How to find a cheap car hire deal in Zanzibar (ZNZ)
Searching for a cheap Zanzibar rental car? You're right where you need to be. With prices averaging R 654 a day, we compare the best deals so you can choose fast, spend less, and feel good about what you paid.
Daily rental prices at Zanzibar start from just R 412.
Staying a while in Zanzibar and want to explore beyond the main attractions? R 2,882 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
To land the cheapest price, book your ZNZ car hire around one week in advance.
KARIBU KWETU ZANZIBAR, Auto-Union and Green Motion are some of the most popular providers at Zanzibar.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Zanzibar car hire policy, whether you go with KARIBU KWETU ZANZIBAR or a different supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Booking a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for hire in ZNZ. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can score some excellent one-way prices.
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a car hire in Zanzibar that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use.
Want to explore freely without worrying about how many miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average R 957 a day.
Sitting in second place, this provider offers daily rates of around R 795.
The third option won't dent your budget either. You'll pay roughly R 1,126 a day with this supplier.
The Compact rental category is a reliable option if you can't decide which wheels are right for you. It's also the car type that's rented the most at ZNZ.
Compare car hire types from Zanzibar (ZNZ)
Small: These cheap Zanzibar rental cars may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, great on mileage, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to handle in traffic and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable fit for most trips.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and enhanced tech features, this ZNZ car hire option includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Zanzibar that fits a small crowd (and their luggage), a van is the practical pick. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group outings, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different ZNZ car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can seriously upgrade your ride. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Zanzibar.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same across the board. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check the specific rules for each supplier before booking your rental in Tanzania.
Kids coming with you? Child car seat laws vary from one location to another, and the correct setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Be sure to add the right one to your ZNZ car rental booking.
Come prepared and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) and another form of photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
For first-time drivers in Tanzania, remember that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits are often about 45kph in urban areas and around 95kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Tanzania is 0.08%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
You'll be using the Tanzanian shilling (TZS) for all your purchases on your trip. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cards and cash so you always have a backup option.
Drive smarter from the start
Go from zero to adventure once you've collected the keys to your ZNZ car hire. You've got the freedom to take any route you choose, but if you're headed to central Zanzibar, it'll take you around 15 minutes to cover the 8 kilometres or so northwest.
Allow roughly 20 minutes to drive from Zanzibar to the city centre during rush hours.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 7am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
If you don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive, consider picking up a car hire in Zanzibar instead of at the airport. Collect your ride at a time that works for you and avoid paying for unused rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Zanzibar (ZNZ)
Before you move on, sightsee around Zanzibar first. Major highlights like House of Wonders and Zanzibar travel tours set the tone for your whole journey.
Shift gears and head toward Bagamoyo. Around 40 kilometres southwest of ZNZ, you'll find favourite sights like Bagamoyo Beach and Old Boma.
