Car rental in Zanzibar city

Renting a car in Zanzibar is the best way to make your island stay more dynamic. Public transport here is often overcrowded and lacks reliable schedules, while frequent taxi rides will significantly increase your travel budget. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore the island independently, from the historic streets of Stone Town to remote beaches.

Where to Rent a Car in Zanzibar

Online booking through Localrent eliminates the need to search for rental services on the island. You select your vehicle in advance, and it will be ready at your specified time. Here are the main advantages of renting a car online through Localrent:

1. Filters make it easy to find a vehicle with the features you need—four-wheel drive, specific body type, or important additional options.
2. Many vehicles include not only basic but also comprehensive insurance in the price.
3. You can easily find cars that don't require credit card details for rental.
4. Vehicle delivery to your location on the island is often provided at no additional charge.
5. Unlimited mileage options are available for extended trips.

By booking your car before your trip, you can compare all available options in a relaxed setting and choose the most suitable vehicle. Then on the island, you simply collect it at your specified time and convenient location.

Requirements and Documents for Car Rental in Zanzibar

What you need to legally drive a car in Zanzibar:

• Passport
• Valid driver's license
• Local driving permit

You can obtain a local driving permit through the rental company; this service is provided for an additional fee.

Age and driving experience requirements are always individual and specified in each vehicle's description. Conditions may vary even for identical models, though most of the fleet is available to drivers over 23 years old with at least 2 years of driving experience.

A credit card is not mandatory for all offers. However, if a card is required, it must be in the primary driver's name.

Driving in Zanzibar and Local Traffic Rules

Traffic in Zanzibar follows the left-hand driving system. Most drivers adapt to the right-hand steering wheel position and left-lane traffic within a few hours. The main challenge often isn't this, but rather adapting to the local rhythm and unwritten rules.

Road conditions vary significantly depending on location. In Stone Town and surrounding areas, traffic is quite active with frequent congestion. Drivers can be spontaneous: they honk to signal their presence rather than out of irritation. Outside urban areas, paved roads may unexpectedly narrow. Be prepared for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and occasionally animals as full participants in traffic flow. Road signs and traffic lights are limited, especially outside cities.

Speed limits in populated areas are 40-50 km/h, on rural highways 60-80 km/h, but always check signs—sometimes limits vary from standard.

Critical timing recommendation: Plan your trips to return before dark. Street lighting outside urban areas is virtually non-existent, which combined with pedestrians and animals on roads creates significant accident risk.

For trips to remote beaches such as Kizimkazi or Matemwe, and roads into the island's interior, rent a vehicle with high ground clearance. A four-wheel drive vehicle or crossover is more suitable than a sedan. Always keep a small supply of drinking water in the car and Tanzanian shillings in cash for minor expenses.

Fuel Stations in Zanzibar

The island has a network of fuel stations concentrated in Stone Town, along main roads, and in larger settlements. In tourist areas on the north and east coasts, finding a fuel station is straightforward, but in some remote villages, such as Nungwi, they may be entirely absent. Plan your route and refuel in advance.

Refueling typically involves an attendant. You tell them the desired number of liters or amount, after which they fill your vehicle. Payment is made after refueling. The primary payment method is cash, so it's best to have some on hand.

We recommend refueling only at licensed stations, such as United Petroleum, Gapco, or Petro. On the most remote beaches, you may occasionally encounter sellers with jerry cans, but it's better to avoid this refueling option.

Parking in Zanzibar

Parking rules and practices in Zanzibar differ significantly from European standards, but they're straightforward to understand.

In the island's historic center, Stone Town, parking regulations are quite strict. There are paid parking zones here. Spaces may be marked with lines or simply sections along the roadside. Parking is paid to attendants or through an app.

Once you leave Stone Town, the situation changes dramatically. The concept of organized parking is virtually absent across most of the island. In tourist spots, at beaches, near restaurants, or in villages, you park wherever it's safe, not prohibited, and doesn't obstruct traffic or local residents.

Booking a Car in Zanzibar

To book a car in Zanzibar, first specify your travel dates on the website and, if important, where you want to collect the vehicle—airport or delivery. This helps you immediately see suitable options.

Next:

1. Filter options—select brand, car class, payment methods, and other important parameters
2. Review your chosen vehicle—mileage limit, specifications, insurance type
3. Add options if needed—child seat, enhanced insurance, additional driver on the contract
4. Specify exact pickup/return time and location, provide your contact details
5. Pay 15-20% of the total amount online. After this, you'll receive a voucher by email—save it

When collecting the vehicle, inspect it together with the representative, note all scratches in the report, sign the contract, and pay the balance. Don't forget to take all documents and you're ready to go.

Where to Go in Zanzibar

Renting a car during your Zanzibar vacation lets you see not only beaches but also the historic capital, tropical forests, and fishing villages. Here are 5 interesting destinations easily accessible via paved roads:

1. Stone Town. The historic heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A labyrinth of narrow streets preserves architecture from Arab, Indian, and European colonial periods. Here you can see Darajani Market, the Old Fort, and Forodhani Gardens along the waterfront. For navigating tight streets and finding parking, a compact car works best.
2. Paje Beach. A famous beach on the east coast, known as one of the world's best kitesurfing destinations. You can also try snorkeling or take a cruise on a dhow boat.
3. Jozani Forest. The island's only national park, where tropical forest is preserved. The main inhabitants are rare red colobus monkeys, which can be seen from forest trails. You can also observe bushbabies, duikers (small antelopes), Sykes' monkeys, turtles, and dozens of different birds in their natural habitat.
4. Nungwi Beach. One of the most famous beaches in northern Zanzibar. This location is renowned for picturesque sunsets and less pronounced tides compared to the east coast. Tourist infrastructure is well-developed here—restaurants, bars, and many water activities are available.
5. Kizimkazi Village. A small fishing village on the south coast. Boat tours for dolphin watching in the ocean depart from here. One of East Africa's oldest mosques is also located here, with fragments dating to the 12th century.

We also recommend dining at The Rock restaurant, built on a rock in the ocean. To see giant tortoises, take a boat to Changuu Island, and to experience local culture, visit spice farms and gardens in the central part of the island.

Where to Rent a Car in Zanzibar

For car rental in Zanzibar, online booking is most convenient. Localrent aggregates offers from local rental companies, making it easier to compare fleets and prices.

You choose where to collect your vehicle. You can pick up the car at Zanzibar Airport or arrange delivery to your address.

Online booking locks in the price and eliminates searching and negotiating on-site.

Tips for Zanzibar Travelers Planning to Rent a Car

Renting a car in Zanzibar is an excellent way to see the island. Here are several recommendations to help you adapt more easily:

• Obtain local temporary driving permit. In addition to your license, legal driving on the island requires a special Zanzibar document. You can arrange this through the rental company for a small fee, saving time and avoiding questions from police.
• Be prepared for frequent police checks. Stops at checkpoints are common practice in Zanzibar. Always carry your passport, license, rental contract, and local driving permit. Remain calm and polite.
• Choose your vehicle based on road conditions. Main highways are in good condition, but when planning trips to villages or less popular beaches, it's better to rent a vehicle with increased ground clearance. Such vehicles handle roads with bumps and potholes more comfortably.
• Observe speed limits. Speed bumps on Zanzibar roads are common and not always marked with advance signs.

Learn basic Swahili phrases. Simple "Jambo" (hello) or "Asante" (thank you) help establish rapport. At checkpoints, this is often perceived as a sign of respect and simplifies communication.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Rental in Zanzibar