Dubai to Zanzibar flights

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1-stop flights from Dubai to Zanzibar

Ethiopian Airlines	Dubai to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ)	1-stop (9h10m) Ethopia (ADD)
Kenya Airways	DXB to ZNZ	1-stop (18h45m) Nairobi (NBO)

Time difference between Dubai & Zanzibar

It is 1 hour later in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) than in Zanzibar (Tanzania).

Dubai United Arab Emirates	GMT + 4
Zanzibar Tanzania	GMT + 3

We suggest setting your watch to Zanzibar's time as soon as you board your flight (the earlier you begin acclimatising to the new time zone the easier).

Zanzibar Map

Zealous Zanzibar

by Chelna Mare

The mere mention of Zanzibar conjures up images of pirates, spices and sandy white beaches for most people. The islands were discovered by the Persians who used them as a base for their voyages between the Middle East, India, and Africa. It was also a convenient place from which to trade with Eastern African coastal towns, so they settled in what is now known as Stone Town on the main island, Unguja. With at least 20,000 years of human occupation, Zanzibar is a treasure trove of different cultures, religions and architecture.

The most enjoyable time to visit Zanzibar would be between July and October. The cheapest would be April to June, but you will then have to cope with the heavy monsoon rains. Since the islands are only a few degrees south of the equator, it is almost always very hot and very humid. Be sure to take your malaria tablets too. Keep your clothing light and comfortable, and ladies, keep your shoulders and knees covered! Ninety five percent of the population is Muslim, so it makes sense to respect this.

There are direct flights from Johannesburg to Zanzibar, with South African Airways, Kenya Airways or Precision Air, Tanzania's largest airline. You can also fly into Dar Es Salaam and take one of the several daily ferries to Zanzibar. There will be transport available at the port or airport and Stone Town is excellent visited by foot. Driving conditions tend to be on the adverse side, so if you were thinking about hiring a 4x4 to drive up to Dar Es Salaam in the hope of getting on one of the cargo ferries, it really is more trouble than it's worth.

As for accommodation, you can go for all out luxury, or budget bungalows. There is the beautiful Diamonds Gemma Dell Est Zanzibar with tropical gardens and waterfalls. You've also got the Sultan Palace which is one of the very few 5 star hotels around. As for budget accommodation, there are many options to choose from. Hakuna Majiwe is situated right on the beach with no other tourist developments in sight. Arabian Nights is one of the most popular guesthouses on the island and is only a 40 minute drive away from the airport.
The main attraction to Zanzibar is quite obvious, the stunning beaches, it is the stuff dreams are made of!

Stone Town is a must see for all visitors to Zanzibar. This is where it all started and many of the buildings have been restored to their former glory. The "House of Wonders" is a prime example of the excellent restoration work done. The area has been declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and David Livingstone famously stayed here during 1866.

Visit the Forodhani Gardens after sunset to sample the myriad freshly grilled seafood and other famous Zanzibar recipes. Darajani Market is famous for its maze of stalls selling anything from spices to electronics. Dive courses are on offer at many of the hotels, so you can learn something while you enjoy the beauty of Zanzibar! Snorkelling is also great in the crystal clear water and equipment is easy to come by. The rich marine life and coral reefs will keep you enthralled for hours.

Zanzibar seems to have a certain aura about it; it seems wise beyond the ages. Open your mind and heart and let it all in!

Weather in Zanzibar

Zanzibar features a tropical wet and dry climate, with two different rainy seasons: the long rains, which fall during April and May, and the short rains, which fall during October and November. Its temperatures are fairly constant since it is situated on the Equator. The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to September, when the temperatures are milder and the humidity is low.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. high °C	32	33	33	30	29	28	28	28	29	30	32	32
Avg. low °C	24	24	25	25	24	23	22	22	22	23	24	24
Avg. rain mm	58	66	147	320	290	53	28	30	41	66	170	140

Accommodation in Zanzibar

 

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