Zanzibar Car Rental
Explore Zanzibar With Your Own Car
Renting a car is a great way to discover Zanzibar independently. Instead of waiting for taxis or following a fixed schedule, you can decide where to go, when to stop and how long you want to stay.
Our self-drive service is designed for travelers who want freedom to visit places such as Stone Town, Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe, Paje, Jambiani, Jozani Forest and Zanzibar's beautiful beaches.
Before you drive, make sure your driving documents are ready. Foreign visitors should carry a valid driving licence and the required Zanzibar driving authorization/permit. We can help arrange the Zanzibar driving permit for $30 per driver before you arrive.
Important Things To Know Before Renting
Driving Permit
Foreign visitors need the appropriate Zanzibar driving authorization. We can arrange the local permit for $30 per driver before your arrival.
Drive On The Left
Zanzibar drives on the left side of the road. Take extra care at roundabouts, junctions and when leaving Stone Town.
Be Careful At Night
Some roads outside the main tourist areas have limited lighting. Plan your trips so you can arrive before dark whenever possible.
Choose Your Car
Toyota RAV4 2-Door — $40
A practical compact SUV for couples and travelers who want an affordable and easy-to-drive vehicle for exploring Zanzibar.
Toyota RAV4 4-Door — $50
A comfortable option for families and small groups with more space for passengers and luggage while exploring the island.
Toyota Alphard — $50
A spacious and comfortable vehicle ideal for families, groups and travelers who prefer extra passenger space and comfort.
Get Your Zanzibar Driving Permit Before You Arrive
Don't wait until you arrive in Zanzibar. If you are planning to self-drive, send your documents to us before your trip and we can arrange the permit process for you.
1. Book Your Car
Choose your preferred vehicle and tell us your arrival date and rental dates.
2. Send Your Documents
Send us a clear photo or scan of your valid passport and your valid home-country driving licence. We recommend sending the documents when you confirm your rental.
3. We Arrange The Permit
Our team helps process the Zanzibar driving permit for you. The permit service is $30 per driver.
4. Receive Confirmation Before Arrival
We confirm the permit arrangements and your vehicle booking before you travel to Zanzibar.
5. Collect Your Car & Drive
When you receive the car, keep your driving licence, passport copy and Zanzibar permit available in case you are asked for documents at a checkpoint.
Documents You Should Prepare
Prepare These
- Valid passport
- Valid home-country driving licence
- Rental booking details
- Arrival date and hotel/location
- Zanzibar driving permit
Avoid These Mistakes
- Driving without the required permit
- Sending unclear licence photos
- Waiting until the last minute
- Giving the car to an unauthorized driver
- Ignoring local road rules
Driving in Zanzibar: Important Rules
Drive On The Left
Vehicles drive on the left side of the road in Zanzibar. Be especially careful when entering roundabouts or joining a main road.
Slow Down In Villages
Villages can have pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles and unexpected speed bumps. Reduce your speed whenever you pass through populated areas.
Watch For Pedestrians
People may walk along the roadside, especially in villages. Keep a safe distance and slow down when passing pedestrians.
Be Careful On Beach Roads
Some roads close to beach hotels can be narrow, sandy or uneven. Choose your route carefully and avoid roads that are unsuitable for your vehicle.
Avoid Unnecessary Night Driving
Roads outside major areas may have limited lighting. If possible, plan your island trips during daylight hours.
What's Included With Your Rental
Rental Service
- Selected rental vehicle
- Vehicle handover
- Basic vehicle orientation
- Local driving guidance
- Zanzibar permit assistance
- Local customer support
Usually Not Included
- Fuel
- Personal traffic fines
- Damage caused by unauthorized use
- Optional extras not agreed in advance
Car Pickup & Delivery
Tell Us Where You Are Staying
When you book, tell us your hotel, villa, airport arrival details or preferred pickup location. We will confirm the exact vehicle handover arrangements with you before your rental starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our listed vehicles start from $40 per day. Toyota RAV4 2-Door is $40/day, Toyota RAV4 4-Door is $50/day and Toyota Alphard is $50/day.
Our Zanzibar driving permit assistance is $30 per driver. We recommend arranging it before you arrive if you plan to self-drive.
Yes. Send us your required documents before your trip and we can help arrange the Zanzibar driving permit before your arrival.
Normally, you should prepare a clear copy of your valid passport and your valid home-country driving licence. We will confirm the exact documents needed for your booking.
Foreign visitors should have a valid driving licence together with the required Zanzibar driving authorization/permit. Do not assume that your home licence or an IDP alone replaces the local requirements.
The Toyota RAV4 is a good choice for travelers who want an SUV for general island exploration. The 2-Door is ideal for couples, while the 4-Door gives more space. The Toyota Alphard is suitable for families and groups who prefer more passenger space.
Yes. Vehicles drive on the left side of the road in Zanzibar. Take extra care if you normally drive on the right.
Yes, these are popular destinations for self-drive visitors. Always follow road conditions and choose a suitable route for your vehicle.
Fuel is normally paid by the renter. We will explain the fuel arrangement and vehicle condition at handover.
You can drive at night, but we recommend extra caution and avoiding unnecessary night driving on rural roads because lighting can be limited.
Only the renter or an authorized driver should drive the vehicle. Tell us in advance if another person will drive so we can confirm the rental conditions.
We recommend sending your documents when you confirm your rental, rather than waiting until the day you arrive. This gives us time to prepare your permit and booking.