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HotelTaxi

Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) → Uroa & Pongwe transfer

From Zanzibar Airport to Uroa it is 42 km, a private drive of about 72–90 minutes; the indicative price is usually around €35–50 for a car and €50–65 for a minivan. You see the exact price before booking, and Pongwe a little further north is served the same way.

From
Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)
To
Uroa & Pongwe
Distance
42 km
Typical drive
72–90 min

Uroa and Pongwe sit on the central east coast, north of Chwaka Bay and south of Kiwengwa. This is a coast of fishing villages and mid-sized resorts, with fewer visitors than the north or the south-east.

Through the island towards Chwaka Bay

The car heads east from the airport through the centre of Unguja, past villages, plantations and patches of forest. Near the east coast the road approaches Chwaka Bay, a wide shallow bay fringed by mangroves, and then turns north along the shore to Uroa.

Pongwe lies further north towards Kiwengwa. Some lodges there are reached by a short unpaved track off the main road, which is manageable for normal transfer vehicles but slower after heavy rain.

Uroa or Pongwe

Uroa
A real fishing village with a long, flat beach and a handful of resorts and smaller hotels. Fishermen and seaweed farmers work the tidal flats, and the beach is wide and open.
Pongwe
A smaller, scattered area with sheltered coves and coral rock offshore. It has fewer hotels and is popular with couples looking for privacy.

Tides on the central east coast

Like the rest of the east side of Zanzibar, this coast has a strong tidal range. In Uroa the flats are very wide and the sea goes out a long way at low tide, so swimming works best around high tide.

Pongwe’s coves and offshore coral hold a little more water, but the seabed is rocky in places. Reef shoes are useful, and pool time often fills the hours of low tide.

Return transfer from Uroa and Pongwe

Book the pickup about 4 hours before an international departure. With 72–90 minutes of driving, this leaves a buffer for slower sections through the villages and time for check-in.

If you are switching to another area of the island, such as Stone Town or the south-east, a direct private transfer can be arranged without going back via the airport.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Uroa from Zanzibar Airport?

About 42 km. The private transfer usually takes 72–90 minutes, as the route crosses the island on local roads before following the coast north of Chwaka Bay.

Does the price differ for Pongwe?

Pongwe is a few kilometres beyond Uroa, so the price can be slightly different depending on the exact lodge. You always see the final price before booking.

Is the road to Pongwe paved?

The main east coast road is paved. Some lodges are reached by a short unpaved access track, which normal transfer cars can drive at low speed.

Are Uroa and Pongwe good for snorkelling or diving?

The reef lies offshore and boat trips are offered locally. If you travel with your own diving equipment, declare it when booking so the vehicle has enough space.

Can we travel as a larger group?

Yes. A minivan takes up to about seven passengers with luggage and typically costs around €50–65. Larger vehicles can be requested.

More transfers from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport: arrival and transfer guide