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11.7 km • ~14 mins

How to Get from Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) to Forodhani Gardens

Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) lies about 11.7 km south-east of Stone Town and Forodhani Gardens, normally a 14-minute drive. Options range from a pre-booked private transfer or taxi at about 14–20 minutes, to the local dala-dala at 40 minutes or more with walking.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 11.7 km road distance

Pre-Booked Private Transfer

Recommended
14 mins •On Demand / Pre-Booked
Around €14 - €18.50 Per Vehicle
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free (Confirm)
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. After exiting the arrivals hall, meet your driver at the arrivals exit holding a name sign (pre-book before travel).
  2. Confirm the total per car and currency (USD/EUR/TZS) before loading your luggage.
  3. Drive along the main road towards Stone Town, normally about 14–20 minutes.
  4. Ask to be dropped at the nearest vehicle access point to Forodhani Gardens, such as Mizingani Road or the waterfront.
  5. Walk the final short distance into the park; a porter can help with bags if needed.
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Airport Taxi (Negotiated Fare)

Flexible
14 mins •24/7 at Arrivals
Around €14 - €18.50 Per Vehicle (Negotiate)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free (Confirm)
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit the terminal through Arrivals and look for taxis waiting just outside.
  2. Agree the total fare per car in USD or TZS before getting in; taxis at ZNZ have no meters.
  3. Aim for roughly USD 15–20 to Stone Town; late-night quotes can be higher.
  4. Ask for drop-off near Forodhani Gardens or the waterfront on Mizingani Road, as old alleys are car-free.
  5. Pay cash and walk the final 2–3 minutes into the gardens.

Bolt (Ride-Hailing)

Cashless Option
16 mins •On Demand (Best in Stone Town)
Fare Shown in App (Estimate €9 - €15 Per Car)
Luggage: 1-2 Pieces (Confirm with Driver)
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. In the arrivals area, use the Bolt app to request a ride and follow the pickup point shown in the app.
  2. Check the driver, car and plate before getting in; Bolt works best for Stone Town and is often available at airport arrival times.
  3. Pay by card in the app if available, or ask the driver if cash is accepted.
  4. Ask to be dropped at the nearest road to Forodhani Gardens, such as Mizingani Road, not inside the pedestrian alleys.
  5. Walk the last few minutes to the park.

Local Dala-Dala Minibus (Budget)

Cheapest
40 mins •Daytime Only (Ask Conductor)
From €0.50 / Person (Cash TZS)
Luggage: Not Suited to Large Bags
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit the airport and walk to the main road outside the terminal; dala-dalas do not enter the forecourt.
  2. Board a Stone Town / Darajani-bound dala-dala and confirm with the driver or conductor that it goes to Darajani.
  3. Pay the conductor in TZS cash; exact fares are not fixed and are low.
  4. Get off at Darajani terminal, next to Darajani market, on the edge of Stone Town.
  5. Walk about 10–15 minutes through Stone Town to Forodhani Gardens, or take a short taxi/porter if you have luggage.

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Tours & activities: Forodhani Gardens

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Taxis at ZNZ have no meters — agree a total per-car fare in USD or TZS before loading luggage, and ignore touts who claim an official fixed price.
  • Use the taxi waiting area outside arrivals, not touts inside the terminal who often overcharge.
  • Do not buy your Zanzibar inbound travel insurance from touts; the official price is USD 44 and it is best bought online before you fly.
  • Most airport taxis are cash-only and euros usually get a poor rate, so carry small USD or TZS notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) from Forodhani Gardens?

It is about 11.7 km by road, normally a 14-minute drive without heavy traffic. By taxi or pre-booked transfer you should allow 15–20 minutes.

What is the cheapest way from ZNZ airport to Forodhani Gardens?

The local dala-dala minibus costs from around €0.50 per person, but it drops you at Darajani market and you then walk 10–15 minutes to the gardens. It is not suitable for large luggage or late arrivals.

Can I pay for a ZNZ airport taxi by card?

Most airport taxis are cash-only and prefer USD or TZS; euros are sometimes accepted at a poor rate. Bolt can be paid by card through the app when available.

Is there an airport bus or train from ZNZ to Stone Town?

No, Zanzibar has no train, metro or dedicated airport bus. Your realistic options are a private transfer, taxi, Bolt ride-hailing or the local dala-dala.

Do I need to pre-book transport for a late-night arrival at ZNZ?

It is advisable. Taxis are available 24/7 but quotes tend to be higher after about 22:00. Pre-booking gives you a fixed price and a driver waiting with a name sign.

Is Zanzibar inbound travel insurance required to enter?

Yes, all foreign visitors must hold the mandatory Zanzibar inbound insurance, which costs USD 44 per adult and is best bought online before travel. Your own policy does not replace it.

Nearby places

More transfers from Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)

Stone Town · 10.1 km Zanzibar Ferry Terminal (Malindi) · 11 km Fumba Town · 9 km Uroa · 34.4 km Pongwe · 53.3 km Jozani Forest · 36.9 km Kiwengwa · 46.5 km Michamvi · 68.2 km Matemwe · 51.5 km Mnemba Island boat trips (Matemwe beach) · 54.5 km