SEA ZNZ
Flights from Seattle to Zanzibar
Everything worth knowing before you book this route — how far it is, how long you will be in the air, whether a nonstop exists, and what the fare is doing right now.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Zanzibar?
The great-circle distance from Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) to Zanzibar is 9,382 miles. Flown nonstop, that works out at roughly 16h 10m in the air, including taxi time at both ends.
Expect the return leg to differ. Flying eastbound on the way out, you are pushed along by the jet stream, so the outbound and inbound block times on this route typically differ by around 45 minutes. Airlines schedule for this — it is not a delay.
Can you fly Seattle to Zanzibar nonstop?
Expect at least one stop
Almost nothing flies this far nonstop on scheduled service from the United States. Plan on one connection as the baseline; the routing you pick matters more than the airline, because a well-timed single stop can be quicker than a badly-timed "shorter" one.
When to book
June through October is the classic dry season — clear skies, calm seas, optimal snorkeling and diving visibility. The southeast trade winds (kusi) keep temperatures comfortable at 77–84°F. This is peak season so accommodations book out, especially in July and August. Prices for beach resorts run 20–30% higher than shoulder months.
January through March is the "short dry" — another good window. It's hotter (up to 90°F), seas are flat, and resort prices are lower. The long rains of April and May make this the season to avoid — not impossible to visit, but humidity is intense and some smaller operations close. November's short rains are lighter and more predictable; many travelers use them to grab lower prices with only occasional afternoon showers.
Landing in Zanzibar
You lose 11 hours flying out. Eastbound is the harder direction to adjust to, because you are asking your body to fall asleep earlier than it wants to. Book an arrival that lets you stay up until local evening rather than napping.
| Airport | ZNZ — Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, 4 miles south of Stone Town. Taxis to Stone Town run $10–$15; to north beaches expect $30–$50 depending on distance. |
|---|---|
| Visa | US citizens need a visa. A Tanzania e-Visa (valid for Zanzibar) costs $50 and can be obtained online at eservices.immigration.go.tz before travel. Apply at least 2 weeks ahead. |
| Currency | Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). $1 ≈ 2,600 TZS. Beach resorts and hotels price in USD and accept cards. Local restaurants, markets, and daladalas (shared minibuses) require cash shillings. ATMs in Stone Town are reliable; limited elsewhere. |
| Language | Swahili is the primary language. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas. "Jambo" (hello) and "asante" (thank you) go a long way. |
Zanzibar from other US cities
Other destinations from Seattle
Ready to price it? The fare moves daily.
Open the Zanzibar guide for today's confirmed fare, or search the route directly with your own dates.
See today's Zanzibar fare