Find cheap flights to Zanzibar from £513
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Find deals from Columbus to Zanzibar
Find one-way and return tickets at the lowest prices, whether last-minute or planned in advance.
Find deals from Columbus to Zanzibar
Find one-way and return tickets at the lowest prices, whether last-minute or planned in advance.
Cheapest time to fly from Columbus to Zanzibar
Flexible with dates? We find the best prices for the week around your selected date. Prices may vary after you search.
One-way
| Wed, Apr 1 - Tue, Apr 7 | £518 |
| Wed, Apr 8 - Wed, Apr 15 | £605 |
| Thu, Apr 16 - Thu, Apr 23 | £544 |
| Fri, Apr 24 - Thu, Apr 30 | £606 |
| Fri, May 1 - Thu, May 7 | £608 |
| Fri, May 8 - Fri, May 15 | £594 |
| Sat, May 16 - Sat, May 23 | £648 |
| Sun, May 24 - Sun, May 31 | £747 |
| Mon, Jun 1 - Sun, Jun 7 | £517 |
| Mon, Jun 8 - Mon, Jun 15 | £500 |
| Tue, Jun 16 - Tue, Jun 23 | £487 |
| Wed, Jun 24 - Tue, Jun 30 | £473 |
Round-trip
| Wed, Apr 1 - Tue, Apr 7 | £1,289 |
| Wed, Apr 8 - Wed, Apr 15 | £885 |
| Thu, Apr 16 - Thu, Apr 23 | £794 |
| Fri, Apr 24 - Thu, Apr 30 | £778 |
| Fri, May 1 - Thu, May 7 | £833 |
| Fri, May 8 - Fri, May 15 | £815 |
| Sat, May 16 - Sat, May 23 | £823 |
| Sun, May 24 - Sun, May 31 | £880 |
| Mon, Jun 1 - Sun, Jun 7 | £847 |
| Mon, Jun 8 - Mon, Jun 15 | £738 |
| Tue, Jun 16 - Tue, Jun 23 | £808 |
| Wed, Jun 24 - Tue, Jun 30 | £828 |
Getting from Zanzibar airport to the city center
Fastest options: taxi or private transfer. Best value: dala-dala (local minibus) or shared shuttle.
Transport Option | Typical Time | Typical Cost | Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
10-20 min | TZS 25,000-TZS 35,000 (TZS 25,000–35,000 (approx. USD 10–14); fixed rate to Stone Town) | on-demand 24/7 (traffic dependent) | convenience and speed | |
10-20 min | TZS 40,000-TZS 75,000 (TZS 40,000–75,000 (approx. USD 16–30); pre-booked service) | pre-booked (traffic dependent) | comfort and reliability | |
15-30 min | TZS 10,000-TZS 20,000 (TZS 10,000–20,000 (approx. USD 4–8); shared with other passengers) | on arrival of flights (traffic dependent) | budget travelers | |
20-40 min | TZS 500-TZS 1,000 (TZS 500–1,000 (approx. USD 0.20–0.40); local experience) | irregular, when full (traffic dependent) | adventurous budget travelers | |
10-25 min | TZS 15,000-TZS 30,000 (TZS 15,000–30,000 (approx. USD 6–12); app-based pricing) | on-demand, limited availability (traffic dependent) | app users seeking value | |
10-20 min | TZS 0-TZS 50,000 (Often complimentary or TZS up to 50,000 (approx. USD 20); check with hotel) | pre-arranged (traffic dependent) | resort guests |
Notes:
- Prices in TZS; table created in 2025 and subject to change.
- Taxi fares from the airport are generally fixed; confirm the price before departure.
- Dala-dalas do not run on fixed schedules and may require a short walk from the airport entrance.
- Ride-hailing availability in Zanzibar can be limited; have a backup plan.
- Many hotels and resorts offer complimentary or paid airport transfers when pre-booked.
- We recommend checking official transport websites for your travel planning.
Updated: December 2025
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar's best time depends on your priorities: dry-season sunshine and diving (June–October) costs most, rainy months (March–May) offer 30–50% savings, while November and March balance weather, crowds, and moderate flight prices for smart travelers.
- Prices: Peak rates for flights and hotels; book 3-4 months ahead for better deals, especially avoiding Christmas and New Year weeks.
- Weather: Warm and dry, 24–32 °C with just 1–4 rainy days per month; ideal beach conditions with calm seas and excellent diving visibility.
- Events: Sauti za Busara music festival (February), Zanzibar International Film Festival (July), and Mwaka Kogwa Persian New Year celebrations (July) showcase rich Swahili culture.
