British Airways Returns to Tanzania: Direct Flights to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar Launch in 2027
British Airways flights to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar are officially confirmed, marking the airline's return to Tanzania after a 15-year absence and opening a direct route from London for safari and beach travellers alike. Starting 29 May 2027, British Airways will operate a direct service from London Gatwick to Kilimanjaro International Airport, continuing on to Zanzibar, before flying non-stop back to the UK. For anyone dreaming of a Tanzania safari followed by a few days on the Indian Ocean coast, this is the most convenient flight connection Britain has had to East Africa in over a decade — and at Gnade Safaris, we couldn't be more excited about what it means for our guests.
Why British Airways' Return to Tanzania Matters
Tanzania hasn't featured on British Airways' network since 2012, when the airline last served Dar es Salaam. This relaunch is different — and arguably better for travellers — because it lands directly in Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, the two gateways that matter most for safari and beach tourism, rather than the capital. It signals growing UK demand for East African travel and gives British travellers a one-stop route into both of Tanzania's headline experiences: the Northern Safari Circuit and the beaches of Zanzibar.
Neil Chernoff, British Airways' Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said the new routes showcase the best of Tanzania, from the plains of the Serengeti and the slopes of Kilimanjaro to the turquoise waters of Zanzibar, strengthening the airline's presence in East Africa.
Flight Schedule, Aircraft, and Fares for British Airways flights to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
Here's what travellers need to know about the new route:
Launch date: 29 May 2027
Season: Runs through summer, until 31 October 2027 — timed to UK school holidays and Tanzania's peak safari season
Frequency: Three times a week, on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Route pattern: London Gatwick → Kilimanjaro → Zanzibar → London Gatwick (a "triangle" routing, with the return leg from Zanzibar flying non-stop to Gatwick)
Aircraft: A wide-body long-haul jet offering multiple cabin classes, including premium economy and business class options
Fares: Return tickets start from around £849, including taxes, fees and hand baggage
This routing is a big deal for itinerary planning. It means a traveller can fly into Kilimanjaro for a safari, then continue to Zanzibar for a beach stay, and fly home directly from the coast — no backtracking, no extra connections through Nairobi, Doha or Amsterdam.
Kilimanjaro: Your Gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit
With British Airways flights to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar now confirmed, Kilimanjaro International Airport becomes an even more valuable entry point for safari travellers. It sits at the doorstep of Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit, home to:
Serengeti National Park — famed for the Great Migration
Ngorongoro Crater — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places on Earth to see the Big Five
Tarangire National Park — known for its massive elephant herds
Lake Manyara National Park — a compact, scenic park rich in birdlife and tree-climbing lions
Mount Kilimanjaro — Africa's highest peak, and a bucket-list climb spanning five climate zones from rainforest to snow-capped summit
For anyone planning a Northern Circuit safari or a Kilimanjaro climb, a direct London flight removes one of the biggest logistical hurdles: getting here.
Zanzibar: The Perfect Beach Add-On to a Tanzania Safari
The second half of the route delivers travellers straight to Zanzibar, the Indian Ocean archipelago known for powder-white beaches, coral reefs, world-class diving, and the UNESCO-listed Stone Town. Where Kilimanjaro offers wildlife and adventure, Zanzibar offers rest and recovery — the classic "safari and beach" combination that so many of our guests ask for.
Because the same flight continues from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar, travellers no longer need a separate internal flight or a long detour to bridge the two halves of their trip. It's now possible to fly from London, safari across the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, and finish the holiday on a Zanzibar beach — all on one simplified journey.
How to Combine a Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Beach Holiday
This new route is essentially tailor-made for the itinerary style Gnade Safaris has long recommended to our guests: safari first, beach second. A typical two-week trip built around this flight could look like:
Fly London Gatwick → Kilimanjaro
5–7 days on safari across the Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara)
Optional Kilimanjaro trek extension for adventure travellers
Transfer to Zanzibar for 4–6 days of beach time, diving, and Stone Town exploration
Fly Zanzibar → London Gatwick, direct
With flights operating three times a week from May through October, this also lines up perfectly with the dry season and the Great Migration's river-crossing months — making 2027 an excellent year to plan ahead.
Why Book Your Tanzania Trip With Gnade Safaris
At Gnade Safaris, we've been designing custom Northern Circuit safaris and Zanzibar beach extensions for years, long before this route existed. With British Airways now flying directly into both gateways, we can build even smoother, more efficient itineraries for UK travellers — fewer connections, less time lost to transit, and more days actually on safari or on the beach.
Whether you want a classic Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari, a Kilimanjaro climb, a Zanzibar-only escape, or the full combination, our team can plan your route around these new flights and handle every detail from park permits to private guides and beachfront accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do British Airways flights to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar start? The new route launches on 29 May 2027 and runs through 31 October 2027.
How often does the flight operate? Three times a week — Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Can I fly directly between Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar on this route? Yes. The outbound flight from London lands in Kilimanjaro first, then continues on to Zanzibar. The return flight departs Zanzibar non-stop back to London.
How much do tickets cost? Return fares start from approximately £849, including taxes and fees.
Is this the best way to combine a safari and a beach holiday in Tanzania? It's now one of the most convenient options for UK travellers, since it removes the need for a separate domestic flight between the two destinations. Gnade Safaris can help you plan the full itinerary around this route.
Ready to start planning your 2027 Tanzania safari and Zanzibar getaway? Contact Gnade Safaris to build a custom itinerary around the new British Airways route.
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