Car Rental in Zanzibar: Cars, SUVs & Scooters From $10 a Day
Choose a Suzuki Escudo, Toyota RAV4, Toyota IST, Suzuki Vitara or Honda Vario and explore the island at your own pace. To drive in Zanzibar, visitors need a temporary Zanzibar driving permit: Mosum arranges yours for USD 10, valid for up to 3 months, so you only bring your passport and your valid home driving licence.
Driving Permit: USD 10
A temporary Zanzibar driving permit costs USD 10 and is valid for up to 3 months. We arrange it for you with your rental.
Simple Daily Prices
From $10 a day for the Honda Vario scooter to $35 a day for the Toyota RAV4 with 4 doors and the Suzuki Vitara.
Help by WhatsApp
Our office is in Stone Town and our team replies on WhatsApp every day from 8 AM to 9 PM.
CAR RENTAL
Choose Your Car and Daily Price
DRIVING PERMIT
Zanzibar Driving Permit: USD 10, Valid Up to 3 Months
Do I need a driving permit in Zanzibar? Yes. Visitors who want to drive in Zanzibar need a temporary Zanzibar driving permit as well as their own valid driving licence. The permit costs USD 10 and is valid for up to 3 months. Tell us when you book and we arrange it for you.
What it is
A temporary driving permit issued for visitors who want to drive in Zanzibar. You carry it together with your own valid driving licence.
Cost and validity
USD 10, valid for up to 3 months. Staying longer than that? Ask us what you need to do.
What we need from you
A clear photo of your passport page and of the front and back of your driving licence, sent on WhatsApp with your arrival date. We prepare the permit before you arrive wherever we can.
What to carry when driving
Your Zanzibar permit, your original home licence, your passport (or a copy) and the rental papers. Police checkpoints are common on the main roads out of Stone Town.
International Driving Permit
Bring one if you have it, but it is not a substitute for the Zanzibar permit.
Riding a scooter
Your home licence must include a motorcycle category. Helmets are required by law.
ROAD RULES
Driving in Zanzibar: Know Before You Go
Drive on the left
Traffic keeps left in Zanzibar and the Tanzanian mainland.
Watch your speed
Limits are typically about 50 km/h in towns and villages and up to 80 km/h on open roads, and lower in Stone Town. Follow the posted signs.
Wear your seat belt
Seat belts are required for the driver and passengers, and checkpoint officers do check.
Expect checkpoints
Stop when asked, stay polite, and show your permit, licence and passport.
Avoid driving at night
Roads are poorly lit and people, bikes and animals share them. Plan long drives in daylight.
Fuel up in town
Fill the tank before long drives to the coast, as stations are fewer in the countryside.
FAQ
Car Rental Questions
How much does it cost to rent a car in Zanzibar?
Daily prices are $30 for the Suzuki Escudo, Toyota RAV4 with 2 doors and Toyota IST, $35 for the Toyota RAV4 with 4 doors and Suzuki Vitara, and $10 for the Honda Vario scooter.
Do I need a driving permit to drive in Zanzibar?
Yes. Visitors need a temporary Zanzibar driving permit as well as their own valid driving licence. We arrange it for USD 10 and it is valid for up to 3 months.
What documents should I send you?
Send a photo of your passport page and of both sides of your driving licence on WhatsApp with your arrival date, and we prepare your permit.
Is an International Driving Permit enough?
No. An International Driving Permit is a useful extra, but you still need the Zanzibar permit and your own home licence.
Can I rent a scooter?
Yes, the Honda Vario scooter is $10 a day. You need a licence that includes a motorcycle category, the Zanzibar permit and a helmet.
Which car is best for beach roads?
Choose a 4×4 such as the Suzuki Escudo, the Toyota RAV4 or the Suzuki Vitara AllGrip. The Toyota IST is best on tarmac roads.
What about fuel, deposit and insurance?
We explain fuel, deposit and insurance terms for your exact car and dates before you pay, so there are no surprises.
Can I have a driver instead of driving myself?
Yes. If you prefer not to drive, we can arrange private transfers and guided days with a driver.
Why Rent With Mosum
A small local team, clear daily prices and honest advice.
Rooted in Zanzibar
Our office is in Stone Town and our team lives on the island, so you get honest advice on routes and timing.
Permit Handled for You
We arrange your $10 temporary driving permit, valid for up to 3 months, so you do not queue for it.
Book on WhatsApp
Message +255 620 232 711 or use the form. We reply every day from 8 AM to 9 PM.
Clear Daily Prices
$10, $30 or $35 a day depending on the vehicle, shown before you pay.
Honest Car Advice
Not sure whether the Escudo or the Vitara suits you? Tell us your route and group and we will suggest one.
Drivers if You Prefer
Rather not drive? We also arrange transfers and guided days with a driver.
Reserve Your Car
Send your dates, the car you like and your arrival time and we will confirm availability and arrange your driving permit.
Photos are for illustration. Your rental car may be a different year or colour.