Zanzibar offers sun, sand, and open roads that invite exploration. With warm weather and laid-back coastal towns, it’s a perfect destination for a relaxing drive. Renting a car in Zanzibar allows British travelers to move at their own pace. Instead of sticking to crowded resorts or group tours, you can discover remote beaches, stop at roadside stalls, and take every view.
Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa. Its compact size makes it easy to cover a lot of ground quickly.
As a tropical island in the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar is fringed by turquoise waters and dotted with smaller nearby islands.
Driving along the coastline, you’ll pass stretches of blue sea, winding palm-lined roads, and charming beach towns. Some of the best beaches in Zanzibar aren’t marked on typical maps. They’re tucked behind villages, down sandy tracks, or hidden past rice fields.
Public transport rarely reaches these areas, and taxis can be expensive. British travelers in Zanzibar with a car can explore every part of the island on their schedule.
British tourists will feel at ease since driving in Zanzibar follows the UK system—left-hand side.
However, road signs outside Stone Town are limited and are not always in English. Use navigation apps or download offline maps before you leave your hotel.
Most car rental companies will ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP) and your UK license, so arrange this before your trip.
While fuel stations are easy to find in major towns like Nungwi or Paje, they’re harder to spot in remote beach areas. Fill your tank before long drives along the coast.
Zanzibar’s coastal drives give you access to local life, blue seas, and stretches of quiet sand. Here are the top routes:
One of the most rewarding Zanzibar road trips is the 60-kilometer journey from Stone Town to Nungwi, which takes 1.5 to 2 hours by car. This coastal drive runs along the island’s western corridor.
Driving along this route is smooth, with paved roads, low traffic outside peak hours, and roadside villages. You’ll pass by fruit stalls, small shops, and glimpses of the sea between rows of palm trees.
One must-stop location on this route is Kendwa, a peaceful beach town before Nungwi. Kendwa Beach is known for its white sand, calm waters, and some of the best sunset views in Zanzibar.
Unlike many beaches with strong tides, Kendwa offers swimmable water all day. It’s also home to several beachfront cafes and resorts where you can enjoy a fresh seafood lunch or a cold drink.
At the end of the route, you’ll reach Nungwi. It’s lively, with plenty of restaurants, beach bars, and activities like snorkeling, diving, and dhow sailing tours. You’ll also find local craft markets and the Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium, a conservation site for sea turtles.
This short but scenic Zanzibar road trip covers about 8 kilometers and takes 15 to 20 minutes by car. It’s a laid-back drive along the southeast coast.
The road between the two towns is paved and easy to follow, with stretches shaded by palm trees and coconut groves. You’ll pass small fishing villages where you might see dhow boats anchored close to shore or locals drying seaweed along the beach.
Paje is a popular starting point. It’s known for its kite surfing scene, especially during the windy season from June to October.
The beach is wide and flat, with beach bars, cafes, and casual restaurants lining the shore. It’s great for travelers who want to swim, lounge, or try water sports in the morning.
As you continue toward Jambiani, the vibe becomes even more relaxed. The village is spread along the coast, with traditional coral-stone houses and local shops dotting the narrow streets. You’ll find seaweed farms at the beach, especially at low tide.
Jambiani has smaller guesthouses, beachfront bungalows, and excellent Swahili restaurants. It’s perfect for quiet afternoons, sunset walks, or a slow lunch overlooking the Indian Ocean.
This tropical Zanzibar beach drive runs along the island’s northeast coast, covering around 14 kilometers and taking 30 minutes by car. It’s a peaceful stretch connecting two laid-back beach towns, ideal for a half-day escape.
Start in Matemwe, a quiet coastal village known for its close access to the Mnemba Atoll coral reefs. The waters here are calm and clear, ideal for snorkeling or a boat trip to spot dolphins. Matemwe’s beach is wide and uncrowded, with a mix of guesthouses and boutique resorts behind palm trees.
As you continue to Kiwengwa, the road stays scenic. The village sits along a long stretch of palm-lined beach known for its gentle waves and soft sand. It’s a great spot for walking, swimming, or enjoying the view.
You’ll find local food stalls, small markets, and beachside restaurants serving grilled seafood and Swahili dishes.
This scenic Zanzibar road trip covers approximately 10 kilometers and loops around the Michamvi Peninsula. The drive connects coastal villages like Bwejuu, Pingwe, and Michamvi Kae, offering a peaceful escape from busier areas.
The route is quiet and easy to follow, with paved and compact dirt roads surrounded by tall palms, bushland, and ocean views.
Start in Bwejuu, a quiet village with soft white sand and clear waters. It's ideal for those seeking peace and relaxation, and the area is dotted with boutique hotels.
