Zanzibar becomes more affordable: direct flight from Moscow and cheap tours from Anex

Direct flight – a new chance to see Zanzibar

Since recently, Russian travelers can fly to Zanzibar without any layovers. Air Tanzania now operates the Moscow – Zanzibar – Dar es Salaam route, and back, using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Departures are from Vnukovo Airport three times a week – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The first flight took off in early July 2026, and the return leg goes via Dar es Salaam, which simplifies logistics and saves time.

What an Anex tour looks like

Tour operator Anex offers package options starting from 294 k ₽ for two people. The price covers the flight, transfers, accommodation and, if you wish, excursions. The most popular hotel is Tropicana Kendwa Beach, a three‑star property that often wins praise for its price‑performance ratio. Anex does not buy guaranteed seat blocks from the airline; it builds itineraries from regular available seats, which sometimes requires flexibility with dates.

Why prices are lower now

Zanzibar is in its low season, so hoteliers are cutting rates to fill rooms. Compared with a tour to the Turkish resort of Side, a stay in a decent four‑star hotel on Zanzibar is now about the same price. The island has traditionally been seen as an expensive destination, but the arrival of a direct flight has shifted demand dramatically: many more tourists are arriving, and competition among tour operators has produced more attractive offers.

What the north coast offers

If you plan a beach holiday, look at the island’s northern part – the Kendwa and Nungwi districts. The sand there is almost white, and the tides are barely noticeable, making the water comfortable for swimming at any hour. On the east and south coasts the situation changes: low tide can pull the water back by hundreds of metres, creating striking landscapes but demanding attention to the tide schedule.

Safari included

One of Zanzibar’s biggest draws is the possibility to pair a sea break with a classic Tanzanian safari. When you book an Anex tour you can reserve spots in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire national parks ahead of time. One‑day and two‑day outings are offered, letting you witness wildlife migrations, crater views and savannahs without arranging separate trips.

How to plan the trip

• Choosing dates – remember that flights run only on the listed weekdays; flexibility will help you snag a cheaper option.
• Booking park slots – it’s best to secure them when you purchase the tour, otherwise they may be taken during high season.
• Airline seat blocks – no operator currently holds guaranteed blocks, but Fun&Sun announced they will have blocks until March 2027; keep an eye on updates.
• Booking window – some operators already accept requests up to February 2027, and Fun&Sun plans sales for seven months ahead.

Practical tips for travelers

• Visa and vaccination: a Tanzanian visa is required and can be obtained online; a yellow‑fever shot is mandatory if you intend to visit the national parks.
• Luggage: the Dreamliner allows standard baggage, but it’s wise to double‑check the limits with the airline.
• Transport on the island: renting a scooter or a car gives you freedom to hop between beaches and your hotel; public transport is limited.
• Connectivity: mobile networks work, but buying a local SIM card is advisable for internet access and navigation.

How perception of Zanzibar has changed

The island used to be viewed as a far‑off, pricey exotic spot that required long flights and big budgets. The direct Moscow flight rewrote that story: Zanzibar now falls into the “affordable exotic” category. That opens up possibilities for people who want to mix beach time with savannah adventures without spending weeks on the road.

Bottom line

With Air Tanzania’s direct flights and competitive Anex packages, Zanzibar has become a realistic alternative to traditional resorts. Low‑season discounts, hotel price cuts and the option to add a safari make the offer especially tempting. If you’re after white‑sand beaches, warm ocean water and wild nature, now is the moment to start planning your trip.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.