Zanzibar: Getting there & around

Air Tanzania flies eight times weekly between Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam on the Tanzanian mainland, and ZanAir and Coastal Aviation have daily flights between Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Pemba. There are direct international connections from Zanzibar on Oman Air (via Muscat), Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa) and Kenya Airways (via Nairobi). If your budget allows it, consider arriving on Zanzibar Island by plane to avoid the touts at the ferry port. Zanzibar's airport is 7km (4.5mi) southeast of Zanzibar Town. The 'U' bus line runs between the town and the airport, or you can get a taxi. Many hotels in Stone Town offer free airport pick-ups. There is a departure tax for all flights leaving Zanzibar ( US$20.00 - payable in US dollars and occasionally in Tanzanian shillings). Daily ferries connect Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, while three ferries per week go to Pemba (via Zanzibar) from the mainland. There are also a few ferries weekly that connect Zanzibar and Pemba. Always confirm whether your ferry ticket includes the port tax ( E500.00 ) before purchasing.

There are no flights within the archipelago. Converted pick-ups or dalla-dallas (minibuses) link all major towns on Zanzibar Island, and it's easy to arrange car, moped or motorcycle rental. In general, prices are reasonable and there are few hassles, although breakdowns are fairly common, as are accidents. Considering how small the island is, it's often more straightforward, and not that much more expensive, just to work out a good deal with a taxi driver. You can hire a bicycle, if you're feeling energetic, or organise excursions around the island through a tour operator.

Pemba is a small island and getting around isn't too difficult if you have time up your sleeve and the virtue of patience. Bus drivers are usually willing to take you to destinations off the main routes for an additional fee. Otherwise, cars and motorbikes can be hired as on Zanzibar, and the entire island is great for cycling. There is no public transport on the smaller islands in the archipelago, although you may be able to find someone to rent a bike from.