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51.5 km • ~63 mins

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

Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is about 51.5 km south-east of Matemwe on Unguja's north-east coast. Depending on the option you choose, the journey takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes by car or up to 2.5 hours on local public transport.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 51.5 km road distance

Pre-Booked Private Transfer

Recommended
70 mins •Meet & Greet (Booked in Advance)
€28 - €41 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Large Suitcases Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit Arrivals into the meet-and-greet area of Terminal 3.
  2. Look for your driver holding a name sign and have your booking confirmation ready.
  3. Confirm the final price and destination before boarding.
  4. Relax in an air-conditioned private vehicle for the 51.5 km drive.
  5. The driver will take you directly to your hotel entrance in Matemwe.
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Airport Taxi (Negotiated Fare)

Pay On Arrival
75 mins •On Demand at Arrivals
€28 - €41 (Per Vehicle, Agree First)
Luggage: 2 Large Suitcases Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit the arrivals hall and find the official taxi rank just outside.
  2. Agree the total fare in USD or TZS before getting in — aim for about 28–41 EUR.
  3. Confirm the price is for the whole car, not per person.
  4. The drive along the main road north-east takes about 1 hour 15 minutes in normal traffic.
  5. Ask the driver to drop you at your Matemwe hotel or lodge entrance.

Public Dala-Dala (Local Minibus)

Cheapest
150 mins •See Timetable (Daytime Only)
€1 - €3 (Total, Pay in TZS)
Luggage: Not Suitable For Large Bags
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit the airport and walk to the main road outside the terminal forecourt.
  2. Board a dala-dala towards Stone Town's Darajani terminal and pay cash in TZS.
  3. At Darajani terminal, find the northern dala-dala to Matemwe and ask the conductor to confirm the route.
  4. Ride the dala-dala north-east and ask to be dropped at the Matemwe junction or nearest stop to your lodging.
  5. Expect a short walk or a local motorbike/taxi for the final stretch to your hotel.

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Tours & activities: Matemwe

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Unofficial touts inside the terminal may offer 'cheap' taxis or transfers; ignore them and use the official rank or a pre-booked driver.
  • Taxis and transfers are not metered; always agree the total fare in USD or TZS before loading your luggage to avoid price disputes.
  • Card payment is uncommon at the airport taxi rank; carry small USD notes or TZS, and do not accept poor euro exchange offers.
  • Dala-dalas are crowded and have little luggage space; if you have suitcases, opt for a taxi or private transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from Zanzibar Airport to Matemwe?

The cheapest way is the public dala-dala minibus. Take one from the main road outside the airport to Darajani terminal, then transfer to a northern dala-dala to Matemwe. It costs only a few euros but is slow and not suited to large luggage.

How much is a taxi from ZNZ to Matemwe?

An airport taxi to Matemwe is negotiated before departure, typically 30–45 USD or about 28–41 EUR per car. The drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Are there direct buses or shuttles from Zanzibar Airport to Matemwe?

There is no airport shuttle or direct tourist bus. You must take a taxi, private transfer, or the local dala-dala with one change at Darajani terminal.

Is it safe to arrive at Zanzibar Airport at night and get to Matemwe?

Yes, but taxis and pre-booked transfers are the only practical options after about 22:00. Late-night taxi quotes may be higher, so pre-booking is safer.

Do taxi drivers in Zanzibar accept credit cards?

Most airport taxis and transfers do not accept cards; cash in USD or TZS is the norm. Pre-booked transfers may accept card online, but the car itself will not have a card machine.

What is the most family-friendly way to get from ZNZ to Matemwe?

A pre-booked private transfer is best for families: fixed price, driver waiting with a sign, space for luggage, and door-to-door service to your Matemwe hotel.

Nearby places

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

Mnemba Island boat trips (Matemwe beach) · 54.5 km Kiwengwa · 46.5 km Kendwa · 61.3 km Nungwi · 63.2 km Pongwe · 53.3 km Uroa · 34.4 km Michamvi · 68.2 km Zanzibar Ferry Terminal (Malindi) · 11 km Forodhani Gardens · 11.7 km Stone Town · 10.1 km