Ready to see a wilder side of Zanzibar? If you're backpacking around the island, renting a car in Zanzibar is one of the best ways to explore beyond the usual tourist trail. They are filled with dirt tracks, remote villages, and surprise stops you won’t find on a guided tour. You set the pace, stop when something catches your eye, and make the journey your own. In this guide, we’ll show you the most exciting routes to take and the most adventurous drives in Zanzibar for backpackers.
While dala-dalas (local minibuses) are cheap, they follow fixed routes, run on their own time, and skip many off-the-beaten-path locations. They also don’t offer storage space for backpacks. With a rental car, you control your journey. You can leave early for a sunrise hike, reach quiet villages, or take spontaneous stops without worrying about delays or overcrowding. For backpackers with limited time, having a car saves hours of waiting.
To legally drive in Zanzibar, you need a valid driver’s license from your home country and a Zanzibar driving permit, which costs around $10 to 15 USD. Most rental agencies can issue this within minutes. Bring your passport and original license. Car rental companies typically include basic third-party insurance. For more protection, you can upgrade to full coverage with theft and damage protection. Always double-check what’s included before signing the agreement.
Zanzibar’s road network is a mix of paved highways and unpaved rural tracks, especially on routes to Jozani, Makunduchi, or inland spice farms. A compact SUV or 4x4 is ideal, especially in the rainy season when dirt roads get slippery. Daily rental prices start at $25 to 35 USD for SUVs and around $40 to 60 USD for passenger vans. You’ll find rental offices in Stone Town, at Abeid Amani Karume Airport, and in tourist hubs like Nungwi and Paje. However, it’s best to book online and a few days in advance to ensure vehicle availability.
Whether you're weaving through jungle trails or following coral roads that vanish with the tide, these routes are for travelers who want their journey to feel raw, personal, and unforgettable. Let’s take a look at the best drives in Zanzibar and why they’re worth it.
One of the most exciting road trips you can take in Zanzibar starts in Stone Town, the island’s lively and historic capital. The drive to Jozani Forest takes about 1 hour and covers 42 kilometers via Kibele Road. At first, you’ll move through busy streets, dodging scooters and passing markets, mosques, and carved doorways. The city buzz fades quickly as you head into the countryside.
Not far from town, the scenery shifts to open land dotted with spice farms. These small, family-run farms grow cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and other fragrant plants, which Zanzibar is known for. Many offer short, guided visits where you can smell, touch, and taste fresh spices right off the tree. It’s a great stop if you want a break from driving and a closer look at local life.
As you continue, you’ll reach Kitogani, a peaceful farming and fishing village where very little has changed over the years. Tourism hasn’t touched much here. Life runs on local rhythms. Homes are simple, and some local families offer full-board stays for travelers who want to experience authentic Zanzibar in a quiet, traditional setting.
The road ends in Jozani Forest, the island’s only national park and a must-see for backpackers who want more than just beaches. The forest is dense, muddy, and filled with natural surprises from red colobus monkeys swinging overhead to narrow wooden bridges over swampy mangroves. There are no signs or built-up paths here. It's where you walk slowly, listen closely, and let nature guide you.
The drive from Paje to Michamvi takes about 23 minutes (17 km) via Michamvi Road, but it’s far more than a quick hop. It’s one of the most adventurous drives in Zanzibar. Expect narrow, partly unpaved roads with stretches of coral rubble, soft sand, and occasional potholes, especially after the rains. You’ll need to drive carefully, but the Indian Ocean views and palm-fringed coastlines make every meter worth it.
About 5 km into the route, you reach Bwejuu, a laid-back village with a wide tidal beach. Low tide reveals long sandbars perfect for walking, while high tide turns it into a calm swimming spot. Small roadside stalls sell chapati, fried cassava, grilled corn, and fresh coconut water. About 6 kilometers further is Dongwe, surrounded by guesthouses and coconut groves. Look for rough side tracks leading to hidden beaches where locals fish in simple boats. These unmarked trails are rough, but reward you with quiet sands and photo-perfect solitude.
On the way, don’t miss The Rock Restaurant, which is famous for its scenic perch on an ocean rock. The menu features top-tier seafood and Italian‑Swahili fusion, such as tempura prawns and squid, fish carpaccio in coconut lime, octopus with polenta, tagliatelle with lobster, and the signature Rock Special grill with octopus, prawns, calamari, and lobster.
