Car rental in Zanzibar: What you need to know before booking
Zanzibar City (Stone Town) is home to most of the archipelago rental agencies, often clustered near the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport and in the historic center. It is the logical starting point for exploring the rest of the island, whether you are heading to the northern beaches (Nungwi, Kendwa) or the eastern ones (Paje, Jambiani), which are 45 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes away by road.
Driving is on the left, just like everywhere else in Tanzania, a legacy of British administration. The main roads connecting Zanzibar City to the island tourist areas are paved and generally decent, but expect frequent potholes, poorly marked speed bumps, and heavy scooter traffic (the famous piki piki) as soon as you pass through a town.
Driver license and island-specific requirements
Unlike other destinations, Zanzibar requires an unavoidable local step that applies across the entire island.
- International Driving Permit recommended, and sometimes required by agencies, in addition to your domestic license
- Temporary Zanzibari driving permit practically mandatory: you get it at the police station or directly through the rental agency for a flat fee (typically between 10 and 20 USD, valid for about a month)
- This local permit is separate from your tourist visa and has nothing to do with Tanzania entry requirements
Keep in mind: Always ask your rental company whether they handle getting the Zanzibari permit for you or if you need to do it yourself at the police station. This avoids nasty surprises on departure day, no matter where you pick up the vehicle on the island.
How much does a car rental cost in Zanzibar?
Rates on the island are noticeably higher than on the Tanzanian mainland due to insularity and vehicle imports. This holds true whether you pick up the car in Zanzibar City or directly at a beach resort area.
| Vehicle type | Indicative daily rate |
|---|---|
| Small car (Suzuki Alto, Vitara) | 25 to 40 USD/day |
| Compact 4x4 (recommended off main roads) | 40 to 70 USD/day |
| 4x4 with driver | 60 to 100 USD/day |
These prices rarely include full coverage insurance. Local agencies often apply a high deductible in case of damage, sometimes amounting to several hundred dollars, due to a lack of deductible buyout options comparable to those found in Europe.
Renting with or without a driver: A common choice on the island
Across Zanzibar, renting a car with a driver is a widespread practice, unlike in other destinations where it is unusual.
This option saves you from dealing with left-hand driving, which can be unsettling, limited signage outside major routes, and frequent police checkpoints on the roads linking Zanzibar City to the beach towns (where tourists without the proper local permit can sometimes be hit with abusive fines).
For a trip focused on a few routes between the airport, town, and your hotel, hiring a driver often costs about the same as renting on your own, minus the stress of local driving.
Local vs international agencies on the archipelago
Major global brands have little presence in Zanzibar, including in the capital. Most of the market relies on independent local rental companies, often small operations or intermediaries working with hotels, whether they are based in Zanzibar City or along the coast.
Some international aggregators nevertheless list local partners on the island: booking through these platforms lets you compare offers and secure payment while getting a vehicle provided by a local Zanzibari operator.
In both cases, the vehicle condition deserves a closer check than elsewhere: working air conditioning is essential, and tires must be suited for sandy secondary roads if you plan to venture off the main routes toward the interior or the south of the island.
When to book for a trip to Zanzibar?
High season
The tourist high season (July through September and December through January) drives up vehicle demand all over the island, especially around the Zanzibar City airport. Booking a few weeks ahead locks in your rate and availability, wherever you plan to drive.
Rainy season
During the rainy season (March to May), certain secondary roads heading east or south become tricky without a 4x4. The main highways leaving Zanzibar City, however, remain passable.