A BEAUTIFUL archipelago in the Indian Ocean is set to become a much bigger holiday destination for Brits next year.
Zanzibar is often dubbed a Maldives-alternative thanks to its beautiful blue waters, white-sand beaches and high winter temperatures.
The fact that it rarely drops below 25C and can remain above 33C throughout winter is set to draw Brits in.
The best news is that flights from three different airlines will launch next year – some of which are direct and will take around nine hours.
TUI announced that from 2027 it will launch direct flights from the UK to Zanzibar – and it will open up holiday packages too.
This is the first time there will ever be direct flights to Zanzibar, with most Brits having to change in places like Dubai.
Flights will operate from London Gatwick twice a week from November 3, 2027, until March 22, 2028.
It has new hotels too – including The Mora Zanzibar, which opened in spring 2024.
Air Tanzania will launch direct flights next year too – these will operate three times a week from London Gatwick starting in July 2027.
British Airways recently announced it would also be launching new routes to Tanzania.
These will take off from London Gatwick Airport and head to Kilimanjaro before heading onto Zanzibar.
The route launches on May 29 and flights will run for the season until October 31 – return flight prices start from £849.
The time difference is small too, currently being two hours ahead of the UK so unlike a lot of far-flung islands, there’s no jet lag.
As for what you’ll find there, Zanzibar is known for having a beautiful coastline with soft sandy beaches.
Some of the best include Kendwa Beach which previously ranked the fourth-best beach in the world and number one in Africa by Big 7 Travel.
Nungwi Beach is perfect for all-day swimming, while Paje and Jambiani are known for their world-class kitesurfing and lagoons.
It’s not all coastal, explore the city too – the capital of Zanzibar is Zanzibar City, which is made of two parts, Stone Town and Ng’ambo, which were historically divided by a creek.
The newer portion of the city is known as Ng’ambo, Swahili for ‘the other side’.
Meanwhile, Stone Town is the historic side where you’ll find the Old Fort, Christ Church Cathedral — the oldest church in East Africa, and the Sultan’s Palace.
Stone Town was also the birthplace of Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury.
Zanzibar is also nicknamed Spice Island thanks to its Indian and African influences – if you want to pick some up yourself, head to Darajani Bazaar.
Zanzibar isn’t a particularly expensive place either as, according to Wise, a beer can cost as little as £1 and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can start from £3.54.
What is it like going on holiday to Zanzibar?
The Sun’s UK Digital Editor Stewart Jackson recently visited – here’s what he thought of Zanzibar…
“The warmth with which I was greeted was genuine and universal — from the barman trying out his own cocktail creations as I chilled out before dinner, to the gardener snipping away at the perfectly manicured foliage framing the spotlessly clean hotel grounds.
“It offers the perfect environment for a relaxing stay which, let’s face it, is exactly what you’re looking for in a five-star tropical resort with breathtaking views over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
“It is worth exploring the island itself, including a tour of Stone Town, the oldest part of Zanzibar’s capital.
“You will take in atmospheric spice markets, historic landmarks and — perhaps the island’s biggest claim to fame among British visitors — the birthplace of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury.”