You can fly from the Serengeti to Zanzibar on scheduled light-aircraft flights, usually with a stop or change in Arusha. The journey typically takes about three to five hours, including stops. Light-aircraft baggage limits are strict, usually around 15 kg per person in soft bags.
This guide explains the routes, what the day looks like and how to plan it. For complete trips, see our safari and beach holidays.
Last checked: September 2026. Schedules change each season; we confirm current routings when we book.
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How the route works
- Serengeti airstrip to Arusha. Scheduled flights connect airstrips such as Seronera, Kogatende, Grumeti, Ndutu and Kusini with Arusha, often stopping at other airstrips on the way.
- Arusha to Zanzibar. Connect onto a flight to Zanzibar, which may stop elsewhere in Tanzania.
Some flights route directly from the Serengeti toward Zanzibar with fewer stops, depending on the season and airline. Your planner will choose the best connection for your camp.
What the day looks like
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Morning | Final game drive to the airstrip, or a transfer after breakfast |
| Late morning to early afternoon | Light-aircraft flights via Arusha |
| Afternoon | Arrive in Zanzibar and transfer to your resort |
Transfers from Zanzibar’s airport take from about 20 minutes (Stone Town) to about an hour or more (the north coast and Kendwa). &Beyond Mnemba Island adds a short boat crossing. See our guide to Mnemba.
Baggage rules
Light aircraft have strict limits:
- About 15 kg per person, including hand luggage, on most scheduled services.
- Soft bags only, without hard frames or wheels, so they fit in the hold.
- Extra luggage can often be stored in Arusha or sent ahead. Ask your planner.
If you need more weight for camera equipment, you can sometimes buy an extra seat.
Charter vs scheduled flights
| Scheduled | Private charter | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Per seat | Per aircraft |
| Stops | Often several | Direct |
| Timing | Fixed schedule | Your choice |
| Best for | Couples and small groups | Families, groups, or tight connections |
For a group of four to six, a charter can cost little more per person than scheduled flights and saves hours.
Tips
- Don’t plan anything else on travel day. Treat it as a relaxed travel day.
- Keep valuables and medication in your hand luggage.
- Allow a buffer before international flights. If you are flying home from Zanzibar, spend at least one night there first.
- Check weather. April and May rains can delay flights.
FAQs
How long is the flight from the Serengeti to Zanzibar?
Allow about three to five hours including stops, depending on your airstrip and connection.
Is there a direct flight from the Serengeti to Zanzibar?
Some scheduled routes and all charters can fly with few or no stops. Most scheduled options go via Arusha.
Can I fly home directly from Zanzibar?
Yes. Zanzibar has international flights, often connecting via Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa, Doha or Dubai.
Can I drive from the Serengeti to Zanzibar?
No. Zanzibar is an island, and driving from the Serengeti to the coast takes days. Flying is the only practical option.
Plan your flights
We arrange all flights and transfers as part of your trip. See our safari and beach holidays or enquire below.
