Planning your trip
Where Is Zanzibar? Map, Country and How to Get There
Which country it is in, where it sits on the map, how far it is from the UK and which part of the island to choose.
By Luciano Baetz · Updated · 4 min read
Where is Zanzibar? It is in the Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Africa, in Tanzania. It is a semi-autonomous archipelago that forms part of the United Republic of Tanzania, about 7,400 km from London in a straight line. The main island is called Unguja and is the one most visitors see; the other large island is Pemba, further north and far less touristy.
Which country is Zanzibar in?
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania. It has its own government for many internal matters, but you travel with a passport as you would to any other country. Before booking, check the current entry and health requirements for your nationality, for example on the UK government's travel advice pages.
Where is Zanzibar on the map?
On the map, Zanzibar sits about 6° south of the equator. The island of Unguja lies a few dozen kilometres off the mainland coast and roughly 75 km in a straight line from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city. It is a long, narrow island running north to south, with white-sand beaches along most of its coast.
The archipelago has two main islands. Unguja is home to Stone Town, the airport and almost all of the resorts. Pemba, to the north, is greener and quieter, with few hotels, and is popular mainly with divers.
How far is Zanzibar from the UK?
London and Zanzibar are roughly 7,400 km apart in a straight line. It is not a short trip: scheduled flights usually involve one stop, and that is what stretches the journey. We explain it in our guide to flights to Zanzibar.
The time difference is small. Zanzibar is 3 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 2 hours ahead in summer, because Tanzania does not change its clocks. There is very little jet lag to speak of.
How to get to Zanzibar
- By air, straight to the island: Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) is a few kilometres from Stone Town. It is the simplest way and the one our packages use.
- Via Dar es Salaam: there are short flights and fast ferries between the city and the island. The ferry crossing takes about 2 hours.
- Transfers: from the airport to resorts on the north or east coast, allow one to two hours by road. Transfers are included in our packages.
The areas of the island
Choosing the right area changes the whole holiday, because the tides and the type of beach differ from one side of the island to the other.
- North (Nungwi and Kendwa): white sand and turquoise water, with less tidal change. This is where you will find the Riu Jambo, the Riu Palace Zanzibar and the Riu Palace Swahili.
- North-east and east coast (Kiwengwa): large resorts, with tides that affect swimming. Here are the Meliá Zanzibar and the TUI BLUE Bahari.
- South-east (Paje and Jambiani): fishing villages and the kitesurfing area. Strong tides and a laid-back feel.
- West (Stone Town): the historic capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a few minutes from the airport. Well worth a day trip.
Which part of Zanzibar should you stay in?
- You want water for swimming at any time of day: the north (Nungwi and Kendwa).
- You want a big resort with plenty to do: Kiwengwa.
- You want kitesurfing and village life: the south-east, in Paje and Jambiani.
- You want history and walking: stay near Stone Town or give it a day trip.
