TUI is launching a new non-stop flight to Zanzibar, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean often compared to the Maldives but at a fraction of the cost. Starting July 2, holidaymakers can book package holidays that include direct flights from London Gatwick.
Flight Schedule and Season
The new route will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays from November 3, 2027, with the last outbound flight on March 22, 2028. This gives travelers a four-month window to enjoy winter sun in the Indian Ocean.
Why Zanzibar?
Known as the 'Spice Island' for its history in spice farming, Zanzibar offers diverse landscapes: white-sand beaches, lush forests, mangroves, and grasslands, all within an hour's drive. Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adds cultural depth. Year-round temperatures between 23°C and 32°C make it ideal for winter escapes.
Cost Comparison
Zanzibar is significantly cheaper than the Maldives. According to Budget Your Trip, visitors spend between £21 and £109 per day, averaging £50. In contrast, a typical traveler in the Maldives spends around £265 daily, with a one-week trip for two averaging £3,800. Meals in the Maldives cost roughly double.
While the Maldives offers private-island resorts and overwater bungalows, Zanzibar provides stunning beaches and turquoise waters on a more modest budget.
Combined Safari Packages
TUI also offers packages combining Zanzibar with a safari. A short flight takes visitors to Nyerere and Serengeti national parks, where they can spot elephants, lions, and giraffes. TUI Musement's National Park and Spice Farm Tour includes rare red colobus monkeys, a local upcycling center, and a traditional lunch at a community-run spice farm.
Accommodation Options
TUI owns several properties on the island, including TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar on the northeast coast and the five-star The Mora Zanzibar, which offers private pools and family rooms for up to five guests.
Pricing and Other Options
All-inclusive packages starting November 17, 2027, with direct flights, transfers, and seven nights at TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar cost from £2,085 per person (two adults sharing). A similar package at Zanzibar Bay Resort from December 1, 2027, starts at £1,615 per person.
Budget travelers can stay at The Lost and Found Hostel on the east coast for £16 per night, or Makofi Zanzibar for around £32 per night, offering beach access and good amenities.
Other airlines flying to Zanzibar from the UK include Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, with one or two layovers and average journey times of 12 to 17 hours.
