Driving in Zanzibar

Visitors need a Zanzibar temporary driving permit in addition to their home driving licence. An international driving permit on its own is not accepted at police checkpoints.

We arrange the permit for you. After booking, send us a photo of your passport and driving licence on WhatsApp. The permit is ready when we hand over the car. The fee is $25, one-off, arranged before you arrive.

• Minimum driver age: 21, with a full licence held for at least one year.
• Keep the permit, your licence and the vehicle documents together in the car.
• A second driver needs their own permit. Add them when you book ($5 per day).

Traffic drives on the left, as in the UK, Kenya and South Africa. At roundabouts, give way to traffic coming from the right.

Speed limits are usually 50 km/h in towns and villages and 80 km/h on open roads. Follow the road signs where they differ. Speed bumps are common at the entrance to villages and are not always marked.

Seat belts are required for all passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is not permitted. Use headlights from dusk; many cyclists and pedestrians have no lights.

The main roads from Stone Town to the airport, Nungwi, Paje and Jambiani are paved and in good condition. The last part of the way to many beach hotels is sand or coral. All our cars can manage these roads in dry weather; drive slowly and follow the existing tracks.

Expect bicycles, motorcycles, dala-dala minibuses that stop without warning, animals and children near villages. We recommend driving in daylight where possible; roads are unlit at night.

Fuel stations are located along the main roads and in the larger towns. Most accept cash only, so carry Tanzanian shillings. Our fuel policy is Full-to-full: the car is delivered with a full tank and should be returned full.

Approximate driving times from Stone Town in normal daytime traffic.

Most hotels and guesthouses have parking. In Stone Town, use the marked parking areas near Forodhani Gardens and Darajani market; the streets of the old town are too narrow for cars.

Lock the car and do not leave valuables or documents in view. Parking attendants in town may ask for a small fee; this is normal.

Breakdown or puncture: call or message us at any time. We will assist you by phone, come to you, or provide a replacement car. Every car has a spare wheel and a jack.

Accident: make sure everyone is safe, then call the police and contact us before moving the vehicles if possible. Take photographs. The car is fully insured; the maximum you pay is the excess of $300.