Toyota IST Rental in Zanzibar: Economical City and Coast Hatchback, $30 a Day
The Toyota IST is a compact Japanese hatchback that is light on fuel and easy to drive. It is a good choice for Stone Town, the airport run and the tarmac roads to the beaches. At $30 a day it gives you your own wheels without the bulk of an SUV.
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 + hatch
Gearbox
Automatic (typical)
Engine
1.3–1.5 L petrol
Fuel
Petrol
Drive
Front-wheel drive
Luggage
Small to medium
Best for
Town and tarmac roads
About the Toyota IST
The IST is easy to place, simple to drive and sensible with fuel, which makes it a relaxed first choice if you have not driven in Zanzibar before. Its compact size is a real advantage in Stone Town and in busy villages.
It is front-wheel drive with a lower ride height, so it is best on tarmac and good roads. If your plans include sandy tracks or rough beach roads, choose the Escudo, RAV4 or Vitara. We confirm the exact car and gearbox 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.
IST Features
Compact hatchback
Easy to drive and to park
Sensible on fuel
Small petrol engine
Five seats
Four adults fit comfortably
Air conditioning
Standard on this model, we confirm on booking
Hatch boot
Room for a couple of bags
Great for town
Stone Town, airport and tarmac roads
Simple controls
Relaxed for first-time island drivers
Budget friendly
Same $30 daily rate as the Escudo
Where You Can Take It
Typical drives with the IST. Distances are approximate and times change with traffic and road works.
- Airport to Stone Town: about 7 km, roughly 15 minutes
- Mangapwani and Bububu coast: about 15–20 km from Stone Town
- Paje and Jambiani (tarmac to the east coast): about 55–60 km, around 1 hour
- Nungwi and Kendwa (north): about 60 km, around 1¼ hours
- Mkokotoni and the north-west: about 50 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 Toyota IST per day?
The IST is $30 a day. We confirm availability and the full total before you pay.
Do I need a driving permit?
Yes. You need a temporary Zanzibar driving permit plus your own valid licence. We arrange the permit for $10 and it is valid for up to 3 months.
Is the IST good on sandy roads?
It is front-wheel drive with a lower ride height, so it is best on tarmac and good roads. For sandy tracks pick a 4×4 such as the Escudo or Vitara.
How many people can it carry?
It has five seats, and four adults are most comfortable. Luggage space is small to medium.
Can you deliver the car to my hotel?
Ask us on WhatsApp. We will tell you what is possible for your hotel and dates.
Other Cars You Can Rent
Reserve the Toyota IST
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.