Frequently asked questions.

Yes — renting a car in Zanzibar is one of the best decisions you can make as a visitor. The island spans over 85 km from north to south, and public transport is limited, slow, and often unreliable. A self-drive rental gives you the freedom to reach remote beaches, spice farms, and villages on your own schedule, without depending on daladalas (shared minibuses) or paying for expensive guided tours. For most travellers staying more than a day or two, renting a car in Zanzibar is the most cost-effective and flexible way to see the island. Browse our full fleet to find the right vehicle for your trip.

Yes, self-driving in Zanzibar is generally safe for confident drivers. The main things to watch for are narrow roads in Stone Town, pedestrians and cyclists sharing the road, occasional animals, and unpaved tracks leading to some beaches. Road signage is minimal in rural areas, so Google Maps — which works well across the island — is recommended. Traffic volumes are low outside the town centre, and most rural roads are straightforward. Our team is available 24/7 by WhatsApp if you need support at any point during your rental.

No, Uber does not operate in Zanzibar. Bolt is available in and around Stone Town but coverage is limited and reliability varies. For island-wide travel, the practical options are self-drive car rental, hiring a private driver, or booking a fixed-price taxi transfer. Renting a car with Zanzibar Car Rentals gives you unrestricted access to the whole island at a flat daily rate, with no per-trip cost. We also offer a taxi and private transfer service if you prefer a driver.

Yes. You can drive in Zanzibar using your national driver's licence — no International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. A local Zanzibar driving permit is also needed, which costs $15 per driver and is arranged by Zanzibar Car Rentals on your behalf as part of the booking process. You must be at least 18 years old and have held your licence for a minimum of one year. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. See our Zanzibar car rental guide for full requirements.

Browse our fleet on the cars page, select your pick-up and drop-off dates using the price calculator, and submit a booking request with your driver details. You will receive a confirmation via WhatsApp or email once we have reviewed availability. For a full walkthrough, see our Zanzibar car rental guide.

Free cancellation is available at any time, even at the last minute. No refund or compensation is issued once the reservation has been completed.

Yes. Extensions are possible — contact us via WhatsApp as early as possible so we can confirm availability for the additional days.

Yes. You can book on behalf of another person. Please ensure their driver details are provided correctly at the time of booking.

You will need a valid driver's licence, your travel passport, and a completed Zanzibar Car Rentals rental contract. All documents must be presented at vehicle pickup.

We accept USD cash or credit card (5% surcharge applies) on vehicle takeover, bank transfer, and Pesapal link (5% surcharge applies).

No hidden charges. The total shown in our price calculator is what you pay, plus the driver permit fee ($15 per driver) if applicable.

Payment is made in full when you collect the vehicle. No upfront payment or deposit is required to secure your booking.

Rental is charged per day, based on a 24-hour period from the agreed pickup time. Weekly rates apply automatically for bookings of 7 days or more. See full pricing details on our Zanzibar car hire page.

Taxes and standard insurance are not included in the base rental price. Optional extended protection is available for $15 per day or a one-time $500 fee.

The minimum age is 18 years. The maximum age is 78 years. All drivers must hold a valid licence for at least one year.

No additional requirements apply for young or senior drivers renting in Zanzibar.

Yes. Additional drivers can be added to your booking. A driver permit fee of $15 applies per driver.

No. Only one driver needs to be present at the time of vehicle pickup.

An IDP is not mandatory. We accept either a national driver's licence or an International Driving Permit to issue your Zanzibar driving permit. The local permit costs $15 per driver. Read more about what you need in our Zanzibar car rental guide.

Our fleet includes the Suzuki Escudo (3-door and 5-door), Toyota RAV4, Nissan Juke, Toyota Harrier, Toyota Alphard, and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

All cars in our fleet are automatic transmission.

Yes. We offer both short-term daily rentals and long-term hire. Weekly rates apply for 7+ day bookings and are calculated automatically in our price calculator. Full details on our Zanzibar car hire page.

GPS is not installed in the vehicles, but we provide a detailed island map. Google Maps on your phone works well across Zanzibar.

Yes. Baby seats are available free of charge — please request one at the time of booking.

Standard insurance, unlimited mileage, and delivery or pickup at the airport, ferry port, or any hotel in Stone Town are included. Road-legal registration and insurance stickers are on the windshield.

We offer optional extended protection at $15 per day or a one-time $500 fee for zero-excess coverage during your rental period.

You are financially responsible for the vehicle. Our standard insurance does not cover accidents or theft. We strongly recommend taking the optional extended protection.

Yes. Third-party liability insurance is included in the base rental rate.

Yes. You are responsible for any damage not covered by the standard insurance. Taking the optional extended protection ($15/day or $500 one-time) removes this liability.

Not covered: tire, rim, glass, mirror, and undercarriage damage; damage caused by traffic violations; damage caused by unauthorised drivers; damage while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; or total loss under any of these conditions.

No. Personal insurance policies or credit card coverage cannot be used in place of our rental insurance.

We are located at Zanzibar Airport and at Michenzani Mall in Stone Town, Zanzibar.

We offer flexible pickup and drop-off at any convenient location — including Zanzibar Airport, the ferry terminal, and any hotel on the island.

Yes. Airport meet-and-greet pickup is included in the rental. Our driver will be waiting at arrivals.

Up to 4 hours late: no charge. Beyond 4 hours: a full extra day is charged. If the delay is not communicated in advance, a $10 per hour fee applies after the grace period.

Yes. The same late return policy applies — free within 4 hours of the agreed return time, then a full day charge beyond that.

We operate 24/7. Contact us via WhatsApp or phone at any time — +255 77 275 5788.

Drive on the left-hand side of the road, the same as in the United Kingdom.

40 km/h in towns and built-up areas. 50 km/h on open roads. Always follow posted speed signs.

Yes. Checkpoints are routine. Keep your driver's licence, Zanzibar permit, and rental documents accessible at all times.

Generally yes, but take care. Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, animals on the road, and variable road conditions — particularly on unpaved tracks leading to beaches and villages.

Contact us immediately via WhatsApp or phone. We will resolve the issue promptly or replace the vehicle.

Use the spare tyre if possible. If not, contact us — we provide quick roadside assistance across the island.

Call or WhatsApp us anytime on +255 (0) 772 755 788 or +255 (0) 689 500 020. We are available 24/7.

English is our primary support language and is fully supported by our team.

Yes. We offer chauffeur and transfer services for travellers who prefer not to self-drive. See all options on our Zanzibar car hire page, or contact us to arrange a driver-hire booking.

Our driver will wait for you outside the arrivals hall until you land, regardless of the delay.

Yes. All Zanzibar Car Rentals drivers are fully licensed, professional, and insured.

Yes. Transfer bookings can be cancelled or modified — please contact us as early as possible.

Tipping is entirely optional. It is appreciated but never expected.