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.
