZNZ, Africana Restaurant is the go-to. Spice Coffee Shop rounds out your in-terminal options.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at ZNZ can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Zanzibar for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at ZNZ, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Zanzibar itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Tanzania that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Need a Nap? Options at ZNZ
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, ZNZ has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Zanzibar exploring the streets or relaxing at ZNZ, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.