The best flight deals to Zanzibar

The city of Zanzibar lies on the west coast of the island of the same name, situated 22 miles off the coast of East Africa, in the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar City lies behind a natural, deepwater harbor and rose to prominence as trading center, in particular, in relation to the East African Slave Trade during the nineteenth century. Zanzibar is a long, low island, occupying an area of approximately 600 square miles and covered with vegetation, including coconut palms and small patches of primitive forest. Today, the island is part of the United Republic of Tanzania and its economy is based on agriculture, fishing and a burgeoning tourism sector. The name alone is intriguing enough to inspire foreigners to explore travel packages to Zanzibar. If your interest is piqued, browse our flight and hotel deals and book your flight to Zanzibar today.

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, formerly Zanzibar International Airport, is the only airport on the island of Zanzibar. The airport is situated approximately 5 kilometers south of Zanzibar City and handles flights to and from East Africa, Europe and the Middle East. A flight from New York to Zanzibar, which includes stops in Europe and East Africa, can still take less than 20 hours.

US citizens traveling to Zanzibar require a visa to enter Tanzania. Visas can be obtained at any port of entry upon arrival in the country, but the US Embassy recommends that US citizens obtain visas before departure.Visas can be obtained from any Tanzanian embassy, which, in the case of the United States, means either of two visa processing centers in Washington DC or New York. To apply for a visa you need to supply the following:

• A visa application form filled out and signed by the applicant
• The visa fee
• A passport valid for six months beyond visa issuance, with a blank visa page
• Two recent, 2 x 2 inch, passport photographs
• A copy of your flight itinerary

The currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian shilling, but the US dollar is widely accepted and, in some cases, preferred to the local currency. Typically, you can pay for hotel expenses and excursions by card, but for smaller, everyday expenses you’ll need Tanzanian shillings. ATM machines, from which you can withdraw Tanzanian shillings only, are thin on the ground in Zanzibar, so exchange your currency at a foreign exchange office before departure, or locally, during your vacation in Zanzibar. If you choose the latter, in which case you’ll need to present your passport.

Local time in Zanzibar is three hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), or UTC+3 for short. By contrast, local time in Washington DC is UTC-7 or UTC-8, depending on whether or not Daylight Saving Time is in operation. So, if you catch a flight from Washington to Zanzibar, remember to wind your watch forward by four or five hours. Speaking of time, why not treat yourself to one of our all inclusive vacations right this minute?

If you’re considering Zanzibar flight and hotel packages, you’ll understandably want to know what to expect weather-wise. Located just south of the equator, Zanzibar enjoys a tropical, humid climate, with consistently monthly high temperatures between 29ºC and 33ºC, or 84ºF and 91ºF. The so-called 'long rains', characterized by heavy, tropical downpours during the afternoon, occur during March, April and May, while the lighter, so-called 'short rains' occur in November and December. Don’t delay - book one of our last minute vacation packages and start planning your stay right away!

Activities on a Zanzibar vacation include, but are not limited to:

• Tours of the historical heart of Zanzibar City, known as Stone Town
• Boats trip to the historic Changu Island, a.k.a. Prison Island
• Professionally guided tours of the stunning Jozani Forest Reserve
• Dhow sailing
• Snorkeling

Seize the opportunity to book one of our vacation getaways while you can.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing Zanzibar vacation, you’ll find plenty to see, as well as do. Top sights in and around Zanzibar City include:

• Old Fort of Zanzibar
• Sultan’s Palace
• Hamamni Persian Baths
• Old Dispensary

We have plenty of cheap vacation packages to choose from, so take your pick.

What to eat in Zanzibar?

Whenever and wherever you book your Zanzibar flight and hotel, you’ll be able to experience the exciting and varied gastronomy of the 'island of spice'. Regional specialties include Zanzibar pizza, with onion, eggs and chili, octopus curry, known locally as 'mchuzi wa pweza' and fried plantain, served as snack or a side dish.Try street food at the nightly market in Zanzibar City or, for a more refined Zanzibari dining experience, the celebrated Lukmaan Restaurant. If we’ve whetted your appetite, make your selection from our 'menu' of vacation package deals now.

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Are you planning your flight to Tanzania? If the allure of Zanzibar for your getaway doesn't quite captivate you, consider delving into the charm of other vibrant cities from this country, and other near countries. Browse through our enticing flight and hotel bundles for your upcoming holiday escapade!

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