Direct flights to Zanzibar from the United Arab Emirates

You can fly from the United Arab Emirates to Zanzibar without changing planes — Dubai–International with Air Tanzania and Flydubai. The island is closer than most people assume, and once you land the east coast is just over an hour away.

The direct routes

• Dubai–International — Air Tanzania and Flydubai

All of these land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ).

When you land

By road, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. The route runs south-east from the airport towards Jozani Forest, then the new road left into Bwejuu, and left again along the coast to Michamvi Pingwe. A car costs USD 60 per car for up to six people. The hotel helps organise transfers through two trusted local partner agencies. Tanzanian law does not permit the hotel to run its own taxis, so payment goes to the driver’s company.

Where you are going

Boutique Hotel Matlai sits at Michamvi Pingwe, on the south-east coast of Zanzibar. It is 6 rooms in total, across 2 villas — Villa Kidosho (two suites) and Asili House (four rooms) — set in a 10,000 sqm garden. The property is east-facing — the sun rises directly over the Indian Ocean. Half board — breakfast and dinner — is the standard rate. Write to info@hotelmatlai.com and we will help arrange your transfer from the airport.

Questions people ask

How long is the flight?

Most non-stop flights from Europe to Zanzibar take between eight and ten hours, depending on the departure city.

Do I need to change planes anywhere?

No — Dubai–International with Air Tanzania and Flydubai. These are non-stop services into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ).

How do I get from Zanzibar airport to the east coast?

By road, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. The route runs south-east from the airport towards Jozani Forest, then the new road left into Bwejuu, and left again along the coast to Michamvi Pingwe. A car costs USD 60 per car for up to six people. The hotel helps organise transfers through two trusted local partner agencies. Tanzanian law does not permit the hotel to run its own taxis, so payment goes to the driver’s company.

What is the coast like on that side of the island?

Matlai is at Michamvi Pingwe, on the south-east coast of Zanzibar. The property is east-facing — the sun rises directly over the Indian Ocean, so mornings begin with sunrise over the water. It is 6 rooms across 2 villas — Villa Kidosho (two suites) and Asili House (four rooms) — in a 10,000 sqm garden.