Is it a good idea to hire a car in Zanzibar?

Yes — hiring a car in Zanzibar is one of the best decisions you can make as a visitor to the island. Zanzibar is roughly 85 km long and 30 km wide, and public transport is limited to a handful of fixed routes that run infrequently and do not reach most of the beaches, forests, and villages that make the island worth exploring. A hire car puts you entirely in control: you leave when you want, stay as long as you like, and reach places that simply are not accessible by taxi or dala-dala at any reasonable cost.

The numbers make the case clearly. A one-way taxi from Stone Town to Nungwi typically costs $50 or more. A one-way taxi from Stone Town to Paje runs the same. Hire a car for the day at $30–40, and you cover both journeys and everywhere in between for less than the cost of a single transfer. Over a week-long stay, the saving is significant.

We have handled hundreds of car hire bookings in Zanzibar. The most common piece of feedback we hear at drop-off is that travellers wished they had booked the car for their entire stay rather than just a few days. The freedom it gives you changes how you experience the island.

That said, car hire in Zanzibar has some specific requirements that differ from renting in Europe or North America — particularly around age, licences, and the local driving permit. This guide covers everything in detail so you arrive fully prepared.

Age requirements for car hire in Zanzibar

Minimum age

The minimum age to hire a car in Zanzibar is 18 years old. This applies to all drivers on the booking, including additional drivers added after the initial reservation.

Vehicle category restrictions by age

Not all vehicle categories are available to all ages. As a general rule:

Ages 18–20: Eligible for compact vehicles only (smaller SUVs, standard saloons). Access to larger or premium vehicles is at the operator's discretion and is not guaranteed.
Ages 21–24: Eligible for most vehicle categories including standard SUVs and mid-range 4x4s. Some premium categories (large 4x4s, people carriers) may require a minimum age of 25.
Ages 25 and over: Eligible for all vehicle categories with no restrictions.

If you are under 25, confirm your age at the time of booking and specify which vehicle you want. Do not assume that the cheapest vehicle listed is automatically available — it is better to confirm before you travel than to arrive and find a category has been restricted.

Young driver requirements

Drivers aged 18–24 must meet additional requirements at the time of collection:

A full, valid driving licence with no provisional or learner restrictions
A minimum of 12 months' driving experience from the date of licence issue (not the date you passed your test — the date the licence was physically issued)
A clean driving record — major endorsements (drink driving, dangerous driving, licence disqualification) will result in the booking being declined regardless of age

We ask young drivers to bring their licence and, where possible, a printout or screenshot of their DVLA or equivalent record showing the issue date and endorsement status. This is not always required but helps if there is any ambiguity at collection.

Maximum age

There is no maximum age limit for car hire in Zanzibar with us. Drivers over 70 are welcome to hire a vehicle provided they hold a current, valid driving licence.

Driving licence requirements

Which licences are accepted?

We accept full driving licences from any country, provided the licence is current (not expired) and covers the category of vehicle being hired (a standard car licence — Category B or equivalent).

Licences accepted without restriction include those issued in:

United Kingdom (full photocard licence — bring both parts if you have an old paper counterpart)
European Union / EEA member states
United States and Canada (state/provincial licence)
Australia and New Zealand
South Africa
Most other countries worldwide

If your licence is not written in the Latin (Roman) alphabet — for example licences from China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, or Arabic-script countries — you will need to carry a certified translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside it. The IDP acts as a translation document, not a licence in its own right.

Do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

In most cases, no. The Zanzibar driving permit — which we arrange on your behalf — is the document that legally authorises you to drive on the island, not the IDP.

An IDP is useful if:

Your home licence is not in the Latin alphabet (as described above)
You want extra peace of mind at police checkpoints, where officers sometimes ask to see additional documentation
Your travel insurance policy specifically requires one for rental car cover to be valid (check your policy carefully)

An IDP can be obtained from your national motoring association (the AA or RAC in the UK, AAA in the USA) and is typically valid for 1–3 years. It is inexpensive and takes minutes to obtain online or by post. If in doubt, get one — it will not hurt your booking and costs very little.

