Driving in Zanzibar – Everything You Need to Know Before Hitting the Road 🚗🌴

Zanzibar is best explored at your own pace — and nothing gives you more freedom than renting a car. But before you get behind the wheel, there are a few things every traveller should know. Here's your complete guide to driving on the island.

🛣️ The Basics: Rules of the Road

Zanzibar follows left-hand traffic, just like the UK. If you come from a country where people drive on the right, it may feel a little disorienting at first — but most visitors adjust quickly, especially since roads outside Stone Town tend to be calm and light on traffic.

Speed limits are low and strictly enforced: the limit is 50 km/h on most roads, and even lower through villages and residential areas. Don't be tempted to push it — police checkpoints are common and tourists are watched closely.

Beyond speed, you'll need to stay alert for:

• Speed bumps — they're everywhere and often unmarked. Near schools, they're enormous and you'll need to almost stop completely
• Potholes — especially on rural roads and dirt tracks leading to hotels and beaches
• Pedestrians, motorcycles, and livestock crossing without warning, particularly in villages when school starts or ends
• Narrow roads — some village lanes barely fit one car
• No sidewalks outside of Stone Town — pedestrians walk on the road everywhere

🚙 Vehicle tip: Always rent a car with high ground clearance. Once you leave the main paved roads — which you will, to reach most hotels and beaches — you'll be on rough dirt tracks where a standard low-clearance car will struggle.

The golden rule: drive slowly and expect the unexpected.

📄 The Zanzibar Driving Permit: What You Must Know

Here's something that surprises many travellers: your international driving permit alone is not enough. International driving licences are not considered valid in Zanzibar — tourists who want to hire a vehicle must obtain a temporary local Driving Permit.

The good news? It's simple and cheap.

Where to get it: The Zanzibar Revenue Board (ZRB) office in Stone Town issues the permit. Office hours are generally Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

What you'll need:

• Valid driver's licence from your home country
• Passport (showing your entry into Tanzania/Zanzibar)
• 1–2 recent passport-sized photos

Cost: The permit fee typically ranges from $10 to $20 USD, and it's valid for up to 3 months.

💡 Pro tip: Most car rental companies will prepare the documentation on your behalf and deliver your permit at the same time as your rental car. The only things you need to provide are your passport and your home country driving licence. Some companies even include the permit for free on longer rentals.

🚔 Police Checkpoints: Stay Calm, Stay Respectful

Police stops are a regular part of driving in Zanzibar — don't panic, they're routine. At checkpoints, you'll need to show your driver's licence, rental agreement, and insurance papers.

Always keep these documents within easy reach:

• Your Zanzibar driving permit
• Your home country driving licence
• Your passport (or a certified copy)
• Your rental agreement

If you're confident you've followed the rules, don't accept any punishment or feel pressured into paying a bribe. If a police officer insists or threatens you, ask for their identification number and contact your rental company immediately. A friendly attitude goes a long way — greeting officers with a smile and a simple "Jambo!" genuinely helps.

⚠️ Reality check: Some travellers report being asked for an informal on-the-spot "fine" — typically around $20 — even for minor infractions. This isn't official policy, but it's a known reality of driving in Zanzibar. The best approach: stay calm, be polite, don't flash your phone or large amounts of cash, and call your rental company if the situation escalates.

⛽ Fuel, Navigation & Practical Tips

• Fuel stations are found in towns but can be scarce in rural areas. Fill up before heading out on long trips.
• Cash in Tanzanian shillings (TZS) is preferred at most petrol stations — USD is rarely accepted.
• Petrol costs around 2,400 TZS per litre (~$1 USD). Stations close between midnight and early morning.
• Google Maps works well for most main routes — download an offline version before you go, it's a lifesaver in areas with poor signal. That said, it's less reliable in the south of the island. And in Nungwi, be warned: the village is a labyrinth of dirt tracks that don't match the map at all. If you get lost, just ask a local driver — they're usually very helpful.
• Stone Town traffic can be surprisingly chaotic with congested jams, especially during peak hours. The parking situation is also genuinely difficult. Use the paid parking area near Darajani Market — it costs around 1,000 TZS ($0.40).
• Drive during daylight whenever possible. Street lighting outside of towns is minimal, and night driving can be tricky.

🚙 Where to Rent a Car in Zanzibar

Most reputable rental companies will handle your permit, deliver the car to your hotel or the airport, and provide 24/7 roadside assistance. Here are some well-regarded options:

Best Car Rental – Mohammed (Local & Recommended)

A trusted local operator with great word-of-mouth among travellers. Mohammed speaks English, meets you directly at the airport on arrival, handles the driving permit, and can also give you practical local advice (fuel, money exchange, boat trips, etc.). Travellers have reported paying around $240 for 9 days with no deposit required.

📱 WhatsApp: +255 776 393 259

Kizingo Cars

A popular and highly rated company with transparent pricing and free delivery to the airport, ferry port, or Stone Town. All rental cars are fully insured and the $10 permit fee is included in the total price.

🌐 www.kizingocars.com

Go Smart Zanzibar Tours

Offer car rentals alongside tours, with solid local knowledge and a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award. They assist with permits, vehicle delivery, and island navigation tips.

🌐 www.gosmartzanzibartours.com

Karibu Kwetu Zanzibar

A local agency with a large fleet of over 60 vehicles. 4-day rentals include a complimentary Zanzibar driving permit, a map, a child/booster seat, and 4GB of GPS data.

🌐 karibukwetuzanzibar.com

AbbyCar – Zanzibar Airport

Operates 24/7 at Zanzibar Airport. Minimum age to rent is 24 years, maximum 70 years. Prices start from around €20–50/day in mid-season and €40–70/day during the high season.

🌐 www.abbycar.com

🗺️ Where to Go Once You're on the Road

With a car, the whole island opens up. Here are some destinations worth the drive:

• Nungwi & Kendwa — pristine beaches in the north, about 1.5 hours from Stone Town
• Paje & Jambiani — laid-back east coast villages, perfect for kite surfing
• Jozani Forest — home to the rare Red Colobus monkey
• Spice farms — a cultural must, tucked into the inland roads
• Mtende Beach — a dramatic and secluded coastal gem in the south
• Kizimkazi — dolphin-watching at the southern tip of the island

✅ Quick Checklist Before You Drive

• Valid home country driving licence
• Zanzibar driving permit obtained ($10–20)
• Passport or certified copy on you at all times
• Rental agreement and insurance papers in the car
• Offline Google Maps downloaded
• Tank full before heading into rural areas
• Emergency number for your rental company saved in your phone

Final Thoughts

Driving in Zanzibar is an adventure in itself — winding through spice villages, spotting monkeys on the roadside, and arriving at beaches that feel like they belong to you alone. With a little preparation and a relaxed mindset, the road is all yours.

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