Zanzibar New Roads 2026: What Self-Drive Visitors Should Know
If you are planning to rent a car in Zanzibar this season, the roads you drive will look different from the photos in older guidebooks. New tarmac, wider lanes and street lights are going in across Unguja, and some routes have temporary diversions while the work continues. Here is what is changing, where, and how it affects your trip.
What new roads are being built in Zanzibar?
The Zanzibar Government's 2026/27 budget for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is TZS 1.815 trillion. It covers about 445 km of trunk, urban and feeder roads across Unguja and Pemba. The projects that matter most to visitors are:
| Project | Length | What it means for visitors |
| Mwanakwerekwe Flyover | Flyover | Zanzibar's first flyover, opened January 2026. It removes the worst junction between Stone Town, the airport side and the south of the island. |
| Amani Flyover | Flyover | Second flyover, under construction. Expect lane closures around Amani for now. |
| Tunguu – Makunduchi road | 48 km | Being upgraded to four lanes with street lights and pedestrian paths. This is your route to Makunduchi and Kizimkazi (dolphin trips). |
| Fumba – Kisauni road | 12 km | Four-lane road towards Fumba Town and the Fumba peninsula. |
| Roads to Fumba Sports City (AFCON 2027) | 63.8 km | TZS 269 billion network, including six-lane sections, linking Zanzibar Town to the new stadium area. |
| Mkokotoni – Nungwi road | – | Listed in the 2026/27 programme. The main road to Nungwi and Kendwa beaches in the north. |
| Mwera – Dole – Mfenesini | – | Central and north-west connector, listed in the same programme. |
| Urban rehabilitation | – | Kariakoo–Magomeni–Mwanakwerekwe and Mtoni–Bububu–Chuwini, the main road north out of Stone Town. |
The four-lane roads to Makunduchi and Fumba (and the Mkoani–Chake Chake road on Pemba) are being built by Propav and Mwananchi Engineering and Contracting (MECCO) under a UK Export Finance–backed package of about USD 428 million. In July 2026 the Second Vice President ordered faster land valuations so these projects are not delayed.
Which tourist routes are affected?
| Trip | Usual drive time | What to expect in 2026 |
| Airport → Stone Town | 15–20 min | Easier since the Mwanakwerekwe flyover opened. Allow extra time at peak hours. |
| Stone Town → Nungwi / Kendwa | about 1 hr 15 min | Works possible on Mtoni–Bububu and the Mkokotoni–Nungwi section. Allow 1.5 hours. |
| Stone Town → Paje / Jambiani | about 1 hr | Mostly smooth. Watch for speed bumps through villages. |
| Stone Town → Makunduchi / Kizimkazi | about 1 hr | Active four-lane works on Tunguu–Makunduchi. Expect diversions and dust. |
| Stone Town → Fumba | 30–40 min | Fumba–Kisauni and AFCON road works. Slower near Fumba until completion. |
7 tips for driving past road works in Zanzibar
•Keep left and follow diversion signs. Zanzibar drives on the left. Temporary lanes can switch sides, so slow down when the road narrows.
•Avoid driving at night near works. Street lights are part of the new roads but are not finished everywhere. Unlit diversions, pedestrians and cyclists are the biggest risk after dark.
•Watch for speed bumps. Villages along every main road have them, often unpainted.
•Carry your Zanzibar driving permit. Police checkpoints are common, including near major works. Read do you need an international driving permit in Zanzibar before you travel.
•Add time for flights and ferries. Leave 20–30 minutes earlier than Google Maps suggests for Zanzibar Airport or the Malindi ferry port.
•Close windows on dusty sections and use the car's air conditioning on recirculate.
•Pick a car with good ground clearance if your hotel is down an unpaved lane or on the Makunduchi side. See how much a 4x4 costs to rent in Zanzibar.
For the full rules of the road, read our guide to driving in Zanzibar: 7 things every tourist needs to know.
Is it still worth renting a car in Zanzibar during the road works?
Yes. The works are spread over several years and the main beach roads stay open. A car rental in Zanzibar is still the cheapest and most flexible way to reach Nungwi, Paje, Jozani Forest and the south coast. A taxi between beaches costs USD 40–80 each way, while our Suzuki Escudo starts at USD 25 per day. If you are unsure, our honest guide is renting a car in Zanzibar worth it? compares every option.
Prefer not to drive through the works? Book a private driver or taxi or our airport transfer to Nungwi, Jambiani or Paje. For short trips around Stone Town, the new electric buses are another low-cost option.
Book in two minutes: WhatsApp +255 659 371 936 · info@zanzibarcars.co.tz · See all cars and prices
Frequently asked questions
Are Zanzibar's roads good for driving in 2026?
Yes. The main routes from Stone Town to the airport, Nungwi, Paje and Jambiani are paved. Expect diversions, dust and slower traffic near active works on the Makunduchi, Fumba and Nungwi roads.
What is the Mwanakwerekwe flyover?
Zanzibar's first flyover, opened in January 2026 and built by CCECC. It removes the main traffic junction between Stone Town and the airport side of the island. A second flyover is under construction at Amani.
Why is Zanzibar building so many new roads?
To support record tourism and to prepare for AFCON 2027. The government is building about 445 km of trunk, urban and feeder roads, including a 63.8 km network to the new Fumba Sports City.
Do I need a 4x4 because of the road works?
No for the main paved roads. A compact SUV such as a Suzuki Escudo or Toyota RAV4 handles diversions comfortably. Choose a larger 4x4 like a Toyota Prado for rough hotel lanes or the rainy season.
How early should I leave for Zanzibar Airport?
Leave 20–30 minutes earlier than normal while works are active. Zanzibar Cars delivers and collects rental cars at the airport free of charge, so you can return the car right at departures.