Driving in Zanzibar: 7 Things Every Tourist Needs to Know

Driving in Zanzibar is generally safe and accessible for tourists, but seven things differ from what most travelers expect. Traffic drives on the left side of the road. A temporary Zanzibar driving permit is mandatory and costs around $10. Police checkpoints are routine. Main roads are paved but side roads can be sandy. Avoid driving at night outside Stone Town. Do not enter Stone Town's old quarter by car. And drinking and driving is treated very seriously.

Read these seven points before you collect your rental car. Most accidents and fines tourists experience in Zanzibar come from not knowing these rules in advance.

1. Traffic drives on the left

Zanzibar follows the United Kingdom and Kenya pattern — traffic drives on the left, the steering wheel is on the right. This means:

• You enter roundabouts to the left and yield to traffic coming from your right.
• When turning right, you cross oncoming traffic.
• Overtaking happens on the right (the outside lane).

If you've never driven on the left, give yourself 30 minutes of careful driving before tackling busy areas. Practice in a quiet stretch first.

2. You need a Zanzibar driving permit

Tanzania law requires foreign drivers in Zanzibar to hold a temporary local driving permit in addition to their home country license. Key facts:

• Cost: approximately $10 (Tanzanian shillings or USD).
• Valid for the duration of your rental, typically 1 month.
• Issued by the local traffic police.
• Reputable rental companies arrange this for you when you collect the car. They take a photo of your home license, prepare the paperwork, and it's ready when you pick up.
• Driving without one if stopped at a checkpoint can result in fines of $50–$100, plus delays.

Your home country international driving permit (IDP) does NOT replace the Zanzibar permit. You need both.

3. Police checkpoints are routine — be polite

Police checkpoints are common on the main roads, especially near Stone Town, the airport, and the routes to Nungwi and Paje. Officers may ask to see:

• Your home country driver's license
• Your Zanzibar driving permit
• Vehicle rental papers (the rental company will give you these)
• Your passport (carry a colour photocopy at minimum)

Tips:

• Be polite. Smile. Greet officers in Swahili ("Jambo") if comfortable.
• If asked for an unofficial "fine" without a written ticket, politely ask for a receipt or to follow them to the police station. This usually ends the request.
• Most checkpoints are routine and you'll be waved through within 30 seconds.

4. Road conditions vary — pick the right car

Zanzibar's road network looks like this:

• Main routes (Stone Town–Airport, Stone Town–Nungwi, Stone Town–Paje, Stone Town–Jambiani): paved, in good condition, well-marked. A standard sedan is fine.
• Routes to smaller villages and inland spice farms: mix of paved and unpaved. A small SUV is more comfortable.
• Beach access roads at Kendwa, Matemwe, Bwejuu: often sandy and require careful driving. A 4x4 is recommended.
• After heavy rain (March–May): some roads flood briefly. Wait it out, don't drive through standing water.

5. Don't drive into Stone Town's old quarter

The historic core of Stone Town is a maze of narrow alleys, many too narrow for cars and most pedestrian-only. Trying to drive in is stressful and usually impossible. Instead:

• Park outside the old town — there are paid parking areas near the seafront.
• Walk in. The whole old town is walkable in 15–20 minutes.
• Or have your rental delivered directly to your Stone Town hotel and let them deal with parking.

Most reputable Zanzibar rental companies, including Zanzibar Cars, deliver to your Stone Town hotel for free, exactly so you don't have to navigate the old town.

6. Avoid night driving outside Stone Town

Once you leave Stone Town and the airport road, most roads have no streetlights. Add to that:

• Pedestrians and bicycles on the road, often in dark clothing.
• Goats, chickens, and occasional dogs crossing unexpectedly.
• Sandy patches that are hard to spot at night.
• Sometimes oncoming vehicles with no working headlights.

Plan your trips so you arrive at your destination before sunset (around 6:30 pm year-round in Zanzibar). If you must drive at night, drive slowly and stick to the main paved routes.

7. Drinking and driving — don't

Tanzania has strict drink-driving laws. Penalties for foreign drivers found over the limit can include large fines, vehicle impoundment, and detention. Combined with unfamiliar roads and possible night-time hazards, the risk is not worth it. If you've had a drink at a beach bar, take a taxi or stay over.

Other useful things to know

Speed limits

• Town areas: 50 km/h
• Open roads: 80 km/h
• Near schools and built-up areas: 30 km/h, often without clear signs — watch for speed bumps

Fuel

Petrol stations are common along main roads. Most accept cash (TZS or USD); cards work at larger stations but not all. Fill up before long trips north or south — there are fewer stations off the main routes.

Insurance

Basic insurance is usually included with rentals. Always confirm the excess (deductible) — typically $300–$1,000. If you have a damage waiver in your travel insurance or credit card coverage, bring documentation.

Emergencies

• Police: 112 or 999
• Your rental company's 24/7 line — keep it saved. Zanzibar Cars: WhatsApp +255 659 371 936

FAQ

Is it easy to drive around Zanzibar?

Yes, for drivers comfortable on the left side of the road. The main routes are well-paved and traffic is light outside Stone Town.

What to be careful of in Zanzibar driving?

Animals on roads, sandy beach access tracks, night driving, and carrying your driving permit at all times for police checkpoints.

Do tourists need a special license to drive in Zanzibar?

Yes — a temporary Zanzibar driving permit, on top of your home country license. Cost about $10. Reputable rental companies arrange this when you collect the car.

About Zanzibar Cars

Zanzibar Cars handles the driving permit for every customer at no markup. We provide a full vehicle handover including all rental papers, checkpoint documentation, and a 24/7 WhatsApp line for any roadside issues to make the driving in Zanzibar Smooth an seamless.