Cheap flights from Nairobi to Zanzibar
Direct flights from Nairobi to Zanzibar take around an hour and a half to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, just outside Stone Town. It is one of the most popular short holidays from Kenya.
- Flight time: about 1 hour 30 minutes
- Distance: 602 km
- Route: NBO → ZNZ
- Airlines: Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Precision Air
About Nairobi to Zanzibar flights
Compare Nairobi–Zanzibar fares on BuuPass, including direct and one-stop options, and pay with M-Pesa, Airtel Money or card.
Departure airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Arrival airport: Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ).
- Direct flights from JKIA, plus connections through Dar es Salaam
- Stone Town is about 15 minutes from the airport; Nungwi and Paje are about an hour away
- Kenyan citizens can visit Zanzibar visa-free with a valid passport
Tips for booking a cheap flight to Zanzibar
- Zanzibar requires travel insurance for visitors. Arrange it before you fly.
- June to October and December to February are peak season, so book early.
- Compare a direct flight with a Nairobi–Dar–Zanzibar connection; either can be cheaper on different days.
Pay with M-Pesa, Airtel Money, Visa or Mastercard. Your e-ticket is sent by email and SMS.
Check passport, visa and vaccination requirements before you travel internationally.
Nairobi to Zanzibar flights: FAQs
How long is the flight from Nairobi to Zanzibar?
About 1 hour 30 minutes direct.
Are there direct flights from Nairobi to Zanzibar?
Yes. Kenya Airways operates direct flights from JKIA, and other airlines offer direct or one-stop options.
Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?
Kenyan citizens do not need a visa. Zanzibar does require visitors to have travel insurance.
Can I pay for Zanzibar flights with M-Pesa?
Yes. BuuPass accepts M-Pesa, Airtel Money, Visa and Mastercard.