When you visit Zanzibar, you may want to explore the island even after the sun goes down. However, you may feel unsure about night driving in Zanzibar, especially if the roads are unfamiliar to you. Many travellers drive here at night, and with the right information, you can feel safe and confident, too. In this blog, you will learn which routes are safest, what you should expect on the roads, and simple tips that will help you drive without stress. And if you are looking for car rentals in Zanzibar, it can make your night travel much safer.
When it comes to night driving in Zanzibar, the biggest challenges are low visibility, unlit rural roads, and unexpected obstacles. Outside Stone Town and a few town centres, there is no street lighting, so your car’s headlights are your only guide. This makes it crucial to stay alert, as pedestrians, cyclists, and even animals like goats or cows often walk close to the roadside after dark. Some drivers may also use high-beam headlights, which can momentarily blind you.
The reassuring part is that serious crime against drivers is rare. Locals emphasise that the main danger at night comes from the road itself, not from people. Still, keep your doors locked and valuables out of sight, but focus primarily on driving carefully. Plan your route because signage can be limited. Also, avoid long journeys after sunset when possible.
Zanzibar’s main paved roads are the safest routes for night travel. The tarred roads connecting Stone Town with Nungwi and Paje are generally smooth, wide enough for comfortable driving, and easier to navigate at night. There are potholes, but they are more predictable on these primary routes. Be mindful of the island’s many unmarked speed bumps, especially near villages.
Back roads, however, are not recommended at night. These sandy or gravel paths have no lighting and no road markings. GPS may suggest shortcuts along them, but it is advised to stick to the main paved roads after dark to avoid getting lost or stuck. Even on main roads, village areas can be the trickiest. People gather near the roadside, children may be out playing, and animals often wander freely. Slow to village speeds around 40 to 50 km/h, and drive as if something might enter the road at any moment.
If you must drive after dark, it’s smart to plan your journey along the best roads in Zanzibar at night. These are the routes that locals and tour drivers use regularly.
This is the primary road running from Zanzibar City (Stone Town) up to the northern tip of the island. It connects to popular beach destinations like Kendwa and Nungwi. The North Road is paved all the way and is one of the most frequently used routes by taxis and tourist vans, even after sunset. You can expect a relatively smooth drive, though be prepared for some potholes in certain stretches. Drivers often zigzag to avoid these, so stay alert.
The road passes through several villages, so you’ll encounter speed bumps, pedestrians, and the occasional goat or cow near the roadside. Overall, this northbound highway is considered one of the safest routes for night driving because it’s well-travelled and there are usually other vehicles around, making it easier to find help if needed.
Heading to the east coast, the main route goes through the island’s interior and past Jozani Forest to reach Paje, Jambiani, and other east coast villages. It’s fully tarred and in good condition. This drive takes you through Jozani National Park, a lush forest where daytime travellers often stop to see red colobus monkeys. At night, the forest stretch is extremely dark. With no settlements, there is no lighting at all. Use your high-beam headlights and drive cautiously. The good news is that the road is straight and smooth for long distances.
Once you approach Paje and Jambiani, be careful. You may see nightlife activity, such as people walking or biking back from restaurants or beach bars. Keep your speed low, as pedestrians can appear suddenly on the road. Despite these challenges, this is considered one of the safest roads in Zanzibar to take at night if you need to cross the island.
The road from Stone Town to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 8 to 10 kilometres long and well-paved. It’s within the urban area and has some street lighting near town. This route is safe to drive at night and is often busy when flights arrive. If you’re staying in areas like Fumba or Chuini (south or north of town on the west coast), you’ll use the main coast road out of Stone Town.
These roads are paved and relatively short distances. You may encounter local traffic, including occasional slow-moving trucks or buses without proper lighting. But generally, these urban-periphery roads are passable after dark. Just be cautious at junctions. Traffic lights may not always be functional, so cross intersections slowly, even if you have the right of way.
For reaching the north-eastern resorts in areas like Kiwengwa, Pwani Mchangani, or Pongwe, there’s a main turn-off at a village called Kinyasini on the north road, which leads eastward. This connector road is paved and leads to the coastal resorts. It’s relatively safe to drive at night, but note that it’s quieter than the straight Stone Town–Nungwi stretch. You should use the same precautions. Go slowly through villages like Kinyasini and Kilombero, watch for any random obstacles, and be aware that there may be long dark stretches with no houses.
Even on safe routes, night driving needs caution and common sense. Visibility is low and road hazards can pop up quickly. Here are some crucial tips to help you stay safe while driving after dark on Zanzibar’s roads.
Before setting off in the evening, ensure the headlights, tail lights, and indicators on your car are all functioning correctly. This might sound obvious, but good lighting is your lifeline on Zanzibar’s dark roads. If your rental car has dim or misaligned headlights, request that they be fixed or consider taking a different vehicle. You will be relying entirely on your lights, since the roads have no illumination of their own.
Always drive slower at night than you would in the daytime. Maintain a speed well below the limit if the situation demands it. Speed limits on the island are typically 50 km/h in built-up areas and up to 80 km/h on open roads, but at night you’ll often want to go even more slowly. A slower speed gives you more time to react if a pothole appears or if a person or animal suddenly crosses in front of you.
On very dark, empty stretches, feel free to use your high-beam headlights to see further ahead. Just remember to dip them back to low beam when there’s oncoming traffic, so you don’t blind the other driver. Unfortunately, some local drivers keep their high beams on all the time. If an approaching vehicle has blinding lights, you can flick your own high beams briefly to signal them to dim theirs. If they don’t, avert your gaze to the left edge of the road to maintain some vision until they pass.
If you’re unsure of the road and happen to find a local bus (dala-dala) or taxi going your way. Follow at a safe distance and let them effectively “lead” the way. Local drivers are familiar with the areas that have sharp bends, big potholes, or frequent animal crossings, and they naturally slow down at these hazard spots.
While Zanzibar is generally safe, lock your car doors and do not leave windows wide open late at night. You’re unlikely to encounter crime, but an unlocked door with a purse on the seat could tempt an opportunist. Also, using the air conditioning instead of open windows can help you stay more alert by keeping you comfortable. This also avoids drawing in pesky insects that are active at night.
Driving at night in Zanzibar might initially sound daunting, but it’s manageable. The key is to stick to known safe routes, like the main paved roads, and to drive carefully. Always assume there will be something ahead that you need to slow down for. Also, don’t hesitate to skip night driving when you can. The island is small enough that most places can be reached in daylight hours if you plan well. The safest roads in Zanzibar will guide you, and you’ll have the reassuring sight of familiar landmarks and the occasional flicker of village lights along the way.
After learning how to drive safely at night in Zanzibar, the next step is to ensure you have a reliable vehicle. Rent a car in Zanzibar with Final Rentals to explore the island confidently. With a convenient pick-up location in Abeid Amani Karume International Airport or downtown, a wide range of well-maintained vehicles, and online booking with instant confirmation, you can hit the road with peace of mind. For extra convenience, download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
