Find the cheapest flights from Paris to Zanzibar in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Paris (CDG) → Zanzibar (ZNZ)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 11h 30m – 16h 30m
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €520 | high |
| February | €440 | medium |
| March | €400 | medium |
| April | €450 | medium |
| May | €350 | low |
| June | €460 | medium |
| July | €580 | high |
| August | €620 | high |
| September | €360 | low |
| October | €400 | medium |
| November | €340 | low |
| December | €680 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Turkish Airlines (connecting): from €420 — Istanbul connections have short layovers (1-3h); book via Turkish Airlines website for best prices, not third-party aggregators
- Kenya Airways (connecting): from €380 — Nairobi connections typically 2-4 hours; excellent for combining Zanzibar with a Kenyan safari add-on
- Qatar Airways (connecting): from €480 — Doha connections are well-organized; book 6+ weeks ahead for lowest fares, especially May-September
- Emirates (connecting): from €550 — Dubai connections can be long (4-8h); good choice if you want to break up journey or have Dubai visa
- RwandAir (connecting): from €390 — Kigali connection allows easy Rwanda visa-on-arrival; great for combining beach with gorilla trekking
Booking Strategy
For Paris-Zanzibar flights, target May, September, or November for the lowest fares (€300-400). Book 5-7 weeks in advance for optimal pricing—booking too early (12+ weeks) or too late (under 2 weeks) typically costs more. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are consistently cheapest; Friday and Sunday are most expensive. Turkish Airlines and Kenya Airways offer the best value with shortest connections. Use Google Flights to track prices and set alerts for CDG-ZNZ. Avoid peak periods: Christmas/New Year (December-January), Easter week, and July-August when prices jump to €600+. If your schedule is flexible, fly midweek and consider alternative departure airports: Orly (ORY) sometimes has cheaper fares than CDG.
Route Tips
- CDG Terminal 2E handles most Zanzibar connections—check your airline’s terminal before arriving to allow adequate time for security checks
- Tanzania requires a tourist visa on arrival ($50 USD) or e-visa application beforehand—apply online at immigration.go.tz for faster processing
- Kenyan and Rwandan transit visas are free if staying less than 24 hours in transit—useful if breaking up your journey
- Pack light: most airlines allow 23-30kg checked bags, but heavy luggage on small Zanzibar buses/taxis to hotels is impractical
- Book airport transfers in advance through your hotel—negotiating taxi prices at Zanzibar airport can be stressful after a long flight
- Check if your return flight includes a overnight layover—some tickets price similarly whether you add a 2-day stopover in Istanbul or Doha at no extra cost
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Paris to Zanzibar?
There are no direct flights from Paris to Zanzibar. The shortest connecting routes take approximately 11h 30m with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (one stop). Most flights range from 12-17 hours depending on airline and connection time. Qatar Airways via Doha typically takes 13-14 hours, Kenya Airways via Nairobi 13-15 hours, and Emirates via Dubai 16-20 hours due to longer layovers. Budget at least one overnight layover if seeking the cheapest fares, as arriving in Zanzibar early morning after an overnight flight is common.
How much does it cost to fly from Paris to Zanzibar?
Economy fares range from €300-700 depending on season. The cheapest tickets (€300-380) are available in May, September, and November during Tanzania’s shoulder seasons. Peak season prices (December, July, August, and Christmas) range from €550-700. Business class fares start at €1,800 and can exceed €3,000. Turkish Airlines and Kenya Airways typically offer the best value at €350-450 for economy, while Gulf carriers (Emirates, Qatar) charge premium prices but include more generous baggage allowances and better in-flight amenities.
Are there direct flights from Paris to Zanzibar?
No, there are no direct flights from Paris to Zanzibar. This is a long-haul route requiring at least one connection. The most popular connecting hubs are Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Nairobi (Kenya Airways, RwandAir), Doha (Qatar Airways), and Dubai (Emirates). You cannot currently fly non-stop from any French airport to Zanzibar. The shortest total travel time is approximately 11h 30m with Turkish Airlines, though most journeys take 13-16 hours including layover time.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Paris to Zanzibar?
May and November offer the cheapest flights with average prices around €340-360. September is also affordable at €360. These months fall during Tanzania’s ‘green season’ when rainfall is higher but tourism is lower, resulting in significantly reduced airfares. The most expensive months are December (€680 average) due to Christmas demand, followed by August (€620) and July (€580) during European summer holidays. For best prices, avoid booking for December, Easter week, and the July-August peak period.
Which airlines fly from Paris to Zanzibar?
Seven airlines operate connecting flights: Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul, most popular), Kenya Airways (via Nairobi), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Emirates (via Dubai), RwandAir (via Kigali), KLM (via Amsterdam), and Air France (via Paris hub connections). Turkish Airlines and Kenya Airways offer the most competitive pricing at €350-450. Qatar Airways and Emirates charge premium fares (€480-600) but provide superior in-flight service. All major carriers include at least 23kg checked baggage; Gulf carriers and Turkish Airlines include 30kg.
What airport do I fly into in Zanzibar?
You fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), located about 5km southeast of Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historic center. The airport is relatively small but modern. Taxis to Stone Town cost approximately TZS 15,000-25,000 (€5-8) and take 10-15 minutes. Beach resorts in Nungwi or Kendwa (north) are 60-90 minutes by taxi (€30-50). Most resorts offer airport transfers—confirm this when booking accommodation. ATM facilities are available at the airport, but exchange some euros or dollars before leaving the airport for better rates.
How far in advance should I book Paris to Zanzibar flights?
Book 5-7 weeks before your intended departure for the best prices. This window typically yields €300-400 fares. Booking too early (12+ weeks) sometimes results in higher prices as airlines haven’t released their lowest fare classes. Last-minute bookings (under 2 weeks) are rarely cheap on this route, often costing €600+. For December travel, book by mid-October at the latest. Shoulder season trips (May, September, November) offer more flexibility—you can often find deals 3-6 weeks out. Set price alerts on Google Flights for CDG-ZNZ to monitor fare drops.
Is it cheaper to fly from Paris to Zanzibar on weekdays?
Yes, Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €50-100 cheaper than Friday or Sunday flights. This route sees significant weekend leisure demand, with Sunday being the most expensive day to fly. Tuesday is consistently the cheapest day, followed by Wednesday and Thursday. If your schedule allows, shifting your departure from Sunday to Tuesday can save 15-25% on airfare. Return flights from Zanzibar show less day-of-week variation, but Tuesday-Wednesday returns tend to be slightly cheaper than weekend returns.
Data updated: 2026-03
