Home Arrow FAQs Arrow How to get to Kenya from Zanzibar

How to get to Kenya from Zanzibar

The journey between Zanzibar and Kenya links Tanzania’s spice island with Kenya’s wildlife reserves, vibrant cities, and beautiful beaches. Whether you’re traveling to Nairobi for business, heading on a safari expedition, or planning a beach holiday in Mombasa, there are several ways to get to Kenya from Zanzibar, each offering different experiences and costs.

By Air

The fastest and most convenient mode of reaching Kenya is by air straight from Zanzibar. The Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) of Zanzibar has direct flight connection mainly to Nairobi and Mombasa. The airlines that use these routes include Kenya Airways, Precision Air, Jambojet, and Coastal Aviation. Flights to Nairobi usually take 1.5 to 2 hours, while flights to Mombasa are slightly shorter, typically 1 to 1.5 hours.

The prices of the tickets vary according to the season, the airline, and the date at which you make the reservation. Travelers on a budget can expect one way fares of $100-$150 or so when booked in advance, but during heavy travel seasons prices can increase significantly.

After arriving in Nairobi or Mombasa, you can use the domestic flights, bus service or rail travel depending on what you plan to do to join other destinations within Kenya.

If you're flying into Nairobi but wish to visit the coastal city of Mombasa, consider taking the Madaraka Express (SGR train), which connects Nairobi to Mombasa in about 5–6 hours with comfortable seating and scenic views.

On land and by Sea

Though significantly less common and much more time-consuming, traveling overland from Zanzibar to Kenya is an option for adventurous travelers looking for a unique experience. Here’s the typical journey:

Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam ferry:

Take a ferry trip to sail out to Dar es Salaam in Zanzibar. The time of the ferry ride lies between 2-3 hours. The principal operator is Azam Marine with the average costs of tour being between $35 to $60 appertaining to class and season.

Dar es Salaam to Nairobi or Mombasa bus:

There is an international bus to Nairobi or Mombasa which runs out of Dar es Salaam. The bus companies such as Riverside Shuttle, Tahmeed and Modern Coast operate this route. It takes approximately 14-16 hours to reach Nairobi whereas it takes 10-12 hours to reach Mombasa. Prices are not fixed, and they tend to cost between $30 and $50

While some long-distance buses operate directly from Dar es Salaam to Nairobi or Mombasa, most overland travelers go through Arusha or Moshi and then cross into Kenya via the Namanga or Taveta border posts.

Although this is a cheaper mode of transport over the air, it takes a long time and is not comfortable. Travel by land could as well mean to endure longer queues at border stations and at the visa checks.

Entry Requirements

Check that your travel documents are arranged before travel. As of 2024, all travelers (except East African citizens and select exempt nationalities) are required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before entering Kenya. This replaces the former eVisa system. Your passport must be valid for at least six months upon entry into Kenya for at least six months, at the time when you enter the country with even some proof of having yellow fever vaccination as well.

Travel by air or travel overland and make a choice of a new experience of Zanzibar to Kenya. Plan your visit in the best way, control the transport time and have a great excursion to eastern Africa!

Related Articles

View more Arrow
Expand your online sales through an all-in-one live chat app.
COOKIE SETTINGS