Provisional and learner licences

Provisional licences are not accepted. You must hold a full driving licence to hire a car in Zanzibar. If you are in the process of learning to drive at home, you are not eligible for self-drive hire regardless of age.

Licence validity

Your licence must be valid on every day of the hire period, including the return date. If your licence expires mid-rental, you are not eligible for the full booking period — contact us to discuss options before you travel.

The Zanzibar driving permit explained in full

What is it?

The Zanzibar Road Board (ZRB) driving permit is a local document issued by the Tanzanian licensing authority for Zanzibar. It is a legal requirement for any foreign national who drives a vehicle on the island. It exists separately from your home licence and cannot be replaced by an IDP, an international vehicle rental agreement, or any other document.

Why does it exist?

Tanzania and Zanzibar use a local permit system to ensure that foreign drivers are logged in the national system, that insurance liability is properly recorded, and that the licensing authority can track vehicle use by non-residents. It is not unique to Zanzibar — similar temporary permit requirements exist across East Africa.

Cost

The permit costs $15 USD per driver, one-time. This covers your primary driver and is charged once regardless of how many days you hire the car. There is no daily fee. If you add additional drivers to the booking, each additional driver also pays $15 — so a booking with two drivers costs $30 in permit fees total.

How we handle it

When you book with us, we prepare the permit paperwork in advance. At the time of collection — whether at the airport, the ferry terminal, or your hotel — we complete the documentation with you. It takes approximately 10 minutes. You provide your driving licence and passport, we complete the form, and you receive a copy of the permit to keep with you during the rental.

You do not need to visit any government office. We handle the ZRB submission on your behalf as part of the standard booking process.

Carrying the permit

Keep your permit with you whenever you are driving. At police checkpoints — which are routine on the main roads and not a cause for concern — officers may ask to see your driving licence, passport copy, and permit. Having all three documents in the car at all times avoids delays.

What car hire in Zanzibar costs

Daily rental rates

Rates vary by vehicle category. As a general guide:

Compact SUVs (Suzuki Escudo 3-door, Nissan Juke): from $30–40 per day
Mid-size SUVs (Toyota RAV4, Suzuki Escudo 5-door): from $40–55 per day
Premium SUVs and 4x4s (Toyota Harrier, Toyota RAV4 Retro): from $55–70 per day
Large 4x4s and people carriers (Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Toyota Alphard): from $70–90 per day

For exact, up-to-date pricing on each vehicle, browse our full fleet — every listing shows the current daily rate and a live price calculator for your specific dates.

Weekly rates

If you hire a vehicle for seven consecutive days or more, a weekly rate applies automatically. The weekly rate is lower than multiplying the daily rate by seven — typically representing a saving of 15–25% over the equivalent daily hire. The calculator on each vehicle page shows both rates side by side when you select seven or more days, so you can compare directly.

The driving permit fee

As covered above, the permit is a one-time $15 fee per driver. It is added to your total at the time of booking and does not recur regardless of the length of hire.

What is included in the price?

Every hire includes:

The vehicle for your chosen period
Third-party liability insurance (legally required minimum)
The Zanzibar driving permit arranged on your behalf
Unlimited mileage within Zanzibar island
Airport or hotel delivery and collection (no surcharge)
24/7 WhatsApp support throughout your rental

What is not included:

Fuel (you collect with a full tank and return with the same level)
Collision damage cover beyond the third-party minimum (see the insurance section below)
Child seats (available on request — see below)
Any fines or penalties incurred during the rental period

Payment

We do not take upfront payment. You pay the full rental amount in cash on arrival, either at the airport or at the point of vehicle collection. We accept USD and Tanzanian shillings. Credit and debit card payment is not currently available for the rental amount itself, though we are working on adding this option.