The drive from Nungwi to Kendwa and beyond may only take 8 minutes (4 km) via Nungwi Road, but it’s best for backpackers looking for beach life and off-track exploring. Start in Nungwi, one of Zanzibar’s most vibrant towns. It has dive shops, cafes, and backpacker-friendly hostels like Makofi Guest House and Green’s Nungwi Inn. You’ll find plenty of places to relax, meet other travelers, or join a dhow cruise at sunset.
A short drive south brings you to Kendwa, where the pace slows. The beach here is wide, clean, and tide-free, meaning you can swim at any time of day. While quieter than Nungwi, Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel is known for its reggae nights and monthly full moon beach parties. The vibe is perfect for travelers who want both calm and connection.
If you're up for more, continue west on small coral roads past Kendwa. You will find Kilindi Zanzibar, a private resort. From Kilindi, it’s only about a 10 to 15 minute drive to Fukuchani Village, where you’ll find the Fukuchani Ruins near the edge of town. These are the remains of a 16th-century coral rag house, offering a rare glimpse into Zanzibar’s Swahili heritage.
The drive from Kizimkazi to Makunduchi covers 15 kilometers and takes about 20 minutes, but don’t let the short distance fool you. This is one of the most rugged and remote drives in Zanzibar. The road quickly changes from smooth to dirt and red-earth tracks, with uneven surfaces and patches of loose gravel on the southern part of Zanzibar.
Kizimkazi is a fishing village on the southern coast. It’s known for dolphin-watching tours and a mosque that dates back to the 12th century. From here, you drive inland and then east toward Makunduchi. The land feels open and wild, and you’ll pass small farms and wide fields with towering baobab trees. These trees are centuries old and stand alone like natural monuments. As you near Makunduchi, the road leads to cliffside ocean views. The southern part of Zanzibar feels very different from the north. There are fewer travelers, fewer signs, and no busy resorts. Life here moves slowly. Villages are small, and people live simply. There’s almost no development, which makes this area feel raw and real.
Located on Zanzibar’s northeast coast, Matemwe is one of the island’s top beach destinations. It’s peaceful, with long stretches of white sand and breathtaking sunrises over the Indian Ocean. The beach is ideal for travelers looking for a quiet stay away from the busier resort towns.
Matemwe is also a great base for ocean activities. You can go snorkeling, scuba diving, dolphin watching, or even kiteboarding when the conditions are right. A highlight for many visitors is the Safari Blue trip, a full-day tour across Menai Bay, known for having some of the best coral reefs in Zanzibar. The tour includes swimming, snorkeling, a visit to Kwale Island’s natural lagoon, and a climb up a giant baobab tree for panoramic island views. You’ll also enjoy a seafood barbecue with octopus, lobster, squid, calamari, and tropical fruits like pineapple and mango.
One of the unique attractions of Matemwe Beach is its famous Mnemba Island, located just offshore. From Matemwe, it’s a 20 to 30 minute boat ride to the island’s protected marine reserve. Although the island is private, the surrounding reef is open for snorkeling. The water is 2 to 4 meters deep and full of life. You’ll swim among lionfish, clownfish, stingrays, parrotfish, and green sea turtles. Dolphins are often seen near the reef.
Most tours to Mnemba last about 5 hours and include two snorkeling stops, time on a white sandbank, and a seafood lunch served onboard or by the beach. Snorkeling gear, bottled water, fresh fruit, and a guide who speaks English, Italian, or Spanish are usually included.
Packaging smart is essential if you’re backpacking in Zanzibar. Many areas are remote, and you won’t always find help or supplies. Here’s what you should bring to stay safe and comfortable on the road.
These Zanzibar road trips for backpackers offer some of the island’s most adventurous experiences. From coral-lined coastal routes to red-earth backroads and jungle trails, each drive invites you to explore wild landscapes and lesser-known villages that most travelers skip. These routes are rough, scenic, and full of surprises, perfect for those who want to see Zanzibar beyond the usual beach spots.
To help you get started, FinalRentals is a trusted car rental platform in Zanzibar. We offer flexible pick-up points, affordable rates, and vehicles suited for every kind of traveler. Whether you're landing at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) or exploring from a local town, you can count on reliable service and a simple booking process to quickly get you on the road.
