Renting a car is the best way to see Zanzibar. The island is bigger than most visitors expect — about 90 minutes from Stone Town to Nungwi in the north, and an hour to Paje on the east coast. With your own car, you explore on your own schedule: hidden beaches, spice farms, and sunset spots the tour buses never reach.
But driving here has its own rules. This guide covers everything you need to know before you get behind the wheel — including the Zanzibar driving permit, which surprises many visitors.
Do you need a special permit to drive in Zanzibar?
Yes. In addition to your normal driving licence, you need a Zanzibar driving permit to drive legally on the island.
Here is exactly how it works with us:
- The permit costs $25 per driver.
- It is not included in the rental price — it is a government fee, separate from your car hire.
- We arrange it for you before you arrive, so it is ready when you land. Just send us a copy of your driving licence on WhatsApp when you book, and we handle the rest.
That is it. No office visits, no paperwork on arrival — your permit is sorted before your plane touches down.
Which driving licence do you need?
Bring your valid driving licence from home. It must be in English or accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP). Most of our customers rent with their normal national licence plus the Zanzibar permit we arrange.
Always keep three things in the car: your driving licence, your Zanzibar permit, and the rental agreement. Police checkpoints are common, and officers will ask to see them.
Which side of the road?
Zanzibar drives on the left, like the UK, Kenya, and South Africa. If you are used to driving on the right, give yourself an hour of easy driving around Stone Town before heading out on the main roads. Most visitors adjust faster than they expect.
Speed limits and checkpoints
- 50 km/h in towns and villages
- 80 km/h on open roads
Speed cameras and police checks are frequent, especially on the main road between the airport, Stone Town, and Nungwi. Fines are real, so respect the limits. At checkpoints, slow down, greet the officer, and show your documents. It is routine — nothing to worry about.
Road conditions: why your choice of car matters
The main roads — airport to Stone Town, Stone Town to Nungwi, and the east coast road to Paje — are paved and in decent shape. But the side roads to beaches, villages, and lodges can be sandy, bumpy, or potholed, especially after rain.
This is why we recommend a proper SUV for Zanzibar. Our Toyota RAV4 (from $25/day) handles every road on the island comfortably, and the Toyota Prado is the king of the rougher tracks. Small low cars struggle on the sandy tracks to the best beaches — do not learn that lesson the hard way.
Fuel: fill up before you explore
Petrol stations are easy to find in Stone Town and the main towns, but scarce near remote beaches. Rule of thumb: never start a day trip with less than half a tank. Fuel is affordable, and a full tank takes you anywhere on the island and back.
Parking and safety
- Always park inside your hotel or guesthouse when possible.
- Never leave bags, phones, or cameras visible in the car.
- In Stone Town, use attended parking areas during the day.
Zanzibar is a safe island, and car crime is rare — these are just sensible habits anywhere in the world.
Night driving: avoid it if you can
We advise our customers to plan their driving for daylight hours. Roads are poorly lit, and you will share them with pedestrians, bicycles, and the occasional goat. If you must drive at night, go slowly and stay on the main roads.
The easy way: rent with Zanzibar Rentals
Here is what you get with us:
- Cars from $25/day — real prices, no hidden fees
- No deposit — unlike most companies on the island
- Pay on arrival — in cash or by card, your choice
- Comprehensive insurance included in every rental
- Zanzibar driving permit arranged before you arrive ($25 per driver)
- Free airport pickup — we meet you at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport with your car ready
- Local support on WhatsApp — real help from a real local team, 7 days a week
We are a locally owned company based in Stone Town, and every car in our fleet — RAV4, Prado, Suzuki Escudo, Nissan Juke — is maintained by our own mechanics.
Ready to drive Zanzibar your way? Message us on WhatsApp at +255 678 723 942 with your dates, and we will send you availability and prices right away — plus get your $25 driving permit sorted before you fly.