This is intentional. We know from experience that many visitors are nervous about paying online to a company they have not dealt with before. Paying on arrival means you see the vehicle, meet the team, and only hand over money when you are satisfied. If anything is not as expected, we sort it out before you pay.

What documents to bring

Bring the following for every driver on the booking:

Full, valid driving licence (the original physical document — not a photo on your phone)
Passport (original)
One passport-sized photograph (used for the ZRB permit application)
A copy of your booking confirmation email

If your licence is not in the Latin alphabet, also bring:

An International Driving Permit or a certified translation of your licence

It is worth keeping photocopies (or clear phone photos) of all documents separately from the originals. If your passport is lost or stolen during your trip, having a backup copy speeds up the process at the embassy considerably.

Insurance: what is covered and what is not

What third-party insurance covers

Every vehicle in our fleet is covered by third-party liability insurance as required by Tanzanian law. This covers:

Damage to third-party vehicles caused by the hired car in an accident
Damage to third-party property (fences, walls, other structures)
Third-party personal injury liability

This is the standard minimum across all car hire in Tanzania and is included in every booking at no extra charge.

What third-party insurance does not cover

Third-party insurance does not cover:

Damage to our vehicle — if you dent, scratch, or write off the hired car in an accident you caused, the repair cost is your liability
Damage caused by driving outside the permitted area (off the main roads in a non-4x4 vehicle, or taking the vehicle off the island)
Loss or damage to your personal belongings left in the vehicle
Damage from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs — this voids all cover entirely

Collision damage and your options

If you want protection against damage to the hired vehicle itself, the most effective option for most travellers is to check whether their travel insurance policy includes rental car excess cover. Many comprehensive travel insurance policies — and most annual multi-trip policies bought in the UK, EU, and Australia — include this automatically.

Check your policy for the following terms:

"Rental car excess" or "Car hire excess cover"
The maximum vehicle value covered (most policies cover vehicles up to $35,000–50,000)
Any exclusions for 4x4 vehicles, off-road use, or self-drive in certain countries

If your travel policy does not include this cover, standalone rental car excess insurance is available cheaply from providers like InsureandGo, CoverForYou, or iCarhireinsurance. A week's cover typically costs less than $30 and removes your excess liability entirely.

At collection: the vehicle inspection

Before you drive away, we conduct a full walk-around inspection of the vehicle together. Every existing mark, scratch, and dent is recorded on the hire agreement and both parties sign it. This protects you: anything noted on the agreement before departure cannot be charged to you at return.

We strongly recommend:

Taking your own photos and short video of the full vehicle — all four sides, the roof, wheels, and interior — before driving away
Checking that all pre-existing marks are on the signed agreement
Testing the lights, horn, A/C, and windows before leaving the collection point

This two-minute process at the start of the hire prevents any dispute at the end.

What is driving actually like in Zanzibar?

Which side of the road?

Zanzibar drives on the left side of the road, inherited from British colonial influence and consistent with the rest of Tanzania. Steering wheels are on the right. If you are used to driving on the right (USA, continental Europe, most of Asia), allow 20–30 minutes to settle into the pattern before entering busy areas.

Road quality by area

Stone Town and the surrounding area: The medina streets in Stone Town are extremely narrow — in many places, two cars genuinely cannot pass each other. The streets were built for pedestrians and donkeys, not modern vehicles. If you are staying in Stone Town, park on the perimeter (near the port or the Forodhani area) and explore on foot. Driving into the medina is possible but rarely worth the stress for visitors unfamiliar with the layout.

Main tarmac routes (the majority of visitor driving): The primary routes — Stone Town to Nungwi, Stone Town to Paje, Stone Town to Kendwa, and the central cross-island road — are sealed tarmac and in generally good condition. Potholes exist and vary seasonally, but nothing that requires a 4x4. The most important thing on these roads is speed bumps: they appear at the entrance and exit of every village, are often poorly signed, and are high enough to seriously damage a vehicle taken at speed. Slow to 10 km/h through every settlement.

