There are many awesome hidden gems in Zanzibar waiting for you to explore, but unfortunately, many tourist attractions are often inaccessible without your own car due to the poor public transport infrastructure.
To pay to Zanzibar, you will have to rent a car and drive to really see what the island has prepared for you. Renting a car in another country can be extremely stressful, but don’t worry, we will support you.
In this guide you will find all the information you need to rent a car and drive safely in Zanzibar, with tips on where to rent, the price and more. Without further ado, here is a complete guide to renting a car in Zanzibar.
Should I Rent A Car In Zanzibar?
First of all, if you want to explore the island and visit other tourist attractions rather than spending most of your days at the beach or in Stone Town, renting a car will not be difficult.
However, if you just want to relax on the beach while being in Zanzibar, you can count on a taxi that takes you from the airport to the beach and back. Driving can be a challenge, and I think that only applies if you want to see how the hinterland is explored.
If you decide to rent a car, make sure you drive well, because the roads in Zanzibar are not in the best condition and some areas, such as in Nungwi, are not paved.
They also drive on the left and this can be quite confusing for beginners, so be sure to give them a few minutes to get used to the opposite location. Essentially, if you’ve ever traveled to third world countries like Thailand, you should be fine in Zanzibar.
In general, if you want to spend at least 2 days exploring the tourist attractions of the hinterland, renting a car in Zanzibar is definitely worth it. If you just want to spend time at the beach, in my opinion, the hassle is not worth it.
How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Car In Zanzibar?
The price of renting a car in Zanzibar can vary per night, depending on the vehicle and the level of comfort you need. The lowest option is the Toyota RAV4-3 SPECIAL, an air-conditioned 4WD car with 3 doors, ideal for solo travelers and couples.
You will get a newer version of the Toyota RAV4 with more space, ideal for groups of more than 2 people. You get a Toyota Land Cruiser that allows you to comfortably travel up to 7 people.
To rent a car in Zanzibar, you will also have to pay an additional for a temporary local driver’s license, which you will need to present if you are stopped by the traffic police while driving.
In total, you will pay per day, depending on the vehicle you choose, plus for your local driver’s license, and that’s it.
Where To Rent A Car In Zanzibar?
Kibabu Cars is my favorite car rental company in Zanzibar. I sent them an e-mail the day before and they fixed the car for me in less than an hour. Renting a special Toyota RAV4-3 car for 2 people costs about per day, plus for a temporary driver’s license.
You can arrange the time and place of Delivery for free with Kibabu Cars if you are in the Stone City or in the airport/ferry terminals. They can also deliver the car to the coastal areas for an additional if you need it.
I stopped in Stone Town and they left the car in front of my hotel just in time and came to pick up the car when I told them to drive without problems.
The car was in excellent condition, the air conditioning worked very well, although a little dusty, given the state of the roads here in Zanzibar, it is understandable. I had no problems with the cars from Kibabu and if you want to rent a car in Zanzibar, I highly recommend you to try them.
Documents Required To Rent A Car In Zanzibar
To rent a car in Zanzibar, here are the necessary documents:
- A copy of your international driving license
- Completed car rental form provided by Kibabu Cars
- Deposit of 50%
So. You may not even need a deposit if you rent a car the next day, as I did. all I had to do was pay the money in full to the guy who leaved me and I went to explore the island. The process was very simple and convenient.
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