In our guide to preparing your trip to Zanzibar, we discussed the essential formalities. Today, we’re delving into the topic of transport in Zanzibar and telling you everything you need to know about getting around the island!
Taxis in Zanzibar: Comfort and Negotiation
How it works
Taxis are the most comfortable way to get around Zanzibar, but with no meter, negotiation is mandatory before you get in!
Actual fares from the airport:
- Stone Town: 10-15 USD (they quote 20 USD)
- Paje/Jambiani: 35-40 USD (they quote 60-70 USD)
- Nungwi/Kendwa: 40-50 USD (they quote 70 USD)
Golden tip: Prices displayed at the airport are double the normal rate. Negotiate hard, and you’ll easily save 30-40%!
Where to find a taxi
Available everywhere in tourist areas and Stone Town. To avoid scams, ask your hotel to book a trusted taxi or contact them via WhatsApp. Short trips in Stone Town: 5-10 USD, between beaches: 30-40 USD.
Payment: Dollars, Euros, or Shillings accepted. Have small change, as drivers don’t always have change for large bills.
Dala dalas: The authentic local experience
What is a dala dala?
These colorful minibuses (or converted trucks) are THE local way to get around Zanzibar! Noisy, crowded, sometimes with chickens on board, but an unforgettable cultural experience for 2,000 TZS (0.70 USD) anywhere on the island.
How to take them?
Departures from Stone Town:
- Darajani Market: towards the North (Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe)
- Mwanakwerekwe Market (5 km east): towards the East and South (Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu)
A number on the hood indicates the destination. Ask the driver (konda) in the blue shirt if you have any doubts!
Hours: Approximately 6 AM – 7 PM (6 PM during Ramadan). They only leave when full, so patience is required!
Anti-scam tips
- NEVER pay before you’re on board and the bus has started moving
- The driver collects money en route
- Normal price: 2,000 TZS maximum everywhere
- Luggage supplement: 500-1,000 TZS
Pros and Cons? ✅ Ultra-economical, authentic experience, local encounters ❌ Uncomfortable, crowded, no fixed schedules, complicated with luggage
Car rental in Zanzibar: Total freedom
Why rent a car
Renting a car is ideal for exploring Zanzibar independently: secret beaches, authentic villages, spice plantations… You go wherever you want, whenever you want!
Prices:
- Small car: 30-40 USD/day
- SUV/4×4 (recommended): 35-50 USD/day
- Temporary local permit: 10 USD (mandatory, provided by the agency)
Budget tip: Rent for only 3-4 days to explore remote areas, and use taxis/dala dalas the rest of the time.
What you need to know
Documents: French license + international permit (recommended) + local permit (mandatory / 10 USD).
Drive on the left! Main roads are decent, but a 4×4 is ideal for tracks to some beaches.
Practical advice:
- Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and animals crossing everywhere
- Dala dalas drive fast and overtake without warning
- Avoid driving at night (poor lighting, animals)
- Fill up your tank as soon as possible (stations are rare in remote areas)
The good plan: The south and east of the island are quiet, perfect for beginners!
From the airport: which option to choose?
Taxi: 10-15 USD to Stone Town, 35-70 USD to the beaches. Negotiate! Many hotels offer private transfers (paid but stress-free).
Dala dala: 1,000 TZS (0.35 USD) to Stone Town. Exit the terminal and look for the minibuses. Caution: complicated with large luggage after a long flight!
Tip: Staff will tell you that dala dalas don’t pass (to sell you a taxi), but they do!
Alternatives: bajaj, scooters, and bicycles
Bajaj (tuk-tuk): Perfect for short city trips, 3,000-5,000 TZS. Fun and authentic!
Scooter: 15-25 USD/day, ideal for couples. Be careful with traffic and roads!
Bicycle: 5-10 USD/day, perfect for exploring your area peacefully.
Transport in Zanzibar: which choice for your profile?
- Backpacker budget: Dala dalas + a few negotiated taxis
- Comfort: Taxis + car rental for 3-4 days
- Total freedom: Car rental for the entire stay
- Adventurer: Dala dalas + scooter
- Family: Private transfers + car rental
Organize your travel easily
Combine modes of transport in Zanzibar according to your activities. Use a taxi for the spice farm and Stone Town, then rent a car to explore the south independently.
Discover all our excursions including transfers for stress-free travel! And consult our guide on when to visit Zanzibar to plan well.
In summary
Getting around Zanzibar is simple! Whether you choose the local experience of dala dalas, the comfort of taxis, or the freedom of a car, the island is easy to discover. The secret? Negotiate, stay flexible, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination!