Secondary and coastal roads: Beyond the main tarmac routes, roads transition to packed gravel, dirt tracks, and in some cases sand. These are manageable in a standard SUV in the dry season. During the rainy season (March–May, November–December), some tracks become soft and vehicles without decent ground clearance can get stuck.

The east coast road (Paje to Jambiani to Bwejuu): Partly tarmac, partly packed gravel. The gravel sections are rough but passable year-round in a standard SUV. The scenery is worth it — this is some of the quietest and most beautiful coastline on the island.

Speed limits

Urban areas and through villages: 50 km/h (and in practice, much slower due to speed bumps)
Open rural roads: 80 km/h
Near schools and hospitals: 30 km/h (signed, but not always prominently)

Speed cameras exist on the main roads. More practically, speeding through villages is dangerous — children, goats, and chickens cross the road constantly and without warning. Drive at a pace that allows you to stop in every village.

Police checkpoints

Police checkpoints are routine on the main roads in Zanzibar and are not a cause for concern. Officers typically wave cars through or ask for a brief document check: driving licence, passport copy, and your Zanzibar driving permit.

What to do at a checkpoint:

Stop fully, switch off your engine, and greet the officer courteously in Swahili — "Habari" (hello) goes a long way
Present your licence, permit, and passport copy when asked
Answer questions calmly and do not argue
Do not photograph the checkpoint or officers

Provided your documents are in order, checkpoints take one to three minutes and you are waved through.

Fuel stations

Fuel in Zanzibar is sold at full-service stations — an attendant fills the tank for you. Payment is typically in Tanzanian shillings, though USD is accepted at most stations. Petrol (unleaded) is the correct fuel for all vehicles in our fleet unless your hire agreement specifies otherwise — confirm at collection if you are unsure.

Fuel stations are reliably found in:

Stone Town (multiple stations near the main road)
Nungwi town
Paje
Chakechake / Wete on the main northern route

Fill up before heading to remote beaches or the northeast coast. The final 10–20 km to some coastal locations have no fuel stations, and running out on an unpaved track is an avoidable problem.

Driving at night

We advise against driving in rural areas after dark. The main roads are unlit outside of town, cattle and pedestrians cross without warning, and the risk of accident is considerably higher than in daylight. If you are returning from a dinner in Stone Town to a hotel in Nungwi or Paje, the drive is manageable on the main tarmac road — but take it slowly and stay alert. If you are considering driving any secondary or coastal road at night, consider staying put or arranging a taxi for the evening instead.

Do you need a 4x4 for car hire in Zanzibar?

For most itineraries and most of the year, no. The overwhelming majority of popular destinations are reachable on tarmac roads in any vehicle in our fleet.

When a standard SUV is fine

Dry season (June–October and January–February)
All main beach destinations: Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu
Stone Town, Jozani Forest, spice farm area
Airport and ferry terminal pickups and drop-offs

When a 4x4 adds value

Rainy season driving (March–May and November–December) on secondary and unpaved roads
Accessing specific remote beaches where the final kilometre is deep sand — Matemwe Beach and parts of the northeast coast in particular
Travelling with heavy luggage or a full vehicle load on rough roads where ground clearance matters
If you prefer the higher driving position and additional stability for long days of driving across mixed terrain

If you are in any doubt about whether your itinerary needs a 4x4, contact us before you book — we know the current road conditions across the island and will advise honestly on what vehicle you actually need rather than upselling unnecessarily.

Child seats and family hire

Child seats are available on request and must be specified at the time of booking. We cannot guarantee availability for last-minute requests, so if you are travelling with young children, request the seat when you make your booking.

