How to Fly to Zanzibar Like a Travel Hacker (And Save Big from Europe!)
Looking to escape to paradise without paying a fortune or wasting a day in long layovers? Zanzibar, the Spice Island of East Africa, is closer than you think—if you know how to travel smart.
In this guide, we break down efficient flight plans from Europe to Zanzibar under 16 hours, including clever routes via Ethiopia. Let’s go full travel-hacker mode.
🛫 Best Flight Plans from Europe to Zanzibar (Under 16h)
1. Paris (CDG) → Zanzibar (ZNZ)
- Airlines: Oman Air, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways
- Duration: ~13h–14h (1 stop)
- Typical stop: Muscat, Istanbul or Doha
Search Paris (CDG) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) on Skyscanner →
2. Frankfurt (FRA) → Zanzibar
- Airlines: Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, Condor
- Duration: ~11h–12h
- Typical stop: Addis Ababa, or sometimes direct with Condor
- Search Frankfurt (FRA) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) on Skyscanner →
3. Amsterdam (AMS) → Zanzibar
- Airlines: KLM, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways
- Duration: ~12h–13h
- Typical stop: Nairobi or Doha
- Search Amsterdam (AMS) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) on Skyscanner →
4. Marseille (MRS) → Zanzibar (via Addis Ababa)
- Airlines: Ethiopian Airlines
- Duration: ~13h15
- Typical route: MRS → ADD → ZNZ
- Search Marseille (MRS) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) on Skyscanner →
5. Rome (FCO) → Zanzibar (ZNZ)
- Airlines: Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines
- Duration: ~11h–13h
- Typical stop: Addis Ababa, Doha, or Istanbul
- Search Rome (FCO) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) on Skyscanner →
6. Barcelona (BCN) → Zanzibar (ZNZ)
- Airlines: Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines
- Duration: ~12h–14h
- Typical stop: Doha, Istanbul or Addis Ababa
- Search Barcelona (BCN) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) on Skyscanner →
✈️ When to Travel for the Best Flight Experience
- June to October: Long dry season with excellent weather, popular for safaris and beach trips.
- November to mid-December: Short rains but fewer crowds and better flight prices.
- Late December to February: Holiday rush—book early for best rates.
- March to May: Long rains; lowest demand and cheapest flights (though more unpredictable weather).
Final Thoughts
Flying to Zanzibar doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're departing from Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Marseille, you can land on white-sand beaches in under 16 hours. Smart route selection, seasonal timing, and flexible planning are the keys to your perfect East African escape.
Ready to touch down in paradise? 🌍
Cover photo by MCK https://www.pexels.com/fr-fr/@mck-242487578/
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