If you’re planning a trip to Zanzibar and trying to work out your travel budget, one of the first questions is simple: how much does a rental car actually cost? Between the daily rate, permit fees, and optional extras, it’s easy to be unsure what to expect. Here’s a full, transparent breakdown of what you’ll pay to rent a car with King Car Rental in 2026 — real numbers, not vague estimates.

Daily Rental Rates by Vehicle (2026)

Our fleet covers everything from budget scooters to premium SUVs, so the right price for you depends on how you plan to explore the island. Here’s what each vehicle costs per day:

See the full fleet and availability on our Cars page, or check current rates any time on our Pricing page.

What’s Included in the Price (No Hidden Fees)

  • Third-party insurance included as standard on every rental
  • 24/7 roadside assistance for the whole rental period
  • Free cancellation and return
  • Pay when you arrive — no advance payment required to book

Extra Costs to Plan For

  • Zanzibar Tourist Driving Permit — $20 (one-time government fee). Required for any visitor who wants to drive themselves. We handle the paperwork — just send us photos of your driving licence, passport, and a passport-size photo before pickup, and it’s ready within minutes of collecting your car.
  • Baby / child seat — $2/day (optional). Just ask when you book and we’ll have it fitted and ready.
  • Fuel — not included. You fill up as you go; fuel stations are easy to find along the main roads.

One thing worth knowing: if you choose our chauffeur or car-with-driver service instead of self-drive, you don’t need the Tourist Driving Permit at all — since our driver is the one behind the wheel.

Self-Drive vs. Chauffeur/Driver — Which Costs Less?

Self-drive uses the fixed, transparent daily rates above plus the one-time $20 permit — generally the most affordable option, especially for multi-day trips or budget travelers on a scooter or Ractic.

Chauffeur / car-with-driver service is quoted per trip or per day based on your itinerary rather than a single fixed rate — a good fit if you’re not comfortable driving on the left, you’re arriving with a lot of luggage, or you’d like a local driver who can double as a guide. Message us for a personalised quote, or read our full comparison in Airport Transfer vs Self-Drive in Zanzibar. Full details are on our Car Rental With Driver and Chauffeur Services pages.

Real Budget Examples

To make this concrete, here’s what a self-drive rental actually adds up to for a few typical trips (rate × days + the one-time $20 permit, before fuel and any optional extras):

  • Budget beach trip — 3 days on a Scooter: 3 × $22 = $66 + $20 permit = $86 total
  • Family island trip — 7 days on a Toyota RAV4 (3-Door): 7 × $30 = $210 + $20 permit = $230 total
  • Full island exploration — 5 days on a Toyota Harrier: 5 × $45 = $225 + $20 permit = $245 total

Tips to Get the Best Value

  • Book directly with King Car Rental rather than through a third-party agency — you get our direct rate with no added commission. WhatsApp us at +255 740 354 550 or use our contact form.
  • Match the vehicle to your route: a scooter or Ractic is plenty for Stone Town and nearby beaches, while an SUV like the RAV4 or Harrier is a better fit for longer cross-island trips or rougher secondary roads — see our Self-Drive Guide for more on road conditions.
  • Have your documents ready before arrival — driving licence, passport, and a passport-size photo — so your Tourist Driving Permit is sorted within minutes of pickup.
  • Reach out with your exact travel dates and we’ll confirm current availability and pricing for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay a deposit?

No large deposit or advance payment is required — you pay when you arrive to collect your vehicle.

Is insurance included in the price?

Yes, third-party insurance is included as standard on every rental, with no hidden charges at pickup or return.

What’s the cheapest way to get around Zanzibar by car?

Our scooters start from $22/day and are a great budget option for exploring Stone Town and nearby beaches. For longer or cross-island trips, an SUV like the RAV4 offers a lot more comfort for a fairly similar price.

Do prices change with the season?

Our rates stay simple and transparent — contact us directly to confirm current pricing for your exact travel dates.

Ready to lock in your rate? Book your car with King Car Rental today or message us on WhatsApp at +255 740 354 550 — we’ll help you pick the right vehicle for your budget and your Zanzibar itinerary.