Zanzibar Car Rental & Car Hire
Self-drive hire from $30 per day. Instant pricing, easy online booking.
From $30 per day
Rent a car in Zanzibar — choose your vehicle.
Simple process
Renting a car in Zanzibar in three steps.
Browse the fleet & pick your dates
Choose from our diverse range of vehicles — compact SUVs, spacious 4x4s, and premium options. Use the instant price calculator to see your exact total before committing.
Browse our fleetSubmit your booking request
Fill in your driver details and send your booking request. We review availability and send you an email confirmation — usually within minutes.
Car rental FAQsConfirm & pick up your vehicle
Collect your vehicle at Zanzibar Airport, the ferry terminal, or your hotel. No hidden charges — the price you see in the calculator is the price you pay.
View all servicesPrices
Zanzibar car rental prices.
Car rental in Zanzibar costs from $30 to $100 per day with us, depending on the vehicle. The price is the same every day of the year and for any length of rental — your total is simply the number of days multiplied by the daily rate. The only required extra is the Zanzibar driving permit ($25 per driver, paid once).
| Vehicle | Type | Seats | Per day | 7 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Juke | SUV | 4 | $30 | $210 |
| RAV4 White (5-door) | SUV | 5 | $35 | $245 |
| Toyota RAV4 (3-door) | SUV | 5 | $35 | $245 |
| Toyota Vanguard | SUV | 5 | $35 | $245 |
| Toyota RAV4 Retro (5-door) | SUV | 5 | $40 | $280 |
| Suzuki Escudo (5-door) | SUV | 5 | $40 | $280 |
| Toyota Harrier | SUV | 5 | $50 | $350 |
| Toyota Alphard | Minivan | 7 | $55 | $385 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado | 4x4 | 7 | $100 | $700 |
- Zanzibar driving permit: $25 per driver, one-time.
- Delivery to a hotel outside Stone Town: $20.
- Optional zero-excess extended protection: $15 per day or $500 one-time.
- No deposit and no upfront payment — you pay when you collect the car.
Car rental insurance in Zanzibar.
- Third-party liability insurance is included in every rental
- Optional zero-excess extended protection: $15 per day or $500 one-time
- Road-legal registration and insurance stickers on every car
Without extended protection you are responsible for damage to the vehicle, so we recommend adding it.
Pickup and delivery across Zanzibar.
Collect your car at Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ), the Zanzibar ferry terminal, or have it delivered to any hotel in Stone Town at no extra cost. Staying in Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje or elsewhere on the coast? We deliver there too for $20.
Prefer not to drive from the airport? Our fixed-price taxi costs $20 to Stone Town and $50 to the beaches.
What you need to rent a car in Zanzibar.
- A full driving licence from your home country, held for at least one year
- Your passport
- Drivers aged 18 to 78
- A Zanzibar driving permit — we arrange it for $25 per driver
An International Driving Permit is not required. Read our Zanzibar driving permit guide for the full details.
Discover the island
The best way to explore Zanzibar is with your own car.
Zanzibar has some of the most beautiful beaches, historic sites, and natural landscapes in East Africa — but the best of it lies beyond the main resort strips. With a Zanzibar car rental from Zanzibar Car Rentals, you can visit Nungwi, Paje, and Jozani Forest without relying on public transport, shared taxis, or fixed tour schedules. Your itinerary. Your pace.
Our diverse fleet of well-maintained, automatic vehicles makes the journey through Zanzibar as comfortable as possible — whether you are heading out for a scenic coastal drive, exploring the island's historic landmarks, or simply chasing the next beach.
Experience real freedom with Zanzibar car hire.
When you choose car hire in Zanzibar with Zanzibar Car Rentals, you unlock the full potential of island exploration. Unlike group tours or expensive private taxis, having your own vehicle gives you complete control. Wake up early to catch the sunrise at Kendwa Beach, spend the afternoon at the spice farms in the central region, and end your day watching the sunset at The Rock Restaurant in Michamvi.
Every moment becomes an opportunity for a spontaneous detour. Drive to northern villages where local fishermen bring in their daily catch, find hidden beaches only accessible by car, or discover authentic Swahili restaurants that tourists rarely reach. That is the real Zanzibar — and a hire car is your key to it.
Transparent pricing. No surprises.
All our vehicles come with unlimited mileage — drive as far as you want across the island without watching the odometer. Prices start from $30 per day, with the same daily rate however long you stay. Use our instant price calculator to see the exact cost before you commit. What you see is what you pay.
We also offer free delivery and collection at Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ), the ferry terminal, and any hotel in Stone Town — so your car is waiting for you the moment you arrive. Airport transfer service is also available if you prefer to be driven on arrival.
Why choose us
The better way to hire a car in Zanzibar.
Instant, transparent pricing
Select your dates and see the exact cost immediately. No hidden fees, no surprises at pickup — what you see in the calculator is what you pay.
Simple, hassle-free booking
Submit your request online in minutes. We confirm availability, sort the details, and have your vehicle ready when you arrive.
Local knowledge, real expertise
We are based in Zanzibar and have been here for years. We know every road, every beach, and every shortcut worth knowing.
A fleet for every traveller
From compact SUVs ideal for solo trips to spacious 4x4s and premium vehicles — the right car for your Zanzibar adventure is in our fleet.
FAQ
Zanzibar car rental questions.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Zanzibar?
With Zanzibar Car Rentals, car rental in Zanzibar costs from $30 per day (Nissan Juke) up to $100 per day. A 7-day rental starts at $210. Add the one-time Zanzibar driving permit of $25 per driver, and $20 if you want the car delivered to a hotel outside Stone Town. There is no deposit and you pay when you collect the car.
Is it worth renting a car in Zanzibar?
Yes. The island is over 85 km from north to south and public transport is limited, slow and often unreliable. A rental car lets you reach remote beaches, spice farms and villages on your own schedule — usually for less than a few taxi rides or a guided tour.
Can I use Uber in Zanzibar?
No, Uber does not operate in Zanzibar. Bolt is available in and around Stone Town, but coverage is limited. For getting around the island, the practical options are a rental car, a private driver, or a fixed-price taxi.
How much does a taxi cost from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town?
Our fixed-price taxi from Zanzibar Airport or the ferry terminal to Stone Town costs $20 per vehicle. Transfers to Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe or Kiwengwa cost $50. The driver meets you at arrivals with a name board.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Zanzibar?
No. Your national driving licence is enough. Every driver does need a local Zanzibar driving permit, which we arrange for you for $25 per driver as part of your booking.
Do you need a deposit to rent a car in Zanzibar?
No. There is no deposit and no upfront payment. You pay in full when you collect the car.
Can you deliver the rental car to Zanzibar Airport or my hotel?
Yes. Delivery to Zanzibar Airport, the ferry terminal and any hotel in Stone Town is free. Delivery to a hotel elsewhere on the island — such as Nungwi, Kendwa or Paje — costs $20.
Is it safe to drive in Zanzibar?
Yes, self-driving in Zanzibar is generally safe. Traffic drives on the left. Watch for narrow streets in Stone Town, pedestrians, cyclists and animals on rural roads, and unpaved tracks to some beaches. Google Maps works well across the island, and police checkpoints are routine — keep your licence and permit with you.
More questions? See our full car rental FAQ.