Regulations

Tanzanian law requires children under 5 to be secured in an appropriate child restraint when the vehicle is moving. Beyond the legal requirement, this is simply good safety practice on Zanzibar's roads where unexpected speed bumps and road surface changes can cause sudden jolts.

What to request

Rear-facing infant seat: For children under approximately 13 kg (roughly under 12–18 months, depending on the child)
Forward-facing toddler seat: For children approximately 9–18 kg (roughly 9 months to 4 years)
Booster seat with back: For children approximately 15–36 kg (roughly 4–12 years)

If you are unsure which category applies to your child, let us know their age and approximate weight when you book and we will advise.

Cancellation and changes

Free cancellation

We offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before your scheduled collection time. Cancel within 48 hours via WhatsApp or email and no charge applies — because you have not paid anything upfront, there is nothing to refund.

Changes to your booking

Most changes — extending the rental period, swapping the vehicle, adjusting the pickup location — can be accommodated with reasonable notice. Contact us on WhatsApp as soon as you know a change is needed. Changes made less than 24 hours before collection are subject to availability and cannot always be guaranteed.

If your flight is delayed

Send us your flight number when you book. We monitor all arrivals at ZNZ airport and adjust your collection time automatically in the event of a delay. You do not need to call or message us during a delay — if we can see the flight is running late, we will be there when you land.

Self-drive vs. hiring a local driver

Both options are genuinely good choices in Zanzibar. The right one depends on how you want to spend your time.

Self-drive car hire

Best for:

Travellers who are comfortable driving in an unfamiliar country
Anyone who wants total flexibility — leaving and arriving wherever and whenever suits them
Multi-day itineraries covering several locations (Nungwi, Paje, Jozani, Stone Town)
Couples and families who want a private, independent experience

The practical reality: driving in Zanzibar is genuinely manageable for most experienced drivers. The roads are quiet compared to mainland African cities, the pace of traffic is slow, and the main routes are straightforward. The biggest adjustment is the speed bumps and the occasional narrow stretch in Stone Town — both easily handled with care.

Hiring a local driver

Best for:

Travellers who prefer not to drive abroad
Single days or half-days where you want to focus on the experience rather than navigation
Stone Town exploration, where parking is genuinely difficult
Guests who want local knowledge — a good driver will suggest stops, explain what you are seeing, and take you to places a map will not show

Our taxi and driver service covers airport and ferry transfers, full-day hire, and multi-day arrangements with pricing agreed in advance. A day with a driver costs more than a self-drive day, but the value is real if you want a guided experience rather than pure independence.

Many guests combine both: they hire a self-drive vehicle for the beach days when they want freedom, and arrange a driver for their Stone Town day and any excursions where navigation and local knowledge matter.

Best routes and destinations by hire car

Stone Town → Nungwi (North)

Distance: approximately 55 km. Drive time: 60–75 minutes.

Head north from Stone Town on the main B1 road through Mahonda. The road is tarmac throughout and well signposted. Nungwi is Zanzibar's most popular resort area, with calm lagoon swimming, good snorkelling, and the traditional dhow-building village on the western point. Kendwa, 3 km south of Nungwi on the west coast, is quieter and better for swimming at all tide levels — the lagoon here is one of the best on the island.

Stone Town → Paje (East Coast)

Distance: approximately 55 km. Drive time: 60–70 minutes.

Take the central road south-east through Tunguu. The road is tarmac and easy to navigate. Paje is the kite-surfing capital of East Africa — the consistent wind makes it ideal, and the shallow tidal flats at low tide are visually spectacular even if you are not on a kite. The Rock Restaurant, built on a coral outcrop just offshore near Michamvi, is a short detour worth making.

Stone Town → Jozani Forest

Distance: approximately 35 km. Drive time: 35–45 minutes.

Head south on the main road through Pete towards Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park. Easy tarmac road all the way. Jozani is home to the Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey, found nowhere else on earth. The guided forest and mangrove walk takes around one hour and is genuinely excellent — book through the park entrance, not through a tour agent, to ensure the guides are the forest rangers who live with these animals daily.

