Suzuki Escudo Rental in Zanzibar: Compact 4x4 for Island Roads, $30 a Day
The Suzuki Escudo is the Japanese name for the Grand Vitara, a compact 4×4 that suits Zanzibar’s mix of tarmac, sandy side roads and village tracks. At $30 a day it is a sensible pick if you want to reach the east coast beaches, Jozani Forest and the north at your own pace.
Need your driving permit? Mosum Tours & Safaris arranges the temporary Zanzibar permit for USD 10, valid for up to 3 months. See all our rental cars.
Seats
5
Doors
4 + tailgate
Gearbox
Automatic (typical)
Engine
2.0–2.4 L petrol
Fuel
Petrol
Drive
4WD
Luggage
Medium
Best for
Couples, small families
About the Suzuki Escudo
The Escudo sits high enough to deal with the potholes and sand patches you meet once you leave the main roads, and it is still short enough to park in Stone Town and in busy villages. It is the car we suggest when guests plan a few beach days along the east coast and one or two trips inland.
The rear seats fold to make space for beach bags, a cool box and snorkelling gear, and five people can travel together on a day out. Because Escudos come in several years and trims, we confirm the exact car, gearbox and features with you when you book.
Specifications shown are typical for this model. We confirm the exact year, gearbox and features of your vehicle when you book.
Mosum Tours & Safaris is a Zanzibar-based operator with more than ten years of experience in ground handling. Our office is on Forodhani Street in Stone Town and we are on WhatsApp from 8 AM to 9 PM every day.
Escudo Features
Compact 4x4
Copes with sandy and uneven side roads
Five seats
Room for a small family or four friends
Easy to park
Short enough for Stone Town streets
Air conditioning
Standard on this model, we confirm on booking
Raised ride height
Helpful on rough patches and speed bumps
Folding rear seats
Space for beach gear and shopping
Sturdy Japanese build
A proven shape on Zanzibar roads
Open to day trips
East coast, north coast and Jozani
Where You Can Take It
Typical drives with the Escudo. Distances are approximate and times change with traffic and road works.
- Airport to Stone Town: about 7 km, roughly 15 minutes
- Jozani Forest: about 35 km from Stone Town
- Paje and Jambiani (east coast): about 55–60 km, around 1 hour
- Nungwi and Kendwa (north): about 60 km, around 1¼ hours
- Kizimkazi (south, dolphin coast): about 60 km
Price
What You Need to Rent
- Your passport
- A valid full driving licence from your home country
- The temporary Zanzibar driving permit (USD 10, valid up to 3 months), which we arrange for you
- Your booking confirmation and the rental papers in the car at all times
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Suzuki Escudo per day?
The Escudo is $30 a day. Tell us your dates and we confirm availability and the total before you pay.
Do I need a driving permit to drive the Escudo?
Yes. Visitors need a temporary Zanzibar driving permit as well as their own valid licence. We arrange it for $10 and it is valid for up to 3 months.
Can the Escudo handle sandy roads to the beach?
It is a 4×4 with good ride height, so it manages most beach roads on the island. Drive slowly on soft sand and ask us about any route you are unsure of.
Who is the Escudo best for?
Couples and small families who want a sturdy, easy-to-park car. If you want more boot space, look at the Toyota RAV4 with 4 doors.
Can I have a driver instead?
Yes. If you would rather not drive, our team can arrange private transfers and guided days with a driver. Message us on WhatsApp and we will suggest the best option.
Other Cars You Can Rent
Reserve the Suzuki Escudo
Tell us your dates and pickup place and we will confirm availability, the final price and your driving permit. Prefer to chat? Message the Mosum Tours & Safaris team on WhatsApp.
What to send us: the car you want, your pickup and return dates, where you would like to collect it, and a photo of your passport and driving licence so we can prepare your USD 10 driving permit. We reply on WhatsApp every day from 8 AM to 9 PM.
Photos are for illustration. Your rental car may be a different year or colour.