Abeid Amani Karume International Airport

Gateway to Zanzibar Island

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is the main aviation hub serving Zanzibar and the primary arrival point for travelers connecting from Tanzania’s safari circuit or international destinations. Located just south of the island’s historic quarter, the airport provides quick road access to Stone Town, northern beach resorts, and the east coast—making it a convenient transition point between wildlife adventures and ocean relaxation.

For Serengeti Steppe Travels itineraries, this airport is typically used for scheduled domestic flights from safari airstrips and regional international services, allowing guests to move smoothly from the bush to the beach in a single travel day.

Location & Accessibility

The airport sits only a short drive from Zanzibar’s historic center, while road transfers to northern beach areas usually take around one to one and a half hours depending on traffic. Resorts along the east coast can generally be reached within an hour, making the airport well positioned for onward travel across the island.

Because of its compact layout, transfers are efficient and uncomplicated, particularly when pre-arranged through a safari operator or hotel representative.

Arrivals Experience

On arrival, passengers pass through immigration and baggage claim before entering the public arrivals hall where drivers and representatives wait with name boards. The terminal is modern by regional standards and continues to expand, with air-conditioned spaces and improved passenger flow compared to earlier years.

Customs and health checks are generally straightforward, and most travelers find the process quick during non-peak hours. Serengeti Steppe Travels coordinates meet-and-greet services here to ensure a seamless start to the Zanzibar portion of the journey.

Facilities & Services

Inside the terminal, travelers will find currency exchange counters, small cafés, duty-free outlets, and basic retail shops selling snacks and travel essentials. Seating areas and restrooms are available throughout the departure halls, and mobile connectivity is easy to arrange through local SIM card vendors nearby.

While the airport is not designed for long layovers, its size works in travelers’ favor by keeping walking distances short and check-in procedures relatively efficient.

Why Zanzibar Airport Matters in a Safari & Beach Itinerary

For combined safari-and-island journeys, Zanzibar International Airport plays a critical logistical role. It allows same-day connections from the Serengeti via regional flights. It minimizes long overland transfers at the end of a trip. It places guests close to both Stone Town hotels and beach resorts. It simplifies departure planning for international flights home.

Because of this, most Tanzania safari extensions to Zanzibar are built around arrivals and departures through this airport.