- Prices: Cheapest flights and accommodation rates, often 30-50% below peak season; last-minute deals abound during April's heavy rains.
- Weather: Warm but wet, 23–31 °C with 12–20 rainy days monthly; afternoon showers are common, though mornings often stay clear for beach time.
- Events: Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (dates vary) bring vibrant night markets, while May's spice harvest offers authentic farm tours in quieter conditions.
- Prices: Moderate rates with flights 20-30% cheaper than peak; November offers better value before December crowds, while late March sees prices climbing as rains ease.
- Weather: Warm at 23–31 °C with 6–12 rainy days monthly; November brings short showers before dry season, March sees transition from heavy rains with improving beach conditions.
- Events: Spice harvest tours (November), Ramadan night markets, and Eid al-Fitr celebrations (dates vary) provide authentic cultural immersion without peak-season crowds.
Zanzibar travel tips
Zanzibar: The Allure of the Spice Island
Imagine sinking your toes into powdery white sand with turquoise waves lapping at your feet—welcome to Zanzibar, a paradise that feels continents away yet is accessible with a few clicks on Kiwi.com. This captivating archipelago off the Tanzanian coast isn’t just about lounging on idyllic beaches; it's a fusion of culture, history, and natural wonder. From the vibrant chaos of Stone Town’s labyrinthine alleys to the intoxicating scent of cloves wafting through the air, Zanzibar offers an adventure for every sense. Kiwi travelers particularly favor this island due to its exotic charm coupled with affordable travel options.
Whether it’s snorkeling with dolphins in the crystal-clear waters or savoring the complex flavors of traditional Zanzibari cuisine, there’s no shortage of reasons to book a flight here.
From Runway to Paradise: Your First Stops in Zanzibar
Upon touching down in Zanzibar, you're just moments away from discovery. Start your journey in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich with history and brimming with local life. Wander through its narrow streets, and you’ll find bustling markets and intricately carved doors leading to hidden courtyards. Catch the sunset at Forodhani Gardens as you nibble on freshly grilled seafood.
For a quick escape from the city, take a short ferry ride to Prison Island (Changuu Island) to meet the ancient Aldabra tortoises and enjoy some snorkeling. By choosing Kiwi.com, you can land at the most convenient times and dive straight into these experiences without a hitch.
How to Fly Smart: Planning Your Zanzibar Getaway
When organizing your flights to Zanzibar, timing is everything. The island’s dry season, between June and October, offers ideal conditions for most outdoor activities and is when tourism peaks. Yet, savvy travelers know that visiting in the shoulder months of November or March brings lower prices and fewer crowds—perfect for those using Kiwi’s flexible search and Price Alerts.
Book your tickets about 4–6 weeks in advance to secure the best deals. With flight durations from Europe averaging around 10 hours, consider a stopover with Kiwi’s smart layover options to add another city to your adventure at no extra cost.
Navigating Zanzibar's Air Travel: Tips for a Smooth Journey
Flying into Zanzibar involves landing at the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, conveniently located just 6 kilometers from Stone Town. This airport, small yet efficient, handles both regional budget carriers and international airlines. Save money by opting for budget airlines that often have promotions, which you can track using Kiwi's Price Alert feature.
Once there, grab a dala-dala (local minibus) or a taxi to venture into Stone Town, just a 20-minute ride away. For ongoing travel, Kiwi.com ensures you're supported with Disruption Protection and easy rebooking options during your Zanzibar sojourn.
Smart Travel Tips for Your Zanzibari Adventure
- Optimize Layovers: Use Kiwi’s Nomad search tool for adventurous routing.
- Beach-Hop Wisely: Explore lesser-known beaches like Matemwe for tranquility.
- Spice Tour Savvy: Book a local spice tour to learn right from the source.
- Market Day Alert: Visit Darajani Market early to snag the freshest finds.
- Check Festival Dates: Align your trip with the Sauti za Busara festival for a cultural treat.
- Stay Connected: Make use of Kiwi’s 24/7 chat support if travel plans shift unexpectedly.
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Weather in Zanzibar
Average Weather
| Month | Average monthly max temperature | Average monthly min temperature |
| January | 30°C | 26°C |
| February | 30°C | 26°C |
| March | 30°C | 26°C |
| April | 29°C | 25°C |
| May | 28°C | 24°C |
| June | 27°C | 23°C |
| July | 27°C | 23°C |
| August | 27°C | 23°C |
| September | 28°C | 23°C |
| October | 29°C | 24°C |
| November | 29°C | 25°C |
| December | 30°C | 25°C |
14 day forecast
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