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54.5 km • ~69 mins

How to Get from Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) to Mnemba Island boat trips (Matemwe beach)

Mnemba Island boat trips depart from Matemwe beach, 54.5 km north-east of Zanzibar Airport. Private transfers and taxis take about 69 minutes, while the cheap dala-dala can take around 3 hours.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 54.5 km road distance

Pre-booked Private Transfer

Recommended
69 mins •On Request (Pre-Booked)
€28 - €41 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit Terminal 3 arrivals and look for your driver holding a name sign
  2. Confirm the fixed price per car and destination before loading luggage
  3. Board the private vehicle for the 69-minute drive to Matemwe
  4. Ask the driver to drop you at the Matemwe beach boat-trip meeting point
  5. Walk to your boat operator's meeting point on the beach
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Airport Taxi

Flexible
69 mins •On Demand (24/7, Night Surcharge)
€28 - €41 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit the arrivals hall and follow signs to the taxi rank outside Terminal 3
  2. Agree the total fare per car (not per person) and currency before loading
  3. Give the driver Matemwe beach boat-trip meeting point as destination
  4. Expect about 69 minutes driving time in normal traffic
  5. Pay cash in USD or TZS at the drop-off

Dala-Dala via Stone Town & Matemwe

Cheapest
180 mins •See Timetable (Daytime Only)
€0.70 - €1.70 / Person
Luggage: Not Recommended With Suitcases
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit the airport and walk to the main road outside the forecourt
  2. Board a dala-dala heading to Darajani terminal in Stone Town
  3. Pay cash TZS to the conductor, ask for Darajani
  4. At Darajani find a northbound dala-dala to Matemwe and pay cash TZS
  5. Ask the conductor to drop you at Matemwe beach, then walk to your boat-trip meeting point

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Tours & activities: Mnemba Island boat trips

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Do not accept the first taxi quote; touts inside the terminal charge inflated USD 60-65 for north-east beaches. Ignore unofficial touts.
  • Always agree the total fare per car (not per person) and currency before loading luggage; airport taxis are unmetered and cash-only.
  • At Darajani terminal ignore touts who may direct you to overpriced taxis; buy dala-dala tickets only from the conductor and pay cash in TZS.
  • Do not rely on Bolt from the airport to Matemwe; drivers are scarce on the north-east coast and you may be stranded with no match.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from ZNZ to Mnemba Island boat trips (Matemwe beach)?

The local dala-dala via Darajani is cheapest at about €0.70-€1.70 per person, but it takes around 3 hours, involves a transfer in Stone Town, and is not suitable for large luggage.

How long does it take from ZNZ to Matemwe beach?

By private transfer or taxi it takes about 69 minutes in normal traffic, covering 54.5 km. The dala-dala takes roughly 3 hours including waiting and the Darajani transfer.

Can I pay by card in taxis or dala-dalas?

No. Airport taxis and dala-dalas are cash-based; use USD or TZS. Pre-booked transfers often allow card payment online, but drivers may still expect cash for extras.

Is there an airport shuttle bus or Uber to Matemwe?

No. There is no airport shuttle network, and Uber does not operate in Zanzibar. Bolt works mainly around Stone Town, so for Matemwe pre-book a transfer.

What is the best option for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer is best: fixed price, driver waiting at arrivals, and door-to-door to the Matemwe beach meeting point. Taxis also work if you negotiate clearly.

Do I need to pre-book the Zanzibar inbound travel insurance?

Yes, all foreign visitors must buy the USD 44 ZIC policy before arrival at inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz. Your own travel insurance does not replace it, and it may be checked at the airport.

Nearby places

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

Matemwe · 51.5 km Kendwa · 61.3 km Nungwi · 63.2 km Kiwengwa · 46.5 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