Zanzibar isn’t just about white sand and clear water. The island is full of wild surprises, such as colorful birds, monkeys, and even antelopes. Many of these are tucked away in forests, farms, and hidden corners far from the beach. Renting a car in Zanzibar makes it easy to reach them all. You can drive through spice farms, visit nature reserves, and stop wherever animals roam. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best routes and the best places to see wildlife in Zanzibar.
When planning your Zanzibar adventure, book a rental car online. Most rental companies offer pickup at three main locations: Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Downtown Zanzibar, and the Zanzibar Ferry Terminal.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is about 10 minutes from Stone Town. If you're flying in, this is the most convenient pickup spot. After landing, head to the arrivals area where rental agents will meet you. If you're arriving by ferry, the Zanzibar Ferry Terminal is just a 7-minute drive from Stone Town. It's a popular choice for travelers coming from Dar es Salaam. For those already in the city, Downtown Zanzibar is only 5 minutes away.
Renting a car for wildlife viewing in Zanzibar is about access, timing, and flexibility. Public transport doesn't reach many nature spots, and guided tours often follow fixed paths. With a rental car, you can set your route and schedule and have a better chance of spotting rare species.
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for wildlife activity. Having your own car means you can plan around this golden window, rather than following midday group tours when animals tend to hide from the heat.
Most tours in places like Jozani Forest last anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. That might not be enough if you want to slow down, wait quietly for animals, or explore nearby mangrove trails. With your car, you don’t have to rush. You can take your time, revisit favorite spots, or wait patiently for that perfect photo. Driving also lets you explore the quieter, less-traveled forest edges or inland roads, where animals wander freely. You’ll see more than just what’s on the tour path.
Jozani Forest is Zanzibar’s only national park. It’s famous for the endemic red colobus monkeys found nowhere else on Earth. Visitors often see playful groups of these monkeys leaping through the trees or relaxing along forest pathways. You may also encounter the shy blue duikers, which are small antelopes that quietly roam the dense undergrowth.
Jozani Forest is also one of the island’s premier birding destinations. It harbors a variety of bird species, including the impressive African goshawk. Keep your binoculars handy, as the diverse habitats of forest and coastal wetlands mean there's always a new species to discover.
The park provides guided forest trails led by experienced local guides who share insightful details about Jozani’s wildlife and ecology. The trails cater to different fitness levels, from short and easy walks to longer, more adventurous hikes. A highlight is the mangrove boardwalk, an elevated wooden path that winds through mangrove forests. Here, you’ll see crabs, fish, and various birds among the twisted mangrove roots below.
Chwaka Bay, 30 minutes away from Jozani Forest, is the best spot for birdwatching in Zanzibar. It's the only location on the island where you can spot more than fifty bird species. Some fascinating birds include the Helmeted Guineafowl, White-faced Whistling Duck, and Greater Flamingo.
Kiwengwa–Pongwe Forest Reserve lies on the northeast coast of Unguja. This reserve is one of the most diverse areas in the coral rag zone, covering approximately 3,323.5 hectares. It is home to several endemic and near-endemic species, including the red colobus monkey (Procolobus kirkii), Aders's duiker (Cephalophus adersi), Sykes' monkey, blue monkeys, and the suni antelope. The reserve is also home to 47 bird species, such as Fischer's turaco, Zanzibar sombre greenbul, crowned hornbill, and white-browed coucal. Additionally, the forest contains coral caves with stalactites and stalagmites, and a nearby spice plantation
The forest is known for its population of bush babies, wild pigs, and various bird species. Visitors may also encounter the elusive Zanzibar leopard (Panthera pardus adersi), though sightings are rare.
You can choose between flying and taking a ferry to reach Pemba Island from Zanzibar. You can get to Pemba Island from Zanzibar by ferry or flight. The ferry takes around two hours and costs about $50. It arrives at Mkoani Port on the south side of Pemba. Ferries don't carry cars, so you will need to rent a car when you arrive. Flights take about 25 minutes, faster but pricier.
Located in the northwestern tip of Pemba Island, Ngezi Forest Reserve spans 1,440 hectares and is one of the last remaining areas of indigenous forest on the island. The reserve is home to the endemic Pemba flying fox, a large fruit bat with a wingspan of up to 1.6 meters. You can also spot vervet monkeys, bush babies, and a multitude of butterfly species.
