Accurate Cape Town to Zanzibar Flight Time 2025 & More

Flight Time from Cape Town to Zanzibar/Cape Town to Zanzibar Flight Duration/Flight Time Cape Town to Zanzibar

Flying from Cape Town to Zanzibar can take around 9 hours and 40 minutes, though there are currently no direct flights between these two destinations.

Cape Town to Zanzibar Flight Time: A Comprehensive Guide

Traveling from Cape Town, South Africa, to Zanzibar, Tanzania, is an exciting journey that takes travelers from the southern tip of Africa to the tropical beaches of the Indian Ocean.

Since there are no direct flights between these two destinations, passengers must take connecting flights through major airline hubs.

The total travel time can vary significantly depending on the number of layovers, the duration of each stopover, and the airline chosen.

This article provides a detailed overview of the flight duration, route options, airlines, and factors that influence travel time between Cape Town and Zanzibar.

Fly Cape Town to Zanzibar: How Far Is Zanzibar From Cape Town?

The aerial distance between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar is approximately 3,800 kilometers (2,360 miles).

Despite this moderate distance, there are currently no direct flights operating between Cape Town and Zanzibar.

Instead, travelers must take at least one connecting flight, usually through a regional hub such as Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Johannesburg, or Dar es Salaam.

Some routes require two layovers, increasing overall travel time.

Total Flight Time: How Long Does It Take?

The total travel time from Cape Town to Zanzibar varies based on the route, airline, and layover duration.

Generally, flights on this route take between 7 to 15 hours, including layovers.

The actual airborne time (excluding layovers) is usually around 6 to 7 hours, depending on the specific flight path.

Fastest Route Available

The fastest possible journey typically involves a single layover in Nairobi or Addis Ababa, with a total travel time of approximately 9 to 12 hours, including transit time.

For comparison, slower routes with two layovers—such as via Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam—can take up to 15 hours or more, depending on flight schedules.

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Common Flight Routes and Layovers

Since there are no direct flights, travelers must fly through a major connecting city before reaching Zanzibar.

Here are some of the most common flight routes:

1. Via Nairobi (Kenya Airways) – Approx. 9 to 12 Hours

• Route: Cape Town (CPT) → Nairobi (NBO) → Zanzibar (ZNZ)
• Layover: Usually 1 to 4 hours at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
• Airline: Kenya Airways
• Pros: One of the fastest options with minimal layover time.
• Cons: Availability of flights can vary depending on the season.

2. Via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines) – Approx. 10 to 14 Hours

• Route: Cape Town (CPT) → Addis Ababa (ADD) → Zanzibar (ZNZ)
• Layover: Typically 1 to 6 hours at Bole International Airport (ADD)
• Airline: Ethiopian Airlines
• Pros: Competitive pricing, efficient connection times.
• Cons: Longer total travel time if layover is extended.

3. Via Johannesburg & Dar es Salaam – Approx. 10 to 15 Hours

• Route: Cape Town (CPT) → Johannesburg (JNB) → Dar es Salaam (DAR) → Zanzibar (ZNZ)

How Long Is the Flight to Zanzibar?

The flight duration from the United States to Zanzibar varies depending on your departure city, airline, and the number of stopovers.

Here’s an overview of estimated flight times from major U.S. cities to Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ):

Flight Times from Major U.S. Cities to Zanzibar

• New York City (JFK/EWR):
  • Estimated Flight Time: Approximately 15 to 26 hours, depending on the route and layovers.
  • Note: There are no direct flights; most itineraries include one or two stopovers.
• Los Angeles (LAX):
  • Estimated Flight Time: Approximately 19 to 26 hours, depending on the route and layovers.
  • Note: Flights typically have one or two stopovers.
• Chicago (ORD):
  • Estimated Flight Time: Approximately 17 hours and 14 minutes.
  • Note: Flights usually include at least one stopover.
• Dallas (DFW):
  • Estimated Flight Time: Approximately 21 hours and 53 minutes.
  • Note: Expect at least one stopover.
• Boston (BOS):
  • Estimated Flight Time: Approximately 9 hours and 16 minutes.
  • Note: Flights typically have one or more stopovers.

Additional Information

• Distance: The distance between New York City and Zanzibar is approximately 12,420 kilometers (7,717 miles).
• Time Zone Difference: Zanzibar operates on East Africa Time (EAT), which is UTC+3. For example, when it’s 12:00 PM in New York (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-4), it’s 7:00 PM in Zanzibar.
• Airlines: Common airlines operating flights from the U.S. to Zanzibar include Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and KLM. These flights often route through major hubs like Doha, Istanbul, Dubai, or Amsterdam.
• Booking Tips: To find the best deals, consider booking your flight several weeks in advance and be flexible with your travel dates. Mid-week departures often offer lower fares.

Durban to Zanzibar

At the time of writing, there were no direct flights from Durban, South Africa, to Zanzibar. Travelers typically had to take connecting flights through major hubs such as Johannesburg or Dar es Salaam.