The ‘Maldives of Africa’ is getting direct flights from the UK for the first time ever

Lush palm trees lining picture-perfect sand shores; crystal clear waters bursting with tropical sealife; dense forests teeming with monkeys. Sound idyllic? Yeah, we think so too. Which is why we’re here to tell you the good news: a trip to a gorgeous holiday spot with all the above is about to get much easier.

The destination itself is Zanzibar, a jaw-dropping Tanzanian archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The cluster of islands is known by many names, depending on who you ask, including the ‘backpackers’ Maldives’ and the ‘Spice Island’ for its fertile soils where cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla grow in abundance. 

The African paradise has started being recognised as a top vacay destination in recent years. In 2025, Zanzibar welcomed a record 917,167 international tourists, a huge increase of almost 25 percent compared to the previous year. But journeying to this faraway land has always been, well, tricky. Flights from London can take anywhere from 13 to 21 hours with a stop off in Dubai, Nairobi or Addis Ababa.

Now, Air Tanzania, the country’s flag carrier, has said it plans to change that. The airline has said it will launch direct flights between the UK and its home country, making it the first to ever do so. 

The new route, which could be up and running from London Gatwick as early as July 2027, would initially fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport in mainland Tanzania (the spot closest to renowned national parks Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti).

But the airline ‘will also run direct flights to Zanzibar, expanding the tourism potential of that destination from the UK too,’ said Air Tanzania CEO Peter Ulanga, according to Metro. 

We can expect a minimum of three flights per week to begin with, and Air Tanzania has said it will acquire eight new planes over the next five years to help it deliver more direct journeys from the UK.

Once the new route is launched, London will join European cities including Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris and Madrid which also offer direct flights to Zanzibar. 

Once you’ve made it, to be completely submerged in the best of Zanzibar’s landscape, Time Out’s travel writers recommend a trip to Kendwa Rocks for the full moon parties and BBQ banquets. 

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