Port information & tips for Zanzibar
Zanzibar is the exotic jewel off the coast of Tanzania and enchants cruise guests with the scent of spices and the charm of One Thousand and One Nights. The historic island capital Stone Town combines African, Arabic, and Indian influences into a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site right on the emerald-green Indian Ocean. In the immediate vicinity, the magnificent House of Wonders, the historic Old Fort, and the lively Forodhani Gardens invite you to take a discovery tour through cultural diversity. Cruise ships dock at the central Malindi Port, which is located at the northern end of the old town. Thanks to this prime location, travelers can easily reach the heart of Stone Town on foot and dive directly into authentic island life.
Zanzibar, Tanzania's spice island, is a classic fly & cruise port that is ideally reached by plane followed by a transfer. The cruise port is centrally located in Stone Town, providing convenient access to the historic old town. For a relaxed embarkation, especially after long intercontinental flights, arriving the day before is recommended.
Airplane
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is the main gateway to Zanzibar and is located only about 6 to 8 kilometers south of Stone Town, where the cruise port is situated. There are no direct flight connections from the DACH region; travel is convenient via international hubs such as Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, or Addis Ababa. The pure flight time is between 9 and 12 hours depending on the connection, which makes relaxed flight planning with sufficient buffer time for connecting flights advisable.
Transfer & Shuttle
From ZNZ airport to the cruise terminal in Stone Town, the travel time by car or taxi is approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Numerous providers offer private transfers that can be booked in advance, guaranteeing a stress-free ride with a professional driver. Alternatively, taxis are available at the airport; however, it is recommended to negotiate the fare before starting the journey. Booking a shuttle through the cruise line or local partners ensures a direct and reliable connection to the ship.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
An overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Stone Town is particularly recommended after a long-haul flight from Europe. It not only allows for relaxed acclimatization but also the opportunity to extensively explore the historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its winding alleys and colorful markets, before the cruise begins. Many hotels in Stone Town also offer an ideal starting point for reaching the cruise terminal easily thanks to short distances.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for travel to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Zanzibar, Tanzania's spice island, is a classic fly & cruise port that is ideally reached by plane followed by a transfer. The cruise port is centrally located in Stone Town, providing convenient access to the historic old town. For a relaxed embarkation, especially after long intercontinental flights, arriving the day before is recommended.
Airplane
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is the main gateway to Zanzibar and is located only about 6 to 8 kilometers south of Stone Town, where the cruise port is situated. There are no direct flight connections from the DACH region; travel is convenient via international hubs such as Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, or Addis Ababa. The pure flight time is between 9 and 12 hours depending on the connection, which makes relaxed flight planning with sufficient buffer time for connecting flights advisable.
Transfer & Shuttle
From ZNZ airport to the cruise terminal in Stone Town, the travel time by car or taxi is approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Numerous providers offer private transfers that can be booked in advance, guaranteeing a stress-free ride with a professional driver. Alternatively, taxis are available at the airport; however, it is recommended to negotiate the fare before starting the journey. Booking a shuttle through the cruise line or local partners ensures a direct and reliable connection to the ship.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
An overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Stone Town is particularly recommended after a long-haul flight from Europe. It not only allows for relaxed acclimatization but also the opportunity to extensively explore the historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its winding alleys and colorful markets, before the cruise begins. Many hotels in Stone Town also offer an ideal starting point for reaching the cruise terminal easily thanks to short distances.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for travel to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Zanzibar is located in the immediate vicinity of the historic old town, Stone Town, and offers you direct access to the island's cultural treasures.
On foot
The famous old town of Stone Town can be easily reached from the terminal in about 10 to 15 minutes. The walk takes you directly into the winding alleys of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and allows for a relaxed exploration of the sights right after arrival.
Taxi
Numerous registered taxis are available at the port exit and will take you comfortably to the more distant dream beaches or spice plantations. The drivers know the best routes and often offer guided island tours for cruise guests.
Dala-Dala
For an authentic experience, there are the Dala-Dalas, the island's traditional minibuses. These run regularly from the nearby Darajani Market and, thanks to their high frequency, connect the port area affordably with various regions of Zanzibar.
To optimally experience the magic of the Spice Island, a combination of the historic flair of the old town and the tropical highlights in the direct vicinity of the port is recommended.
Stone Town
This UNESCO World Heritage Site impresses with its labyrinthine alleys and famous carved wooden doors and, thanks to its location directly at the cruise terminal, is perfectly suited for an exploration tour on foot.
Spice Plantations
An excursion into the green hinterland reveals the aromatic variety of cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla; additionally, these tours offer a fascinating insight into the soul of the island of Tanzania thanks to short travel distances.
Prison Island
The small island is only a short boat ride from the port and is home to impressive giant tortoises, while the turquoise water provides the perfect setting for a relaxed break for snorkeling or swimming.
Stone Town & Emerson on Hurumzi
The historic old town of Stone Town is located only about ten minutes' walk from the cruise terminal and fascinates as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a labyrinth of narrow alleys as well as the famous, magnificently carved Zanzibar doors. An exclusive experience is offered by the Rooftop Tea House in the Hotel Emerson on Hurumzi, which opens up an incomparable panoramic view over the rooftops of the city to the Indian Ocean. Thanks to the authentic interior with divans and carpets, you can enjoy a stylish break here with traditional spiced tea while listening to the distant call of the muezzins. Ideally, explore the old town directly in the early morning hours to experience the special atmosphere before the midday heat, and return relaxed to the pier at the latest sixty minutes before departure thanks to the short distances.
Returning to the Port of Malindi in Stone Town is very straightforward and relaxed thanks to its central location and excellent accessibility.
Taxi
Taxis can be found at central hubs such as Forodhani Gardens, the Darajani Market, as well as directly in front of well-known hotels like the Park Hyatt or the Serena Hotel. The ride to the port gate is short and easy to arrange thanks to the fixed taxi stands, ensuring you reach the terminal safely and on time.
On Foot
From the historic center of Stone Town, you can comfortably walk back to the ship in just a few minutes, as the port directly borders the old town district. The path along the busy waterfront road is easy to find and leads you directly to the guarded port entrance, where security personnel coordinate access to the pier.
Private Transfers and Tour Buses
If you have spent the day at the beaches of Nungwi or Kendwa, it is best to use the organized return transfers from your tour providers or taxis from the large beach resorts. These drivers are well-acquainted with local traffic conditions and will take you directly to the terminal building, allowing you to pass through the port security checks in good time.