From here, head toward Pingwe, home to one of the most iconic restaurants on the island. The Rock Restaurant, built on a rock in the sea, is reachable on foot during low tide. Even if you skip dining there, Pingwe offers several other beachside spots for lunch, with views of the shifting tides.
Continue the loop to Michamvi Kae, where the beach faces west and becomes one of the best spots in Zanzibar for sunset views.
This loop is especially popular among couples and travelers seeking a romantic, slow-paced drive through nature and quiet beach villages.
This southern Zanzibar beach drive covers around 12 kilometers and takes about 14 minutes. From Kizimkazi, visitors can enjoy a calm village atmosphere shaped by fishing traditions and historical roots.
Kizimkazi is well-known for dolphin-watching tours that launch early in the morning. These short boat trips offer the chance to spot bottlenose and humpback dolphins swimming near shore.
The village is also home to Kizimkazi Historic Mosque, believed to date back to the 12th century and regarded as one of East Africa’s oldest Islamic buildings.
The road from Kizimkazi to Makunduchi is quiet and mostly paved, with sections of dirt paths weaving through baobab trees and traditional Swahili homes.
Along the way, travelers pass stretches of green bushland. Makunduchi itself sits on the island’s southeastern tip. Its wide, windswept beaches remain mostly undeveloped, offering a quiet break from tourist-heavy spots.
The village becomes lively on the 23rd and 24th of July during the Mwaka Kogwa Festival, a Swahili New Year celebration rooted in Persian tradition. The event features symbolic mock fights using banana stalks, singing, dancing, and feasting, giving a deeper look into Zanzibari heritage.
This drive suits those who want to combine nature with a touch of local culture and community life.
This lesser-known Zanzibar beach drive runs about 65 kilometers and takes 1 hour and 20 minutes via Michamvi Rd. It offers a scenic trip along the island’s eastern coast, combining laid-back beach stops with lush natural surroundings.
The journey begins in Uroa Bay, a small fishing village with a soft-sand beach and calm, shallow waters. At low tide, the tides stretch far out, revealing wide expanses of exposed sand.
Several local lodges and small seafood restaurants offer views of the Indian Ocean, and you might see fishermen bringing in their early morning catch.
From Uroa, the road winds through greenery and stretches of undeveloped land toward Chwaka Bay.
As you approach Chwaka, the landscape becomes more tropical, with thick vegetation and mangrove swamps visible near the water. The bay is large and protected, creating a calm, glassy surface ideal for small fishing boats and nature observation.
Chwaka Bay borders the Jozani Forest, home to red colobus monkeys, bush babies, and native bird species. While the beach here is not ideal for swimming due to shallow waters and sea grass, the setting is serene and rich in biodiversity.
This drive is great for those interested in blending light wildlife experiences with coastal exploration. It's also a convenient route for travelers planning to stop by the Jozani Forest afterward for a short nature walk or monkey viewing.
Planning a beach road trip in Zanzibar takes more than choosing a scenic route. Here are final tips to help you prepare:
The ideal time for Zanzibar beach drives is during the dry season, from June to October. During these months, the weather is sunny, the humidity is lower, and coastal roads are generally dry and easier to navigate.
Rainy seasons, particularly March to May, can make some roads muddy or slippery, especially in rural beach areas.
Zanzibar’s road network has paved highways, compact dirt roads, and sandy beach access paths. Main routes between towns like Stone Town, Nungwi, and Paje are paved and easy to drive by a standard vehicle.
However, some side roads, especially those leading directly to the beach, can be rocky, narrow, or uneven.
For more flexibility and comfort, especially when exploring lesser-known areas like Chwaka Bay or the Michamvi Peninsula, consider renting a 4WD vehicle. These offer better traction on unpaved sections and can handle bumps and soft sand without issue.
Even short Zanzibar road trips require good planning, especially when heading into smaller beach villages with limited amenities. Always bring bottled water, sunscreen, and snacks, as shops can be far apart.
Mobile signal can be weak in remote areas, so it’s wise to download offline maps in advance.
Cash is essential, since many beachside towns don’t have ATMs, and most local shops or restaurants don’t accept cards. A small first aid kit, a power bank for your phone, and an umbrella or hat for sun protection will also be useful during your trip.
British travelers in Zanzibar are in for a treat. Picture yourself cruising down palm-lined roads, stopping at quiet beaches, and checking into peaceful resorts—all without the stress of big crowds. Zanzibar beach drives make it easy to explore more of the island at your own pace.
To make the most of your trip, rent a car with Finalrentals for a smooth, flexible experience. Pick up your vehicle at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Zanzibar downtown, or the ferry terminal, whatever suits your plans. Booking is quick, with instant confirmation and no hidden fees.
If your plans change, flexible cancellation options have you covered. All vehicles are well-maintained, so you can confidently explore Zanzibar’s scenic coastal drives.
