Explore Zanzibar: new Air Tanzania flights enhance travel options for South Africans

South Africans planning a getaway to the stunning landscapes of East Africa can now look forward to more accessible travel options.

Air Tanzania is set to enhance its services by launching twice-weekly flights between Johannesburg and the enchanting island of Zanzibar, commencing from June 10.

This new route promises to breathe fresh life into travel between South Africa and its neighbour, with the return journey ingeniously structured to include a stop in Dar es Salaam.

The newly scheduled flights are designed for optimal convenience, departing Dar es Salaam every Tuesday and Thursday at 10.45am, landing in Johannesburg at 1.15pm.

Following a brief layover, the service will take off from Johannesburg at 2.15pm, arriving in Zanzibar just before sunset at 6.45pm.

The return leg of the journey, departing Zanzibar at 7.35pm, allows travellers to touch down in Dar es Salaam shortly thereafter at 8.05pm.

This latest addition to Air Tanzania's offerings follows the successful launch of five weekly flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam in November of last year, scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The expansion of services reflects the airline's commitment to enhancing connectivity and boosting tourism within the region.

In anticipation of an influx of visitors, travelling to Zanzibar now requires new precautions.

The Revolutionary Government of Tanzania has implemented a mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance programme through Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.

This initiative emphasises traveller safety, providing comprehensive coverage in emergencies, including medical evacuations and repatriation, with a fee set at $44 per person.

A failure to comply with this requirement could result in denied entry at immigration checkpoints, underscoring the importance of ensuring proper documentation and compliance.

Tanzania's allure as a tourist destination continues to grow, recently experiencing a surge in visitors.

The country welcomed a record 5.36 million tourists in 2024, surpassing its target of 5 million by 2025.

With 3.22 million domestic tourists and 2.14 million international visitors, the thriving tourism sector generated approximately $4 billion in revenue.

Review reports from the Ministry for Natural Resources and Tourism highlight the commitment to sustaining this growth while maintaining the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Across the region, connectivity has been key, especially with South African Airways re-establishing daily flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam in January.

As East Africa's largest city, Dar es Salaam not only acts as a crucial hub for logistics and the economy but also offers easy access to an array of popular tourist attractions.

From the breathtaking Serengeti National Park to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, South Africans can indulge in a variety of experiences.

Moreover, the relationship between South Africa and Tanzania is strengthened through significant foreign direct investment, particularly in agriculture, precious metals, chemicals, and machinery.

This dynamic trade partnership enhances the economic landscape, creating mutual benefits for both nations.

With these developments in air travel and tourism, South Africans are now uniquely positioned to explore the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and historical richness that Tanzania and Zanzibar have to offer.

As the flights commence, anticipation swells for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in travel connectivity between these two beautiful nations.