Bird enthusiasts will be delighted with the Ngezi Forest Reserve. The forest is home to the endemic Pemba sunbird, known for its vibrant plumage, and the Pemba scops owl, a small owl species unique to the island. These species, along with others, make the reserve a prime location for birdwatching.
Menai Bay Conservation Area is located on the southwest coast of Zanzibar Island. To reach it, you can drive from Stone Town to either Fumba or Kizimkazi. Fumba is about a 25-minute drive via Nyerere Road and Fumba Road. Kizimkazi takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes along Kibele Road. Both villages are starting points for guided dhow safaris into the bay. These traditional wooden boats take you to explore the marine area. It's best to start your trip early in the morning when the sea is calm and marine life is active.
Menai Bay is Zanzibar’s largest marine protected area, covering about 470 square kilometers. The bay is home to Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and Indian Ocean humpback dolphins. Sea turtles, including green and hawksbill turtles, nest on the beaches. The area also has coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. You can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and watching dolphins in their natural habitat. Some tours include a seafood lunch on a sandbank or a visit to nearby islands like Kwale or Pungume.
Menai Bay is also a place for birdwatching. Migratory seabirds like Terek sandpipers, crab plovers, and roseate terns stop at the bay's small islands. The mangrove areas provide shelter for many bird species.
The Michamvi Peninsula lies on the eastern side of Zanzibar Island. To get there from Stone Town, you can drive along Michamvi Road. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The area is less developed than other parts of Zanzibar.
Michamvi has mangrove forests that are best seen during low tide. You can see the roots clearly and walk along the shore when the water goes down. You can spot various wildlife, including crabs scuttling across the mudflats and monkeys swinging through the trees. Birdwatchers will enjoy the diverse avian species around the area. Wear appropriate footwear because the terrain can be slippery.
One of the highlights of visiting Michamvi is the stunning sunset over Chwaka Bay. The best time to witness this is in the late afternoon. To make the most of your visit, plan to arrive a few hours before sunset. This gives you enough time to explore the mangroves and enjoy the natural surroundings before settling in to watch the sunset.
Packing smart makes your wildlife drive way easier and a lot more fun. Some of Zanzibar’s best spots, like Jozani Forest or the mangroves in Michamvi, are far from town. You won’t always get a strong signal out there, and don’t expect shops or shaded rest stops around every corner. Here’s what you’ll want to bring along:
If you're visiting Zanzibar with family, it's good to stay somewhere close to the nature spots. That way, you won’t spend too much time driving, and everyone can rest well after exploring. These places are quiet, safe, and close to where the animals are.
Located 35 minutes from Stone Town, Fumba Beach Lodge offers rustic cottages right by the sea. It's the closest upscale lodge to the Menai Bay launch points. From here, you can join early morning dhow tours or spot dolphins right off the beach. The property has eco-friendly practices, an on-site spa, and outdoor dining with sunset views. Its quiet setting also puts you near the mangroves and tidal flats where birds gather.
This mid-range resort sits along Chwaka Bay, just 30 minutes from Jozani Forest. It’s ideal for early birdwatchers looking to explore the forest and the bay's wetlands. Rooms face the bay, giving you a peaceful place to relax after forest hikes. Guided mangrove walks are also available from the property. The resort offers parking, Wi-Fi, and a local-stle restaurant.
On the northeast coast near Pongwe, this eco-lodge blends comfort with nature. It’s a 30-minute drive from the Kiwengwa–Pongwe Forest entrance. The lodge is solar-powered and sits on a cliff overlooking the ocean. After a morning of wildlife spotting, you can swim, eat fresh seafood, or relax under a baobab tree.
Zanzibar has got wild pockets of nature you don’t want to miss. Monkeys swing in the trees at Jozani, butterflies fly through Ngezi Forest, and seabirds chill in the mangroves in Menai Bay. Need wheels for your Zanzibar adventure? FinalRentals offers reliable, budget-friendly cars from compact city rides to roomy SUVs for wild detours. Book online, pick up from your chosen location, and explore the island on your own terms.
