Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is Zanzibar’s main international airport, located about 5 kilometers south of the city. If you’re planning an extended stay on the island, arranging a long-term car hire at Zanzibar Airport can be a convenient way to get around. Renting a car for several weeks or months gives you the freedom to explore without needing taxis or tour buses. This guide will cover what a long-term rental is, its advantages, and each step of the booking process.
Long-term car rental generally refers to renting a vehicle for 30 days or more. If you rent a car for one month, several months, or even up to a year, it falls under this category. This differs from short-term rentals, which usually last only a few days or a week. Some companies consider anything over 28 days as long-term, while others use a full month as the standard.
Unlike short-term hires, long-term rentals often come with lower daily rates and additional perks. Rental companies typically offer discounted monthly pricing, which can significantly lower your overall cost compared to paying a standard daily rate. Another major benefit is flexibility. You can typically extend your rental without hassle, which saves you the trouble of making repeated trips to the rental desk. The rental company also handles maintenance and insurance paperwork, sparing you the responsibilities that come with owning a car.
A long-term rental functions much like a short-term lease because it allows you to use the vehicle for an extended stay without long-term commitments. It’s ideal for travellers on extended trips, remote workers, students, or anyone staying in a destination for more than a few weeks.
Renting a car long-term at Zanzibar Airport comes with several benefits:
Choosing a long-term car rental at Zanzibar Airport is a convenient option because you can pick up your vehicle as soon as you land. You won’t need to organise taxis or airport transfers. Many rental companies at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport offer seamless airport pickup and drop-off, meaning you can collect your keys, load your luggage, and drive off without delay. After a long flight, having your car ready is a relief, especially if you’re arriving late at night or carrying heavy bags.
You can visit any part of Unguja, whether it’s swimming in a quiet beach, chasing a sunrise, or visiting remote spice farms and inland forests. Public transport, such as dala-dalas, can be slow and confusing for first-time travellers, while riding taxis daily can be expensive. A rental car liberates you from rigid tour schedules, allowing you to create your own adventure.
For travellers staying several weeks or months, a long-term rental is more cost-effective than relying on taxis or private drivers. Multiple taxi trips each day can easily exceed the cost of a monthly rental. Long-term deals usually include lower daily rates, and you also save money by eliminating the need for separate airport transfers.
Having a car is essential if you’re staying outside Stone Town in places like Nungwi, Paje, and Jambiani. These areas are spread out, and public transport rarely offers convenient connections. A long-term rental ensures you can commute easily, reach supermarkets and restaurants, and travel across the island without hassle.
Booking a long-term car rental at Zanzibar’s airport is a straightforward process, but there are a few more considerations. You’ll want to ensure you get the right vehicle, the best rate, and have all the proper documents for an extended hire.
First, determine how long you actually need the car. Is it 4 weeks, 2 months, or longer? Rental companies often have special rates for different durations. Next, choose the type of vehicle that suits your long-term needs. In Zanzibar, you’ll find options from small economy cars and sedans to larger SUVs and 4x4s. If you plan to stick to main roads and cities, an economy car or sedan can be a good choice. Zanzibar’s roads are generally paved and well-maintained, with only the occasional pothole.
However, if you intend to explore rural areas, go to remote places, or travel during the rainy season, you might consider a sturdier SUV or even a 4×4 with higher ground clearance. Also, decide between a manual and an automatic transmission.
Many cars for hire in Zanzibar are manual, but automatics are available. Remember, in Zanzibar, vehicles drive on the left-hand side. If you typically drive on the right, an automatic car can help you adjust more comfortably. Consider comfort and fuel efficiency as well. For a long-term rental, a car with good fuel mileage or a hybrid can save on petrol costs.
Car rental rates can vary widely between companies, especially for month-long rentals. Many international brands and local Zanzibar agencies offer the option to input a long rental duration, and weekly or monthly discounts can be automatically applied.
When comparing offers, look carefully at what’s included in the price. Verify whether the rate already includes basic insurance and whether taxes or airport surcharges are factored in. Some long-term rentals may even come with extras, such as a free additional driver or a GPS unit.
It’s also essential to understand the difference between renting from local versus international companies. Local rental agencies in Zanzibar often offer lower prices and more personalised service, though their vehicles may be older. International brands tend to provide newer cars and more standardised rental contracts, but they may also follow a stricter inspection process.
Each option has its trade-offs. Local companies may be more flexible about minor scratches, while big rental chains usually deliver consistent service and clearer policies. Read customer reviews to gauge a company's reliability and understand what past renters have experienced.
