Free cancellationBest price guaranteeNo hidden fees24/7 multilingual supportCar rental in Zanzibar (Unguja Island) - Search, Compare, and Save
Free cancellationNo hidden feesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Zanzibar (Unguja Island)
Zanzibar (Unguja Island)
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Zanzibar (Unguja Island)
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Zanzibar (Unguja Island)
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Zanzibar (Unguja Island)
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Why Rent a Car in Zanzibar (Unguja Island)?
Zanzibar, or Unguja Island, offers a unique blend of stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and historical sites. While local transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the island at your own pace.
Unrestricted Exploration: With a rental car, you can easily reach remote beaches, spice farms, and historical sites that are difficult to access by public transport.
Flexibility and Convenience: Enjoy the freedom to create your own itinerary, stopping wherever and whenever you like, without being tied to bus schedules or taxi availability.
Cost-Effective for Groups: If you're traveling with family or friends, renting a car can be more economical than paying for multiple taxis or tours.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Zanzibar (Unguja Island)
Before renting a car in Zanzibar, ensure you understand the local regulations and requirements. This includes age limits, license requirements, insurance, deposits, and potential extra fees.
Area
Approximately 1,666 square kilometers
Population
Approximately 1.3 million residents
Time Zone
EAT (East Africa Time), GMT+3
Ideal for
Exploring beaches and historical sites
Rush Hours
Minimal traffic congestion outside Stone Town
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Zanzibar is typically 21 or 23, depending on the rental company. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license from your home country is usually sufficient for short-term rentals. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always required.
3. Insurance & DepositsComprehensive insurance is highly recommended. A security deposit is usually required, payable by credit card. Ensure you understand the coverage details.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyUnlimited mileage is common, but confirm this with the rental company. Fuel policies vary; clarify whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, child seats, or GPS navigation. Always check the total cost before booking.
Car Rental Prices in Zanzibar (Unguja Island) – How Much Does It Cost?
The average daily rate for an economy-class car in Zanzibar is from £20 / $25 / €24 per day.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
Classic:
from £25 / $31 / €30 per day
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €60 per day
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €72 per day
Automatic:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
SUV:
from £45 / $56 / €54 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to February and July to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (March to May and September to November): Often come with discounts and better availability
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Zanzibar (Unguja Island)?
Booking a car in Zanzibar involves a few simple steps to ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the road conditions and the number of passengers.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements before finalizing your booking.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card when collecting your rental vehicle.
General Information About Zanzibar (Unguja Island)
Zanzibar, also known as Unguja Island, is a tropical paradise with stunning beaches and a rich cultural heritage. Exploring the island by car allows you to discover hidden gems and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
As part of Tanzania, Zanzibar offers a unique blend of African, Arab, and European influences. While Stone Town has narrow streets best explored on foot, a car is essential for visiting the beaches and spice farms in other parts of the island. Driving in Zanzibar requires awareness of local traffic customs and road conditions, particularly outside urban areas.
Top Attractions to Discover
Stone Town
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow streets, historical buildings, and vibrant markets.
Nungwi Beach
Known for its pristine white sands, clear turquoise waters, and stunning sunsets.
Spice Farms
Discover the aromatic spices that Zanzibar is famous for, with guided tours and tastings.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Areas
Available in Stone Town and near popular beaches, often with a small fee.
Hotel Parking
Most hotels offer free parking for their guests.
Designated Parking Zones
Look for designated parking zones in towns and villages to avoid fines.
Gas Stations in Zanzibar
Availability
Gas stations are readily available in Stone Town and along major roads.
Major Brands
You'll find several brands, including Puma Energy and local providers.
Payment
Most gas stations accept Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) and sometimes US Dollars.
Useful Tips for Visiting Zanzibar
Driving Side
Drive on the left side of the road.
Road Conditions
Roads can be uneven and unpaved outside major towns, so drive cautiously.
Traffic
Traffic is generally light, except in Stone Town.
Respect Local Customs
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and villages.
Key Transportation Hubs in Zanzibar (Unguja Island)
Airport
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
The main airport serving Zanzibar, located approximately 5 kilometers south of Stone Town.
Ports
Zanzibar Port
The main port for ferries and cargo ships, located in Stone Town.
Bus Stations
dala-dala stations
stations are available across Zanzibar and Stone Town
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Zanzibar (Unguja Island)?
Renting a car in Zanzibar is relatively straightforward, but you'll need to ensure you have the necessary documents and meet certain requirements.
A valid driver's license from your home country is usually sufficient for short-term rentals. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 or 23 years old.
A credit or debit card is required for the security deposit.
You'll need to provide a passport or other form of identification.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Zanzibar (Unguja Island) as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Relaxing, good vibes.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 23.10.2024
Zanzibar was breathtaking; family vacation perfection!
Sarah Garcia
Reviewed: 04.01.2025
Island bliss, car rental made it easy. The beach was a bit crowded.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 22.09.2024
Pretty laid-back, really.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 08.10.2024
Pretty chill, overall.
Ben Davis
Reviewed: 19.05.2025
Pretty mellow, really.
Liam Wilson
Reviewed: 20.12.2024
Zanzibar was amazing! Catching up with friends was great, although the spice market was a bit overwhelming.
David Lee
Reviewed: 04.07.2025
Zanzibar was incredible! Exploring the island by car was so freeing and fun; a first-time trip I won't forget.
Ava Brown
Reviewed: 15.11.2024
Pretty good, really.
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 19.09.2024
Pretty chill, really.
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 20.11.2024