Zanzibar Town

Package holiday provider TUI is launching a new direct flight from London Gatwick to a sunshine island in the Indian Ocean that has been likened to a cheaper Maldives or Mauritius

TUI is launching a new non-stop flight to a sun-drenched archipelago likened to the Maldives.

From July 2, sunseekers will be able to get their hands on the package holiday provider’s latest offering – direct flights to Zanzibar in Tanzania.

The new route will depart from London Gatwick twice weekly, operating on Wednesdays and Sundays from 3 November 2027, with the last outbound flight of the season on 22 March 2028, giving customers four months to check out the Indian Ocean winter-sun destination.

Known as the ‘Spice Island’ thanks to its farming industry history, Zanzibar offers a mix of white-sand beaches, thick green forests, mangroves and flat grasslands – all within an hour’s drive of each other. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town in Zanzibar City adds a rich culture, helping the island blend relaxation with discovery.

Year-round temperatures of 23°C to 32°C make the destination a brilliant winter sun option for both families and couples alike. It also offers a more affordable alternative to Indian Ocean favourites like the Maldives and Mauritius.

The cost is one of the major draw factors of Zanzibar.

Visitors typically spend between £21 and £109 per day per person, with an average of around £50, covering accommodation, sightseeing, food, and local transport, according to Budget Your Trip.

This compares well to the Maldives, where a typical traveller spends around £265 per day and a one-week trip for two averages about £3,800, Budget Your Trip notes. Typically, meals cost about twice as much in the Maldives as in Zanzibar.

The Maldives earns its premium through private-island resorts, overwater bungalows, and a more exclusive feel, but if you want stunning beaches and turquoise water on a more modest budget, Zanzibar is a great bet.

TUI has paired up its new breaks on Zanzibar with a safari. The experience begins with a short flight from the island to neighbouring national parks Nyerere and Serengeti. From there, holidaymakers can head out in search of elephants, lions, and giraffes.

TUI Musement also offers its own National Park and Spice Farm Tour, where customers can spot rare red colobus monkeys, visit a local upcycling centre and discover more about Zanzibar’s history as ‘The Spice Island’ through guided visits and a traditional lunch at a community-run spice farm.

The holiday company owns a number of properties across the island, including TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar, , known for its beachside setting on the north-east coast, and The Mora Zanzibar, which is a five-star resort. It boasts private pools and family rooms that sleep up to five guests.

How much does it cost?

All-inclusive package holidays to Zanzibar departing on 17 November 2027, including direct TUI flights, transfers and a seven-night stay at TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar start from £2,085 per person, based on two adults sharing.

All-inclusive package holidays staying at the Zanzibar Bay Resort departing on 1 December 2027, including direct TUI flights, transfers and a seven-night stay start from £1,615 per person, based on two adults sharing.

TUI is not the only operator on the island.

The Lost and Found Hostel sits on the east coast and offers very cheap accommodation for those who don’t mind forgoing a little luxury. It has beds for just £16 a night.

Makofi Zanzibar costs roughly double that, but is a little fancier. It is a standout budget pick for the beach. One minute walk to the sea, dorms and private rooms, reliable electricity, and a good restaurant on site.

Several major carriers fly from the UK to Zanzibar, including Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. All current routes require one or two layovers, with the average journey taking about 12 to 17 hours.