Zanzibar is full of outdoor places that are easy to reach by car. You will find beaches, forests, and quiet villages all over the island. Many travelers miss these spots because they only stay in one area or choose a tour package focused on one activity. But if you rent a car in Zanzibar, you can visit many places in one trip. It is the best way to explore at your own pace. Our guide will show you the top places to drive in Zanzibar for adventure. Let’s begin your journey across Zanzibar, one route at a time.
In the next sections, we will show you eight Zanzibar routes full of outdoor activities. Each route includes the distance from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), where most travelers pick up their rental car. This will help you plan ahead and choose the adventures that fit your interests.
Driving Distance from Zanzibar Airport: 7 km (15 minutes)
You’ll start your drive from Stone Town, which is a short drive from the airport. Head north along the coast. The road is smooth, and the views are nice. Your first stop is The Mangapwani Coral Caves. You can walk inside the cave and see how people used it long ago. Right next to it, there’s the old slave chamber.
As you go further, you’ll pass by spice farms. A local guide will show you how cloves, cinnamon, and other spices grow. You can touch, smell, and taste them. It’s a fun break before the beach. After about 1 hour and 20 minutes, you’ll arrive in Kendwa. The beach here is calm and perfect for swimming. You can also try jet skiing or snorkeling near the rocks. If you stay until the evening, the beach bars play music as the sun sets.
Driving Distance from Zanzibar Airport: 50 km (1 hour)
Paje is a small beach village on the southeast coast. From here, it takes only 23 minutes to drive inland to Jozani Forest. The distance is just 18.7 kilometers, and the road is paved the whole way. Any car can drive here with no problem. The area is quiet and green, a nice change from the beach.
At Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, you can walk along forest trails. Look up and around to see red colobus monkeys in the trees. These monkeys are only found in Zanzibar, and this forest is their main home. Morning is the best time to see them, as they are more active. After the trail, you can visit the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre, just a few minutes away. It has many local butterfly species inside a garden. Nearby, a wooden mangrove boardwalk takes you through the wetlands.
Driving Distance from Zanzibar Airport: 63 km (1 hour and 20 minutes)
From Makunduchi, you’ll drive south along the coast. The distance to Kizimkazi is 12.2 kilometers, and the drive takes about 14 minutes. Some parts of the road are paved, but others can be rough, especially after rain. A car with high clearance or a 4x4 is a better choice for this route. It’s best to drive during the day when visibility is good. On the way, make a stop at Mtende Beach. This spot is hidden and peaceful, with tall cliffs and beautiful sea views. It’s not crowded, but you may need to walk down a path to reach the sand.
Once you reach Kizimkazi, book a morning dolphin tour. Boats leave early at 6 AM, and that’s when you have the best chance to see dolphins swimming in the open sea. After the tour, visit the old mosques nearby. These buildings are made of coral stone and show a piece of Zanzibar’s past. Before heading back, enjoy fresh seafood at a small seaside café.
Driving Distance from Zanzibar Airport: 28 km (52 minutes)
Mangapwani is a peaceful coastal area with deep historical roots. This place was once part of Zanzibar’s slave trade route, and its landmarks help tell that story. The Mangapwani Coral Caves are carved into limestone and were once used as hidden holding areas. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the slave chambers, where people were kept before being moved to ships. The atmosphere is quiet and serious—many visitors leave feeling moved by what they learn.
From Mangapwani, drive 12.4 kilometers to the Chuini Palace ruins. The road takes about 21 minutes and is mostly smooth. The ruins sit on a small hill near the sea. You’ll see broken walls, old stone paths, and a few standing arches. This was once a royal palace, and the view of the ocean from here is very calm and wide. There are also places nearby to enjoy a picnic by the rocky coast. You can sit under a tree, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy a light meal. This adventure road trip in Zanzibar gives you both history and sea views.
Driving Distance from Zanzibar Airport: 56 km (1 hour and 20 minutes)
Jambiani is a coastal village on the southeast of Zanzibar. It’s a peaceful place with long beaches and a quiet rhythm. Make time to visit Bwejuu Beach, which is just a short drive away. This beach has white sand, palm trees, and coral rocks along the shore. The shallow water is clear and safe for swimming. You can also try snorkeling near the reefs to see colorful fish. If you want something different, ask a local fisherman about joining a small fishing trip.
After your beach time, continue your trip to the Michamvi Peninsula. The drive from Jambiani to Michamvi is 22.7 kilometers and takes around 33 minutes. The road is mostly smooth, but the final stretch can be sandy, so drive slowly. A high-clearance car is helpful, especially if it has rained.
