Zanzibar Where To Find It: Complete Guide Location and Directions 2025
Zanzibar where it is located is a frequently asked question: this paradisiacal archipelago is located in Indian Ocean, 35 kilometers off the east coast of Tanzania, East Africabetween latitudes 5°-7° south. Composed of two main islands - Unguja (commonly called Zanzibar, 1,666 km²) and Pemba (988 km²) - plus 50+ smaller islands, this semi-autonomous territory of Tanzania is strategically located on historic trade routes. Where Zanzibar is located geographically: 6 hours flight from Europe, 1.5 hours from Kenya, 2 hours ferry from Dar es Salaam. This guide explains exact location, how to get there, distances, visas and best time to visit.
Exact geographical location Zanzibar where it is located
Coordinates and regional context
Geographical coordinates:
- Unguja (main island): 6.1659° S, 39.2026° E
- Stone Town (capital): 6.1636° S, 39.1831° E
Indian OceanZanzibar located in warm waters of the western Indian Ocean, same region as Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius.
Distance African coast35 kilometers (22 miles) east of mainland Tanzania.
Composition of the archipelago where zanzibar is located
Unguja (Zanzibar Island):
- Size: 1,666 km² (85 km long x 40 km wide)
- Population: 900,000+ inhabitants
- Capital: Stone Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Beaches: Nungwi (north), Kendwa, Paje (east), Jambiani
Pemba: 988 km², 400,000+ inhabitants, less touristic, famous for advanced diving.
Minor islandsPrison Island, Mnemba Island (exclusive resort), Chumbe Island (marine reserve).
Neighboring countries context
Tanzania mainland35 km west. Dar es Salaam (4.5 million inhabitants) main access point.
Kenya350 km north. Nairobi has direct flights (1.5 hours).
Mozambique700 km south.
How to get to Zanzibar - where it is located from different continents
From Europe where is zanzibar
Direct flights (limited):
- Edelweiss Air: Zurich → Zanzibar (9 hours, Nov-Mar)
- Neos: Milan → Zanzibar (8.5 hours, high season)
Flights with stopovers (most common):
- London → Nairobi → Zanzibar: 11-13 hrs.
- Paris → Doha → Zanzibar: 12-14 hours
- Amsterdam → Dar es Salaam → Zanzibar: 10-12 hours.
Price500-1,200 EUR round trip.
From America
No direct flights:
- New York → Doha/Dubai → Zanzibar: 18-22 hrs.
- São Paulo → Addis Ababa → Zanzibar: 16-20 hours
Price: 800-1,800 USD.
From Africa
Nairobi (Kenya)Direct flights daily, 1.5 hours, 150-300 USD.
Dar es Salaam (Tanzania):
- Flight: 15-20 minutes, 50-100 USD
- Fast ferry: 2 hours, 35-50 USD (departures every 1-2 hours, 7:00-16:00)
JohannesburgDirect flights, 4 hours, 250-500 USD.
From Asia/Middle East
Dubai: Emirates, 5 hours, 300-700 USD.
DohaQatar Airways, 5.5 hours, 350-800 USD.
On the island of Zanzibar you can enjoy an infinity of activities that will make you enjoy everything the island has to offer to the fullest.
Visa and entry requirements Zanzibar where it is located
Tanzania Visa Required
Cost50 USD ordinary tourist, valid for 90 days.
How to obtain:
- Visa on arrival: Pay cash Zanzibar airport (bring exact USD bills)
- e-Visa online (RECOMMENDED): Pre-application https://eservices.immigration.go.tz (2-10 days process)
DocumentsPassport valid for 6+ months, departure ticket, hotel confirmation.
Entry from Tanzania mainland
No additional visa requiredSame visa valid for Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar.
Yellow feverCertificate required ONLY if you are traveling from a country with risk of transmission.
Frequently asked questions Zanzibar where it is located
Where exactly is Zanzibar located and which country does it belong to?
Zanzibar where is itArchipelago in Indian Ocean, 35 kilometers off the east coast of Tanzania, East AfricaThe island is composed of two main islands, Unguja (1,666 km², commonly called Zanzibar) and Pemba (988 km²) plus 50+ smaller islands. Coordinates: 6°10′ S, 39°11′ E (Stone Town). Belongs to Tanzania as a semi-autonomous region with its own government, president, laws but shares president union, foreign policy, defense with mainland Tanzania. Regional context in which Zanzibar is locatedSame Indian Ocean region as Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius; 350 km south of Kenya, 700 km north of Mozambique. Historically, Zanzibar was an independent Sultanate (1856-1964) controlled by Oman, British protectorate (1890-1963), finally joined with Tanganyika to form Tanzania (1964) after a revolution that overthrew the Arab sultan. According to Lonely Planet, where is Zanzibar strategically located on historic trade routes Spice Route explains its unique cultural diversity merging African, Arab, Persian, Indian, European influences with Stone Town being a UNESCO World Heritage Site testifying to this architectural fusion.
How to get to Zanzibar from Spain and how long does it take?
To get to where is Zanzibar from Spain: NO direct flights then it requires 1-2 stopovers with a total duration of 12-20 hours. Main routes: (1) Via Doha - Madrid/Barcelona → Doha (Qatar Airways 6-7 hours) → Zanzibar (5.5 hours) = 12-14 hours total, price EUR 700-1,200 roundtrip; (2) Via Dubai - Madrid/Barcelona → Dubai (Emirates 7 hours) → Zanzibar (5 hours) = 13-15 hours total, price EUR 650-1,100; (3) Via Amsterdam + Dar es Salaam - Madrid/Barcelona → Amsterdam (KLM 2-3 hours) → Dar es Salaam (9 hours) → Zanzibar (ferry 2 hours or flight 15 minutes) = 14-16 hours total, cost 600-1,000 EUR; (4) Via Nairobi - Madrid/Barcelona → Nairobi (Kenya Airways stopover) → Zanzibar (1.5 hours) = 13-16 hours total. High season (Dec-Feb, Jul-Aug) prices 900-1,400 EUR, low season (Mar-May, Nov) prices 500-800 EUR. CouncilBook 2-3 months in advance for best prices, consider arriving Nairobi combining Kenya safari + Zanzibar beaches. According to SkyscannerThe most economical route Spain-Zanzibar is typically via Doha or Addis Ababa Ethiopian Airlines, while the fastest route is via Dubai Emirates.
Is a visa required to travel where Zanzibar is located?
Yes, a visa is required Tanzania to visit where Zanzibar is located (Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, so Tanzania visa applies). Spanish and most Latin Americans require visasCost 50 USD ordinary tourist valid for 90 days single entry. Two options to obtain: (1) Visa on arrival - arriving Zanzibar Airport pay cash 50 USD (bring exact tickets), process 30-60 minutes, need passport valid 6+ months, departure ticket, hotel confirmation; (2) e-Visa online (RECOMMENDED) - pre-application https://eservices.immigration.go.tz 2-4 weeks in advance (process 2-10 days), pay online credit card, print approved e-visa, present arriving (faster process avoiding queues). If you travel Tanzania mainland first then ZanzibarSame Tanzania visa valid both, you do NOT need additional visa although Zanzibar has separate immigration controls (semi-autonomous). Yellow feverVaccination certificate mandatory ONLY if traveling from countries with risk of transmission (Angola, Congo, Uganda); if traveling directly to Europe/America NOT mandatory. According to UK Foreign OfficeCarrying a hard copy e-visa plus hotel confirmations significantly reduces immigration time arriving at the hotel. zanzibar where is it.