Planning to rent a car and explore Zanzibar at your own pace? Great choice. Self-driving is the most flexible, affordable, and rewarding way to experience the island. Here is everything you need to know before you pick up the keys.

Do I Need a Special Driving Licence?

In Zanzibar, you can drive on a valid driving licence from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-English licences, but in practice most rental companies — including King Car Rental — accept a standard national licence with a passport.

Which Side of the Road Do You Drive On?

Tanzania and Zanzibar follow the British system — traffic drives on the left. If you are from a country that drives on the right, take extra care at junctions and roundabouts, especially in the first day or two.

What Are the Roads Like?

The main road from Zanzibar Town to Nungwi is paved and in reasonable condition. Secondary roads, especially in the east and south of the island, can be rough and unpaved. An SUV or 4×4 like our Toyota RAV4 or Land Cruiser Prado is recommended for off-the-beaten-track exploration.

Zanzibar is a small island — you can drive from one end to the other in under 2 hours. But take your time: the journey is just as beautiful as the destination.

What Does Car Rental Cost in Zanzibar?

At King Car Rental, prices start from $22/day for a scooter and go up to $90/day for our Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Most travelers choose our Toyota RAV4 models, which start from $30/day and handle the island’s roads perfectly.

Is Insurance Included?

Yes. Third-party liability insurance is included in all our rental prices. We recommend driving carefully, especially on rural roads, and contacting us immediately in case of any incident.

Can I Get the Car Delivered to My Hotel?

Absolutely. King Car Rental delivers directly to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) and to hotels across the island. Just let us know your arrival time and location when you book.

Have more questions? Contact our team — we are available 24/7 by phone and WhatsApp at +255 740 354 550.