Fly from Pemba Island (PMA) to Zanzibar (ZNZ)
Whether you're travelling from Pemba to Zanzibar for vacations, business or family visits its always a smart choice to compare prices and make sure you're getting the best deal before booking your travel. Travelling from Pemba Island on the East Coast of Tanzania to the more popular East coast Island of Zanzibar will be a quick and scenic trip and well worth it if you're into Island hopping. There is a direct connection between Pemba Island and Zanzibar. Use the box above to search flights for your specific dates and passenger numbers.
For more on what to get up to while in Zanzibar check out our travel blog articles:
If you're all set to hit the skies, then start booking your travel arrangements with us today.
Distance and Flight Time
The flight between Pemba Island and Zanzibar is a short 136 km / 91-mile hop only takes 30 minutes; you’ll wish it was longer as it affords the traveller some of the best ocean, island, beach and reef views in the world. There are regular flights on this route provided by ZanAir, Auric Air, As Salaam Air and Coastal Aviation.
If you prefer to get a better lay of the land you can also travel by ferry between the islands which could take up to 4 hours to complete depending on where on Zanzibar Island you plan to dock.
Not to Miss During Flights
Leaving Pemba airport (also called Wawi and Karume) usually taking off to the north and then swinging around to fly south-southwest, you’re afforded views out of both sides of the aircraft that’ll take your breath away. The coral fringed beaches of myriad islands, the locals plying their trade - fishing and cargo carrying - in their ancient, time-tested dhows on the waters below.
See the incredible colour palette of the waters; the bright white sand beaches with sand so fine; the black, black, rocky outcrops. Contrast this with the colours of the forests once the aeroplane crosses the Zanzibar coast close to the tourist-popular Matwemwe and Kiwenga regions of the island.
Before this, you’ll see the north end of Zanzibar, Nungwi, the location of many of the island’s hotels and lodges. Within minutes Zanzibar City, its bustling port and ancient, alleyway filled Stone Town will come into view. By this time you’ll be on approach for landing if landing from the north, or you’ll pass the airfield and turn, coming in from the opposite direction.
Airport & Layover Tips
Explore Tanzania's larger airport also known as the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. This international airport may not be the largest or most modern by international standards but it never the less plays host to thousands of domestic, regional and international travellers each week. Once passed immigration - Zanzibar is semi-autonomous but there is nothing needed as you’ve already cleared into Tanzania - baggage collection is easy. There are many options for your onward transfer: taxis and buses to the town a mere 10 km away.
Upon departing the airport you will find that there is no shortage of travel alternatives when leaving the airport with a range of rental car agencies, cabs, buses and shuttles all just a call away.
Should you be connecting an international flight, follow the signs to check in.
Top Tip:
If you’re having to wait at the airport, there are cafes and restaurants with good wifi outside. Waiting there is a more pleasurable way of passing the time.