Before finalising your booking, ensure you meet all the requirements for renting a car. You will need a valid driving licence from your home country. If your licence is not in English or is difficult for local authorities to interpret, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well.
However, even with an IDP, Zanzibar requires foreign drivers to obtain a Temporary Zanzibar Driving Permit. This is a mandatory local permit that must be carried while driving on the island. Most rental companies can arrange this permit for you in advance or prepare it for pickup at the airport. It usually costs around $10 to 15 USD and is valid for up to three months. Typically, all you need to provide is a copy of your driver’s licence and a passport photo, and the agency will handle the paperwork so it’s ready when you arrive.
Besides the driving permits, ensure you have your passport, as rental agencies will record your details and may ask to see your entry stamp or visa. Most companies also require a credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit, so ensure you have one with a sufficient available credit limit.
When booking a long-term rental, pay attention to the insurance coverage and mileage policy included in your agreement.
Once you’ve chosen a company and gone through the quote details, it’s time to book. Provide all necessary information accurately when booking, including dates, flight number, and personal details, so the rental company knows when and where to expect you. Confirm the pickup arrangements directly with the rental agency a few days before your flight. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is not huge, but it has multiple terminals, so clarify where you will meet the rental representative.
Some companies have a counter in the arrivals area or a kiosk, while many local rental agencies will send a staff member to meet you in person. For example, a local firm might ask you to call or message them when you’ve landed, and then their representative will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign.
Make sure you have the company's contact phone number so you can reach out in case of any delay or if you don’t immediately see their agent. If your flight is delayed, notify the rental company. Most will track flight info if you provide your flight number, but it’s wise to double-check so they hold the car for you.
When budgeting for a long-term car rental in Zanzibar, it helps to know the typical costs and how pricing is structured:
The price for a long-term rental will depend on the car category and the length of your hire. Generally, an economy car in Zanzibar may cost around $25 to $32 per day for a longer rental. Over a full month, this typically comes to $450 to $750, since most agencies quote rates in US dollars.
Larger vehicles, such as SUVs or 4x4s, will naturally cost more, and luxury models will fall into an even higher price range. The good news is that long-term rentals almost always offer better daily rates than short-term rentals because many companies use tiered pricing, where the monthly rate (30 days or more) significantly reduces the cost per day.
Be sure to ask the rental agency about long-stay promotions. Some providers offer flat monthly packages or include useful extras, such as a free GPS, an additional driver, or reduced insurance rates. Before confirming your booking, always request a written quote showing the total cost for the entire rental period, including taxes, insurance, and any optional add-ons.
Most car rental companies at Zanzibar Airport accept major credit cards. Credit cards are preferred because the rental agency can securely block the deposit on them. Even if you pay for the rental by card, always carry enough Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) for everyday driving expenses.
Fuel stations in Zanzibar typically require payment in Tanzanian shillings, and small costs, such as parking, tolls, or ferry crossings, also use the local currency. If you do pay part of your rental in cash, using TZS may even give you a slightly better rate. Before signing your contract, always confirm the currency of the quote, how payments are handled, and what exchange rate will apply if you choose to pay in local currency.
As mentioned, you will be required to leave a security deposit with the rental company. If you decline extra insurance, the company may need a larger deposit to cover potential damage. This deposit is typically placed as a hold on your credit card, not an actual charge. Ensure your card has sufficient available credit to cover this hold for the duration of your trip.
When you return the vehicle in good condition, the hold will be released, and the deposit will be refunded. Usually, you won’t be charged anything if the car is fine. The hold simply drops off your statement. Depending on your bank, it may take a few days to up to two weeks to fully clear. If you paid a cash deposit, the agent should return the full amount at drop-off.
Inspect the car together with the agent when returning it to avoid misunderstandings. Always ask, “When and how will I get my deposit back?” so you know the exact process and timeline.
Booking a long-term car rental at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is a smart move for anyone staying in Zanzibar for an extended period. By now, you should feel confident about how to book a long-term car rental in Zanzibar and what to expect. You’ll be rewarded with the convenience of personal transport and the joy of exploring the beautiful island of Zanzibar at your leisure.
Rent a car in Zanzibar with Final Rentals and pick up your vehicle upon arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. With a wide selection of cars and benefits like unlimited mileage, low deposits, free cancellation, and instant online confirmation, Final Rentals makes long-term car hire simple, flexible, and stress-free. Book, manage, and enjoy your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
