You have 2 Options:
1. Ferry from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar
To get to Zanzibar from Dar Es Salaam by ferry, it’s best to purchase your ferry ticket a day ahead of time, especially in the peak travel season. The Dar ferry station is located on the waterfront in downtown, right off Sokoine Dr.
View Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar Ferry in a larger map
There are two main ferry companies offering fast ferry services from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar: Azam Marine Coastal Ferries and Fast Ferries. These two companies sort of blend together and it sort of works best to just take whatever ferry at your preferred time, not worrying about the company.
There are a number of boat choices to choose, including the Sea Star, Sea Bus, Sea Express, and the Kilimanjaro, depending on the time you wish to depart. All of the ferries are fine options, however, if you get a chance, take the brand new Kilimanjaro boat by Azam Marine. The top deck is shaded, the chairs are comfortable, and there are even beanbags to lounge on!
Check out their official sites for timetables and latest ticket prices.
Ferry Time: 2- 3 Hours
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Cost: about 35 USD – 50 USD for non-residents
Note: The water can be rough, usually worse returning from Zanzibar to Dar. If you are prone to sea sickness, you might want to consider taking a flight.
Arriving at the Zanzibar Ferry Terminal
Arriving at the ferry in Zanzibar, you will have to pass through immigration and then proceed out of the official port. There will be a crowd waiting to haggle with you and take you to various hotel choices in Stone Town. If you are not interested, it’s a very easy walk to get to the main area of Stone Town. Take a right on the road outside of the terminal, walk for about 1 km and soon you will arrive in the heart of Stone Town.
2. Flights from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar
A flight from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar might only cost a small amount more than the ferry, but it will get you there very fast without having to deal with rough seas.
Here are the main airlines to research and find the best prices:
Flight Time: 15 Minutes
Cost: around 40 – 60 USD
Note: Sometimes visiting the airline office in Dar Es Salaam is beneficial in getting the best price.
Arriving at the Zanzibar International Airport
The Zanzibar International Airport is a small friendly airport located a few kilometers from the main city center of Stone Town. The easiest way to get to Stone Town is to take an official taxi which charges a standard rate of 10 USD (14,000 TSH).
Have a great time in Zanzibar and don’t forget to drink some coffee at Jaws Corner Zanzibar and eat some wonderful Zanzibari Pilau.
In Zanzibar, Delicious Local Food at Passing Show Hotel (Restaurant)
The Ultimate Zanzibar Travel Guide for Food Lovers
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Charisse
6 years ago
We are going to Tanzania arrival 7/1/2018 leaving 7/14/2018. My son is in Mbeya and we are planning on going to Kilimanjaro first then do a few days of Safari. Is it better to do Zanzibar in the beginning of our trip of after the safari then head off the Mbeya. Hotels in Zanzibar you recommend for 6 to 7 people
ritha balige
6 years ago
i real like the hospitality i will visit the place as soon as possible with my friends
Arwa
7 years ago
Thanks for the info!
If i want to take the ship to Zanzibar can i pay TSH instead of dollar ?
BREEZY
6 years ago
yes you can but should be equivalent to the amount of dollar
frank njiru
7 years ago
Highly educative and offers very useful tips on season travelers like me
David Mutunga
7 years ago
Thanks good advice.
wayne
10 years ago
Hi There.
i will be coming through to dar in the coming day via 4×4 and would like to visit zanzibar.
is there a secure place to leave my vehicle in dar. will possibly stay over on zanzibar one night.
thanks and regards.
wayne
John Anthony
12 years ago
Thank you.
I am a regular visitor to Dar es salaam and whenever i go there i must visit Zanzibar. I have taken almost all the airlines, the boats on this route. I would anytime suggest spend abit more and take the flight. The boats are good however by adding an extra 20-30% more you are better off taking the flights.
In Dar es salaam, the zanzibar ferry station is in the city centre. you can take a cab to the ferry station where several boat companies operate ticket offices.
In the city centre there are also several airline offices if you’d like to fly. However i i feel it is cheaper to buy it from a tanzanian online travel agent – http://www.travelstart.co.tz
their prices are better than what i have seen anywhere else.
Zanzibar is a must for any visitor to DAR. Make sure you head to the beach there.