How to Find Affordable Flights to Zanzibar from London: A Comprehensive Guide

Zanzibar, with its pristine beaches, historical Stone Town, and vibrant Swahili culture, is a dream destination for many UK travellers. If you’re flying from London, one of the biggest challenges is finding an affordable ticket. While round-trip fares can often reach $800–$900 (£650–£750), there are proven strategies to cut costs. In this guide, we’ll show you how to secure cheap flights from London to Zanzibar by choosing the right time to travel, booking smart, and using flight comparison tools effectively.

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9 Tips to find the best deals on flights from London to Zanzibar

In this guide, we’ll share tips on how to find the best deals on flights from London to Zanzibar.

1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

Airfares from London to Zanzibar change throughout the year depending on demand, weather, and school holidays. Being flexible with dates gives you the best chance of finding a deal.

• Avoid peak months: July and August are the most expensive months because of summer holidays.
• Cheaper months: September and May regularly show lower fares, often up to 20–30% less than peak season.
• Weather factor: Zanzibar’s dry season (June–October) is most popular, while April–May (rainy season) is low season with cheaper fares.

2. Book in Advance

Booking your flight in advance is one of the most effective ways to secure a cheaper ticket. While last-minute deals can sometimes pop up, flights to destinations like Zanzibar tend to be cheaper when booked several months ahead.

• Book around 40 days in advance for the best chance of securing cheaper fares. Data shows prices often rise if you wait too close to departure, especially in peak months.. However, always keep an eye on special promotions and sales that may come up unexpectedly.

3. Use a Flight Comparison Website

One of the easiest ways to find affordable flights is by using flight comparison websites. These platforms allow you to compare prices from various airlines, giving you a comprehensive view of the options available. By browsing multiple websites, you can find the best flight deals for your travel dates.

• Set up price alerts: Many flight comparison tools allow you to set price alerts for specific routes, such as flights to Zanzibar from London. This way, you’ll be notified when prices drop, allowing you to book at the right time.

Flight tools like Skyscanner and Kayak also show the cheapest day of the week to fly. For London–Zanzibar, Fridays tend to be cheaper, while Sundays are usually the most expensive.

4. Consider Different Airports in London

London has several airports, each serving different airlines and routes. Depending on your departure preferences, you may find that flying from a different airport in London offers more affordable options.

• Compare airports: London has several major airports, including Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Luton (LTN), and Stansted (STN). Be sure to compare flights from all of these airports to determine which one offers the best price for your desired travel dates.
• Check for low-cost carriers: Budget airlines often operate from London airports like Gatwick and Stansted, and they may offer more affordable flights to Zanzibar, sometimes with layovers in major hubs like Dubai or Nairobi.

Recent fares show that Gatwick (LGW) and Stansted (STN) often have lower-cost options compared to Heathrow (LHR). Budget carriers with layovers (Dubai, Doha, Nairobi) usually depart from these airports.

5. Look for Connecting Flights

Direct flights from London to Zanzibar are available, but they can often be more expensive. Opting for a connecting flight can sometimes lead to significant savings. While this may mean a longer travel time, the difference in ticket prices might make it worthwhile.

• Consider layovers in major hubs: Flights with layovers in cities like Dubai, Doha, or Nairobi can often be cheaper than direct flights. Check for connecting flights that still fit within your travel schedule.
• Explore multi-city options: Booking a flight with multiple legs, such as a stopover in a city you’d like to visit, can also result in lower costs. You may get to explore a new city while saving on airfare.

For example, flights with a layover in Nairobi are often £100–£150 cheaper than direct flights. If you’re flexible with travel time, a short stopover can save you a significant amount

6. Use Airline Miles or Points

If you have a frequent flyer account or credit card rewards that accumulate travel points, consider using them to offset the cost of your ticket to Zanzibar. Many airlines offer frequent flyer programs that allow you to earn miles for each flight you take, which can later be redeemed for discounts on future flights.

• Check for mileage deals: Many airlines offer mileage redemption discounts or offers that can help reduce the cost of flights to Zanzibar from London. If you’ve accumulated miles, this could be a great opportunity to use them.

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7. Look for Special Promotions and Flash Sales

Occasionally, airlines will run flash sales, promotional offers, or seasonal discounts that can significantly lower the cost of flights. Signing up for newsletters from airlines and travel agencies can give you an early heads-up on these limited-time offers.

• Follow airlines on social media: Many airlines announce flash sales and promotions on their social media channels. By following airlines on platforms like Twitter or Instagram, you may get access to discounts before they are made public.
• Check for sales during public holidays: Sales around major public holidays, such as Black Friday, New Year, or national holidays, are common and can result in lower fares for flights to Zanzibar from London.

Watch for flash sales around Black Friday, Boxing Day, and New Year, when airlines often release limited-time discounts.

8. Consider Nearby Alternative Airports in Zanzibar

Instead of flying directly to Zanzibar (ZNZ), check flights to Dar es Salaam (DAR), Tanzania’s largest city. Fares to DAR are often £100–£200 cheaper, and you can reach Zanzibar via a 20-minute domestic flight or a 2-hour ferry.

9. Use Travel Apps for Last-Minute Deals

Travel apps are a great way to find deals on the go, especially if you’re looking for last-minute flights. Many apps offer exclusive discounts and can help you monitor flight prices to Zanzibar from London.

• Set notifications for last-minute deals: Some travel apps allow you to set alerts for last-minute deals, so you’ll be notified when prices drop for your preferred destination.

Apps like Hopper and Skyscanner can send alerts when prices drop. If you’re spontaneous, you may find a one-way deal as low as $278 (£220) from London with one stop.

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Best Time to Book and Travel from London to Zanzibar

• Cheapest months to fly: September and May.
• Most expensive months: July and August.
• Best booking window: About 40 days before departure.
• Best days to depart: Fridays tend to be cheaper than Sundays.
• Weather tip: June–October is dry and popular (higher prices), while April–May has rain but much lower fares.

Conclusion

Finding cheap flights to Zanzibar from London takes flexibility and planning. Aim to travel in September or May, book about 40 days in advance, and compare departures across Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted. Consider connecting flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam if you want to save even more. By tracking flash sales, using flight apps, and staying flexible, you can secure a return ticket for around $800 (£650) instead of paying peak prices. With the savings, you’ll have more to spend exploring the spice markets, pristine beaches, and cultural wonders of Zanzibar.