Stone Town → Spice Farm Belt (Central Zanzibar)

Distance: approximately 15–25 km north-east. Drive time: 20–35 minutes.

The spice plantation country sits close to Stone Town in the island's central interior. Most farms offer guided tours in the mornings. A good spice tour takes two hours and covers cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and jackfruit — and usually ends with a fresh coconut and a tasting plate. Book in advance during peak season as the best farms fill up quickly.

Full island loop: Nungwi → Paje (cross-island)

Distance: approximately 100 km. Drive time: 90–110 minutes depending on stops.

One of the most satisfying day drives on the island. Leave Nungwi, drive south through the spice belt, stop at Jozani Forest, continue east to Paje, then return via the coast road through Jambiani and Bwejuu before cutting back inland to Stone Town. You pass through almost every distinct landscape Zanzibar has to offer: resort coastline, dense forest, coral-rag scrub, and fishing villages. This loop works best on a full day with an early start.

Airport and ferry collection: how it works in practice

At Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)

The airport is approximately 6 km south of Stone Town, a 10–15 minute drive. When you arrive:

Clear immigration. First-time visitors to Tanzania receive a visa on arrival ($50 USD, payable in cash — have this ready). EAC passport holders do not require a visa.
Collect your luggage at the single baggage carousel.
Exit arrivals. Our team will be waiting at the arrivals exit with a board showing your name. If for any reason you cannot find us, call or WhatsApp the number on your booking confirmation — we will come to you.
Complete the permit paperwork. This takes approximately 10 minutes in the arrivals area. Bring your licence, passport, and passport photo.
Walk to the vehicle. We do the handover inspection together, answer any questions you have, and you drive away.

We monitor flight arrivals in real time. If your flight is delayed, we will already know before you land.

At Zanzibar Ferry Terminal (Stone Town)

The ferry terminal is in the centre of Stone Town, a two-minute walk from most Stone Town accommodation. The process is identical — we meet you at the terminal exit with your name on a board and complete the paperwork on-site.

The Kilimanjaro Fast Ferry and Azam Marine both operate the Dar es Salaam–Zanzibar route. Journey time is approximately 2 hours. If you are arriving from the mainland by ferry and then driving to a beach resort, your car will be waiting. The drive from the ferry terminal to Nungwi or Paje takes around 60–70 minutes.

Hotel delivery

If you do not want to collect the car on arrival day and prefer to start driving on day two, we can deliver the vehicle to your hotel. Specify this when you book and provide the hotel address. Delivery is included in the hire price — there is no surcharge.

When to hire a car in Zanzibar: the seasonal guide

June to October (long dry season) — best time

The best period for car hire in Zanzibar. Clear skies, minimal rain, and roads at their best. Most secondary and coastal tracks are fully passable in a standard SUV. This is peak tourist season — book your vehicle as early as possible, ideally several weeks before arrival. Popular vehicles (Toyota Harrier, Land Cruiser Prado) can be fully booked weeks in advance during July and August.

January and February (short dry season) — excellent

A second dry window that is quieter than the summer peak. Slightly warmer and more humid than July–August but excellent for driving. Roads are dry and coastal tracks are at their best. Good availability and slightly lower rates than the peak months.

March to May (long rains) — manageable with caveats

Zanzibar's main rainy season. April is typically the wettest month. Main tarmac roads remain fully passable throughout. Some secondary and coastal tracks become muddy and may require a 4x4. The island is significantly quieter and rates are lower. If your itinerary sticks to the main roads (Stone Town, Nungwi, Paje, Jozani), the rain is not a barrier to hiring a car — it just means less predictable weather and some flexibility required.

November and December (short rains) — good with minor caveats

Shorter and less intense than the long rains. Most roads are unaffected. Some afternoon showers are typical but these tend to clear quickly. A good time to visit if you want lower rates and fewer tourists with only occasional disruption to secondary routes.

