Stone Town has very narrow streets and many people walking around, which can make transport planning a bit confusing at first. Many streets in the historic centre are for pedestrians only, so you cannot always drive straight to your hotel. In most cases, you will pick up your car near the airport, ferry terminal, or on a main road outside the old town, then walk a short distance to your accommodation.
When you rent a car in Stone Town, you can travel on your schedule and skip taxis or shared transfers. You can reach beaches, spice farms, and nature areas around Zanzibar more easily, especially if you are travelling with luggage or as a family. This guide explains how pickup and drop off work, where to collect your car, and how much it costs.
Zanzibar's downtown, also known as Stone Town, is the historic heart of the island and its main cultural and commercial centre. In Stone Town, most lanes are not designed for cars, so your best plan is to park outside the tightest streets and explore the old town on foot. Here are the benefits of renting a car in Stone Town:
When you rent a car in Stone Town, you can drive to Nungwi in the north for beaches, head to Paje in the east for kite surf atmosphere, and visit Jozani Forest for nature, all without waiting for shared minibuses or arranging multiple taxi rides. If you plan to visit Prison Island, you’ll need to ride a boat from Stone Town, not by car. However, a car makes it easy to reach the harbour area and provides a secure place to leave extra belongings during your boat trip.
A private taxi is fine for one trip, but if you plan to stop at several places in one day, the cost can increase quickly, especially for families or small groups. In these cases, it’s best to rent a car in Zanzibar downtown. It is more practical when you want to complete a full-day loop with several destinations and split the cost among 3 to 6 people.
Stone Town can be hot and humid, and Zanzibar days can be long. An air-conditioned vehicle helps you recover between stops, especially if you are travelling with children or older family members. You can store luggage out of sight, take calm breaks, and avoid crowded vehicles. It’s especially helpful after a long flight or ferry crossing.
If you’re planning to rent a car in Stone Town, choosing the right type of vehicle can make your trip much smoother. Medium cars are a good choice if you want more space and comfort than a small car, without moving to a large luxury vehicle. They are suitable for families, small groups, or travellers with extra luggage.
Available options include SUVs and passenger vans with automatic transmission and air conditioning. Most models seat 4 to 7 people and carry between 2 to 4 bags, depending on the vehicle size. Rental vehicles from Final Rentals run on petrol and include Unlimited Mileage, Free Cancellation, Theft Protection, Collision Damage Waiver, and a Low Deposit.
Prices for a Zanzibar rental start at 31.50 USD per day. Larger SUVs and vans range from about 36.75 USD to 47.25 USD per day. Premium SUV options can cost around 136.50 USD per day.
Here’s what you need before renting a car and driving in Zanzibar:
To rent and drive in Zanzibar, you need to bring your original driving licence, not just a photo or digital copy. You should also carry your passport, or at least a clear copy of the identification page for checks.
If your licence is not written in English, you must have an International Driving Permit. Many rental companies and police checkpoints prefer clear, readable documents. In addition, travellers must obtain a local Zanzibar driving permit. Your hire car company can usually arrange this for you before or at the time of vehicle collection.
For local driving licence rules, Zanzibar’s guidance lists different minimum ages by vehicle class. Many car rental companies set their own minimum age to around 20, and they may charge extra for young drivers. If you are under 21, ask in advance whether there is a young-driver fee or a higher deposit.
Basic insurance usually includes the legal minimum cover and an excess, which is the amount you must pay if the car is damaged. Many rental companies also include Theft Protection and a Collision Damage Waiver, which limit your liability in the event of theft or an accident, provided you follow the rental rules.
You can often upgrade to reduce your excess or add extra cover for items such as tyres or glass. Always read the terms before you rent a car in Stone Town. A security deposit is standard. Around 500 USD will usually be blocked on your credit card when you collect the car. The credit card must be in the main driver’s name, and without it, the booking may be refused.
When arranging your car rental in Stone Town, you should look for a clear pickup time, pickup point, and contact number before you arrive. Free cancellation is common on many platforms up to at least 24 hours before pickup, but the exact deadline depends on the company.
The steps to rent a car in Stone Town are usually straightforward. First, choose the right vehicle size based on your travel plans, whether you are staying in town, visiting beaches, or driving on rural roads. Next, select your pickup and drop-off location.
Confirm the main driver’s name, contact number, and arrival time details to avoid delays. Carefully review the full cost, including the rental price, insurance options, any delivery fees, and the security deposit. Before travelling, make sure you receive a written confirmation message with all booking details clearly stated.
Before finalising your booking, review these details carefully to avoid common problems. Start with the rental terms and conditions, including who is allowed to drive and whether an additional driver is permitted. Check the cancellation rules and note the exact deadline, as this varies by provider.
Next, confirm the fuel policy. Full to full is the simplest, as you return the car with the same fuel level. If the policy is different, ask the company to explain it clearly. Then check the mileage. Unlimited mileage means you can drive without per-kilometre charges. If mileage is limited, confirm the daily allowance and the extra cost per kilometre.
Finally, review insurance. Ask what is included, what is excluded, and the excess amount. During busy travel periods such as June to October and January to February, booking earlier usually improves availability and pricing.
When dropping off your rental car, make sure you follow the exact location and time you selected. The company will prepare the drop-off based on those details. Arrive on time to avoid late return charges. If your plans change, contact the rental company as early as possible to inform them and confirm whether adjustments are possible.
Before handing over the keys, check that the fuel level matches the agreed fuel policy. If the agreement was full-to-full, refill the tank before returning the vehicle. Also, do a quick inspection so you and the rental provider can confirm the car’s condition. Once the return is complete, request confirmation that the vehicle was received in good condition and clarify when your security deposit will be released.
The right mode of transport can shape your entire Zanzibar experience. With your own vehicle, you can move from sunrise swims on the coast to late afternoon spice tours, quiet village stops, and scenic drives between palm-lined roads. It gives you the freedom to follow your own rhythm, linger longer where you love the view, and skip the hassle of coordinating rides each day.
Rent a car in Stone Town with Final Rentals to go beyond the old town and discover more of Zanzibar. With easy online booking, you can enter your travel dates and choose from a wide range of vehicles that fit your plans. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
Car renters need a local Zanzibar driving permit and which you can usually get through your hire car company.
You can drive in parts of Stone Town, but access is limited inside the centre. Many inner streets are very narrow, pedestrian-only, or not suitable for vehicles. The best approach is to park along the outer roads or in designated parking areas near the edge of the district, then explore the inner lanes on foot.
Prices typically start from around 31 to 35 USD per day for medium vehicles. Larger SUVs and vans may cost more, depending on the season and availability.
