Car hire in Zanzibar, Tanzania

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Choose from 34 pick-up spots

When's the cheapest time to hire a car in Zanzibar?

Our data shows that September is the cheapest month to rent a car in Zanzibar. It’s around Rs10,951 per day in September, compared to the yearly average of Rs13,234 per day.
Cheapest month avgSeptember • Rs10,951
Yearly avg priceRs13,234

Select your Zanzibar pick-up location

There are 34 car hire providers in Zanzibar. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Car hire pick-up spots in Zanzibar

Compare car hire prices at airports, train stations and in different neighbourhoods across Zanzibar. You might find a better price, or the perfect pick-up point nearby. Start your journey where it suits you.
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These are estimated prices to help you choose from a large number of options. Each is an average based on the lowest car rental prices found for each destination over the last 15 days.

The most popular car rental companies in Zanzibar

What's the most popular car to hire in Zanzibar?

Based on recent Skyscanner data, the Toyota RAV4 is the most popular car to hire in Zanzibar, with prices starting from Rs4,799 per day. The Suzuki Vitara and similar models are also popular drives in Zanzibar.
Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV424% chose this
Suzuki Vitara
Suzuki Vitara7% chose this
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo6% chose this
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla4% chose this
Most popular carToyota RAV4
Why?Spacious, practical, good for families

Zanzibar's cheapest car hire providers

G Raffas Cars has the cheapest car hire in Zanzibar right now, with prices from Rs4,799 per day. You'll save an average of Rs3,111 per day when you book with them.
G Raffas Carsfrom Rs4,799 per day
Optimo Rentfrom Rs7,580 per day
Auto-Unionfrom Rs8,012 per day
G-RAFFAS CARS LIMITEDfrom Rs8,139 per day
Cheapest providerG Raffas Cars
Book with them to save aroundRs3,111 per day

Hiring a car in Zanzibar: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyABBYCAR
Most popular carEconomy, Crossover
Average daily priceRs28,778
Best time to bookLess than 1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Zanzibar

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Zanzibar car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Zanzibar

  • Need a cheap rental car in Zanzibar? With an average price of Rs28,778 a day, big savings are just around the corner. Whether you're wanting a go-anywhere compact, a spacious SUV, or something else entirely, we round up all the best deals to help you spend less.

  • The cheapest daily price for a rental in Zanzibar is Rs4,799.

  • Staying a little longer? Grab a weekly rental from Rs33,593 and explore more than just the top attractions.

  • Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Zanzibar car hire. Try booking around one week before you go.

  • Check out the offers available with Auto-Union, KARIBU KWETU ZANZIBAR and Green Motion. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.

  • Whether you go with Auto-Union or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Zanzibar car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid extra.

  • Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Simply check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often need to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can snag some great one-way prices on a car for rent in Zanzibar.

  • Avoid any unexpected charges by booking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.

  • Pack more into your journey by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you need without paying more.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average Rs18,218 a day.

  • Next up is [this provider]([this provider), which offers daily rates of around Rs17,081.

  • The third option also performs well on price. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly Rs13,672 a day.

  • Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Economy rental category comes in as the leading choice for travellers visiting Zanzibar.

Flying to Zanzibar? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Start exploring Zanzibar sooner by picking up a car hire at Zanzibar Airport. The city centre is about 8 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 15 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Zanzibar

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Zanzibar makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are ideal for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are good for couples and small families.

  • Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this Zanzibar car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Zanzibar that can handle a small crowd (and all their gear), a van is the roomy ride you need. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group trips, business use or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your Zanzibar car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so always compare your options.

  • From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Zanzibar.

Good to know

  • Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check the specific rules for each supplier before booking your car rental in Tanzania.

  • Travel plans include the kids? Car seat regulations vary by location, and the correct setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Check if you need to add one to your Zanzibar car rental booking.

  • You'll need to bring a few things when picking up your rental car: a current driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.

  • Spend some time getting acquainted with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, learn where everything is, and get a feel for its handling before you drive away. And don't forget to stick to the left side of the road in Tanzania.

  • Keep within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in Tanzania. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.

  • One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 7am. Get where you're going faster by avoiding rush hours in general.

  • You'll be using the Tanzanian shilling (TZS) for day-to-day spending throughout your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cards and cash to make sure you're always covered.

Best hotels in Zanzibar for drivers

  • Pull in and enjoy your stay at Best Point Hotel Zanzibar. Offering parking as well as an airport shuttle and shuttle services, this hotel is around 3 kilometres from central Zanzibar.

  • Zanzibar View Hotel is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features parking, along with luggage storage and a laundry. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 5 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Like some more inspiration? Browse the lineup of hotels in Zanzibar. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.

  • It's time to start sightseeing now you've found a car hire deal in Zanzibar and your hotel. From House of Wonders to Zanzibar travel tours and Tanzania Attractions, there's plenty to keep you busy here.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Zanzibar will set you back around Rs28,778 per day or Rs153,478 per week. 

The cheapest car to rent in Zanzibar is a compact SUV. The most popular is Economy, Crossover.

The cheapest car hire companies in Zanzibar are currently G Raffas Cars and Optimo Rent.

Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Zanzibar is currently September.

On average, around Rs153,478. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Zanzibar is Rs33,593.

Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Zanzibar for a whole month is Rs311,157. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!

If you're looking for freedom to explore Zanzibar, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Zanzibar that have free cancellation

Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.

Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Zanzibar.

Most places – Zanzibar included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 

The cheapest price we found for an economy car is Rs5,908 per day. The average price per day is around Rs28,778.

Of course. Most major car hire companies like ABBYCAR, Auto-Union and G-RAFFAS CARS LIMITED offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.

Other travellers rated ABBYCAR as the best overall in terms of experience.

Yes – van hire is available in Zanzibar.