Getting to Zanzibar, although worth it because of its beautiful landscapes and lush greenery, is typically a nightmare.
To reach the island, holidaymakers have to travel for around 12 hours, with at least one stop along the way.
But that will soon change, as Air Tanzania is planning to launch direct flights from the UK to Zanzibar for the very first time.
The country’s flag carrier hopes to introduce the new route by July 2027.
It will be ‘one of the most substantial fleet expansion programmes currently underway among East African airlines’.
Air Tanzania will depart from London Gatwick and at first, fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport which is a popular stop for tourists.
But Peter Ulanga, CEO of the airline, told the Metro Air Tanzania will ‘also run direct flights to Zanzibar, expanding the tourism potential of that destination from the UK, too’.
Initially, the airline plans to schedule three flights per week at the minimum and hopes to obtain eight new planes over the next five years to keep up with demand.
Travelling to Zanzibar usually involves a 12-hour flight with a stopover
But Air Tanzania is planning to launch direct flights from the UK to the dreamy island from 2027
Other European cities already offer direct routes to Zanzibar including Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Madrid.
Often dubbed the ‘Maldives of Africa,’ Zanzibar is an idyllic tropical island getaway.
Located in the Indian Ocean, just off the eastern coast of Africa, the archipelago boasts magnificent beaches and crystal clear waters.
It has breathtaking coral reefs and ocean life creating an underwater safari experience, differing from the safari wildlife Tanzania is best known for.
Aside from the dreamy beaches, visitors can also explore markets in Stone Town, which is the top landmark in Zanzibar on Tripadvisor.
A UNESCO World Heritage site and described as ‘an outstanding example of a Swahili trading town,’ Stone Town has over 1,000 reviews on the website.
One visitor gushed: ‘Stone Town’s narrow, maze-like streets are perfect for adventurous tourists to explore.’
Another penned: ‘Stone Town is a great place. An amazing experience, good environment with rich culture, blend of Swahili, Arabic and European styles.’
Aside from the dreamy beaches, visitors can also explore markets in Stone Town, which is the top landmark in Zanzibar on Tripadvisor
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and described as ‘an outstanding example of a Swahili trading town’
The Anglican Zanzibar Diocese ranks as the second-best landmark to check out, followed by the Bwa Mzee Spice Farm.
At Bwa Mzee Spice Farm, visitors can tour the area and purchase a range of spices.
Travellers rave about the knowledge and expertise shared on the tours, and one visitor wrote: ‘Fantastic exotic farm with many different trees and plants with spices and fruits. Good tour with taste samples.’
Though the official language is Swahili, English can often be found in tourist areas as well as Italian, Arabic and French, according to Visit Zanzibar.
The Tanzanian Shilling is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted too.
At the moment, holidaymakers are faced with return prices from around £890 in June for 12 to 13-hour flights from the UK to Zanzibar, with a stop in hubs including Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
It’s not yet been confirmed the length, or cost, of the upcoming new direct flight by Air Tanzania.
Accommodation on the island can be found for as little as £95 for a double room for a week in June, based on two people sharing, as per Booking.com. This works out to around £13.57 a night.
Prices correct as of May 28, 2026.
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