In Michamvi, you’ll find calm lagoons perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding. The water is gentle and suitable for beginners. Be sure to visit The Rock Restaurant, which sits on a rock in the sea. It’s one of Zanzibar’s most famous photo spots. Try to go during the day when the tide pools are open. You’ll get the best views and easy access to walk around the rock.
Driving Distance from Zanzibar Airport: 34 km (1 hour)
Chwaka is a fishing village on the east coast. It’s a quiet spot surrounded by palm trees, the beach, and green vegetation. Chwaka is not crowded with tourists, so if you want a peaceful stay away from the busy towns, this is a good place to begin. The air is calm, and the views are natural. You can even spend a night here before heading north. Chwaka is close to two main nature spots—Chwaka Bay and Jozani Forest. The bay is large and shallow, filled with mangrove trees and small marine animals. It’s great for kayaking, SUP tours, or short boat rides.
From Chwaka, drive 14 minutes to Uroa, just 8.5 kilometers away. Uroa is known for seaweed farming. During low tide, you’ll see local women working in the water, laying seaweed ropes. It’s a special view and shows the daily life of coastal communities. Then drive 11 more minutes to Pongwe, which is 6.6 kilometers from Uroa. Pongwe has one of Zanzibar’s most peaceful beaches. The water is safe for swimming, and the sand is soft and clean. It’s a great place to stop, relax, and enjoy the quiet coast. On the way, you may pass small roadside markets, so slow down and take a look. This short route is perfect for beach hopping, meeting locals, and enjoying reef walks at low tide.
Driving Distance from Zanzibar Airport: 34 km (1 hour)
Matemwe is a quiet and laid-back place with long beaches. This village is known for its snorkeling trips and peaceful sails on traditional dhow boats. The reef here is close to the shore, so you don’t need to go far to find colorful fish and coral. Many boat tours leave early morning when the water is calm and clear.
During low tide, the sea pulls back and shows wide reef flats. You can walk far from the beach, right over the wet coral floor. It’s a good chance to see small sea life, shells, and natural pools. Matemwe also has small local cafes where you can stop for fresh juice or seafood before heading south.
After enjoying Matemwe, drive 14 kilometers south to Kiwengwa. It’s a short trip that takes about 19 minutes. The main road is paved, but side roads near the beach can be sandy, so take it slow. Kiwengwa is more lively than Matemwe. It has wide beaches that stretch for miles and are perfect for long walks. The strong wind here makes it a top spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Still, the water stays shallow and safe for swimming. This route is great if you like to stay active by the water. Start your morning exploring reef flats in Matemwe, then head to Kiwengwa for water sports or a relaxing walk on the open sand.
Driving Distance from Zanzibar Airport: 55 km (1 hour and 12 minutes)
This is a short and peaceful coastal drive between Bwejuu and Dongwe, two quiet beach towns on Zanzibar’s southeast coast. All cars can drive it, though it’s best to go slowly and watch for local traffic. It takes about 9 minutes to cover the 5.9 km. Start in Bwejuu, a calm beach village with few tourists and long sandy shores. As you drive, look for clifftop viewpoints rising a few meters above the beach. These natural viewing points often sit where coral rock edges meet the ocean. You can park and stand above the sea, watching waves crashing below.
When you reach Dongwe, explore the natural tide pools during low tide. Walk on the rocks to see hidden pools filled with small fish, crabs, and sea creatures. Don't forget your reef shoes, as the coral can be sharp. Dongwe Beach is calm and rarely crowded, but a few small cafés and guesthouses offer fresh juice or seafood nearby.
When planning your road trip in Zanzibar, it’s best to book your rental car early, especially between June and October, which is the island’s high season. During this time, many travelers visit, and vehicles get reserved fast. Renting ahead helps you get the type of car you need, whether for smooth highways or rough village roads.
For coastal trips, always check tide charts, especially if you're going to places like The Rock Restaurant. Low tide can reveal sand paths and tide pools, but high tide may block access or change your route. A car with high clearance is the best choice to reach remote villages or beaches with sandy or uneven roads. Before you leave, pack the basics: offline maps, sunscreen, insect spray, and drinking water. These will keep you comfortable, especially in rural areas where shops are limited.
Zanzibar is a perfect island for outdoor road trips. Every route gives you something different—monkeys in the forest, sunsets on the beach, or coral caves from long ago. Final Rentals is a trusted car rental platform that operates across Zanzibar. We offer a wide selection of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs suited for village roads. We can make your journey without delays with easy online booking, airport pick-up options, and 24/7 customer support.
