Uganda Airlines has announced the launch of direct flights between Entebbe International Airport and Zanzibar starting August 2025, operating three times weekly. This new route is a major milestone for East Africa’s aviation and tourism industries, providing seamless access between Uganda’s world-famous inland safari experiences and Zanzibar’s pristine beaches.
With this move, Uganda Airlines strengthens its regional presence, making multi-destination tourism more accessible and appealing. Tourists can now pair Uganda’s gorilla trekking and savanna safaris with Zanzibar’s turquoise waters and cultural heritage, all within a short flight connection.
Strengthening East Africa’s Tourism Network
Tourism remains one of the biggest contributors to East Africa’s economy. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the tourism sector contributed over US $13 billion to East Africa’s GDP in 2023, with Uganda and Tanzania leading in wildlife tourism and cultural heritage.
By linking Entebbe (Uganda) with Zanzibar (Tanzania), Uganda Airlines is addressing one of the biggest challenges for regional travelers—limited direct flight connections. The new service allows easier movement for both international tourists and regional travelers, encouraging longer stays and multi-country itineraries that combine wildlife, culture, and leisure.
For example, a traveler can fly into Entebbe, experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, explore the Murchison Falls National Park, and then take a direct flight to Zanzibar to relax at Nungwi Beach or explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spotlight on Zanzibar: A Rising Global Beach Destination
Zanzibar is rapidly becoming one of Africa’s top beach destinations, attracting travelers from Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S. In 2023, the island welcomed over 600,000 international visitors, according to the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB).
The northern coast of Zanzibar, particularly Nungwi Beach, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant nightlife, and year-round swimmable tides. The new direct flights will make it easier for Ugandan tourists and safari-goers to access Zanzibar’s idyllic beaches without long layovers in Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
This route also boosts Zanzibar’s off-peak season tourism, offering affordable travel packages that combine Ugandan safaris with Zanzibar’s beach resorts.
Sustainable and Cultural Tourism Opportunities
The Uganda–Zanzibar flight connection is not only about convenience; it also promotes sustainable and cultural tourism. Tour operators across both destinations can design combined packages that encourage travelers to engage with local communities, learn about East Africa’s cultural traditions, and explore eco-friendly safari and beach experiences.
For example, travelers can participate in Uganda’s community-based tourism programs, supporting rural livelihoods near national parks, and then experience Zanzibar’s spice plantations, dhow sailing tours, and Swahili cultural festivals.
This aligns with UNWTO’s (United Nations World Tourism Organization) emphasis on sustainable regional tourism growth, which East Africa is actively pursuing.
Economic Growth Through Aviation and Tourism
Uganda Airlines’ new service is also expected to stimulate economic growth in both Uganda and Tanzania. Improved connectivity will attract more international airlines to consider code-sharing partnerships, while boosting local industries such as hospitality, transportation, and tour operations.
The hospitality sector in Zanzibar—which already accounts for over 25% of the island’s GDP—will benefit from an influx of East African tourists. Meanwhile, Uganda will see increased passenger traffic through Entebbe International Airport, further positioning it as a regional aviation hub.
Moreover, enhanced accessibility strengthens trade and investment between Uganda and Tanzania, particularly in the hospitality and service industries, which thrive on consistent tourist flows.
Uganda Airlines: Expanding Its Regional Reach
Uganda Airlines, relaunched in 2019, has steadily been expanding its route network. The airline currently connects major African cities such as Nairobi, Johannesburg, Kinshasa, and Dubai. The new Entebbe–Zanzibar service marks a continuation of its expansion strategy to dominate the East African aviation market.
By offering regional connections that compete with larger carriers like Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines, Uganda Airlines is carving a niche in serving intra-African tourism demand.
With Zanzibar flights, the airline now positions itself as the go-to carrier for tourists seeking to combine safari adventures with beach holidays, a growing trend among European and Asian travelers.
Looking Ahead: The Future of East African Tourism
The launch of Uganda Airlines’ Zanzibar route is more than a transportation milestone—it represents the future of East African tourism. By encouraging multi-destination travel, the airline not only enhances accessibility but also supports government initiatives to promote regional tourism integration.
With Uganda aiming to attract 1.5 million annual international visitors by 2030 (Uganda Tourism Board) and Zanzibar targeting a million annual arrivals, this new flight connection is a stepping stone toward achieving those ambitious goals.
Conclusion
The Entebbe–Zanzibar direct flights by Uganda Airlines, beginning August 2025, mark a new era of connectivity, tourism growth, and economic cooperation in East Africa. By bridging Uganda’s rich inland safari experiences with Zanzibar’s breathtaking beaches, the route creates a win-win scenario for both destinations.
As tourism continues to play a vital role in East Africa’s economy, this development reinforces the region’s reputation as a world-class travel destination that combines wildlife, culture, and coastal leisure.
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