Frequently asked questions about car hire in Zanzibar

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

For most nationalities, no. The Zanzibar driving permit arranged by your rental company is the legally required document for driving on the island. An IDP is worth carrying if your home licence is not in the Latin alphabet, or if your travel insurance policy specifically requires one.

What is the minimum age to hire a car in Zanzibar?

The minimum age is 18 years. Drivers aged 18–20 are eligible for compact vehicles. Drivers aged 21–24 are eligible for most categories. Full access to all vehicle categories is available from age 25. All drivers must hold a full licence (no provisionals) and have at least 12 months of driving experience.

Can I add additional drivers?

Yes — additional drivers can be added at the time of booking or before collection. Each additional driver must present a valid driving licence and passport, will be named on the hire agreement, and is covered by the same Zanzibar driving permit. The permit fee is $15 per driver, one-time.

How much does a Zanzibar driving permit cost?

The permit costs $15 USD per driver, one-time, regardless of the length of hire. A two-driver booking pays $30 in permit fees total. We arrange the permit on your behalf — you do not visit any government office.

Is a 4x4 necessary for Zanzibar?

For most itineraries in the dry season, no. The main roads to Nungwi, Paje, Kendwa, and Jozani are tarmac and accessible in any vehicle. A 4x4 adds meaningful value during the rainy season (March–May, November–December) and for reaching remote beaches on unpaved tracks. If unsure, contact us with your itinerary and we will advise honestly.

Can I hire a car one-way (collect at airport, drop at hotel)?

Yes. We deliver and collect from the airport, ferry terminal, and any hotel or location on the island. One-way arrangements between different locations are included in the hire price — there is no one-way surcharge.

What happens if the car breaks down?

Contact us immediately on WhatsApp. We cover all mechanical breakdowns — we will send assistance to your location or arrange a replacement vehicle. Do not attempt to repair the vehicle yourself or engage a local mechanic without contacting us first, as unauthorised repairs may affect your insurance position.

Can I drive to Pemba Island or mainland Tanzania?

No. Our vehicles are insured and permitted for use on Zanzibar (Unguja) island only. The vehicles cannot be transported to Pemba Island, the Tanzanian mainland, or any other territory. Driving the vehicle onto a ferry would void your hire agreement and all insurance cover.

Is fuel included in the hire price?

No. You collect the vehicle with a full tank and return it with the same fuel level. Fuel stations are found in Stone Town, Nungwi, Paje, and along the main routes. Unleaded petrol is the correct fuel for all vehicles in our fleet — confirm at collection.

What if I want to extend my hire while on the island?

Extensions are welcome subject to availability. Contact us on WhatsApp as early as possible — ideally 48 hours before your original return date. If the vehicle you have is already reserved for another guest, we will do our best to find you an alternative.

Do you provide child seats?

Yes, on request. Specify the seat type (infant, toddler, or booster) and your child's approximate age and weight when you book. We cannot guarantee availability for last-minute or on-arrival requests.

Ready to hire a car in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is one of the most rewarding places in the world to explore by hire car. The island is small enough to see a completely different coastline every day yet varied enough that every drive reveals something new. The freedom a hire car gives you — to pull over at a village market, to linger at a beach longer than a tour bus allows, to change plans on a whim — is something that transforms a good holiday into an exceptional one.

We are a locally owned company that has been operating in Zanzibar for years. Every booking is handled directly by our team — no third-party platforms, no hidden fees, no upfront payment. You pay in full when you collect the car and meet the person who arranged your rental.

Browse our full fleet and get instant pricing for your dates, or get in touch directly if you have a question before you book. We respond on WhatsApp usually within minutes.

For more on what is included and how our booking process works, visit our Zanzibar car hire service page or read our Zanzibar car rental guide. You can also find answers to common questions on our FAQ page.

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