OUR SERVICES AND DRIVING IN ZANZIBAR

What licence do I need to drive in Zanzibar?
All national driving licences of all countries are accepted in Zanzibar, however they must be presented together with a Zanzibar Driving Permit…
What is a Zanzibar Driving Permit, and how do I get it?
Driving in Zanzibar requires a permit issued by the local authorities in addition to your national or international driving licence. This permit costs an additional $10 per driver and can be arranged in advance by Zanzibar Express Car Hire. Once you have booked with us, please email us a copy of your current licence. The permit fee can be paid on arrival in Zanzibar.
Can you pick me up from the airport? the ferry? or my hotel?
Yes, yes, and yes! We offer a full pickup and drop off service. Simply mention in the comments section of our booking process (or drop us an email) where and when you would like us to pick you up and one of our team will be waiting for you with your name on a board.
I’m finished! Can I drop my car at the airport? the ferry? or can you collect it from my hotel?
Yes, yes, and yes! We can arrange the details in advance, or if you can’t decide until later in your trip, you can give us a ring when you need us (please stop the car first ;).
I would like a driver, what’s the cost and how do I arrange it?
We offer Self Drive and Chauffeur driven vehicles for hire on a daily basis. If you would like a driver, please just select Chauffeur Driven when booking through our online platform and the charges will be updated.
What’s the deal with fuel?
We shall supply you with a full tank of fuel and expect a full tank when the car is returned. There are plenty of petrol stations all over the island and they are served by pump attendants. You just pull up, stay sitting in the car and wait to be served. They will ask you the amount of money you want to put in, and you pay them at the end.
Can I drive on the beach?
No. Sorry, its not allowed.
What happens if I break down or get stuck?
In the unlikely event that you have car trouble, we have got you covered. Our phones are on 24 hours a day and we will come and rescue you. If we cannot fix the problem at the roadside, we will give you a replacement vehicle so you can be on your way as quickly as possible. Always make sure you have your charged phone with you at all times, just in case.
What happens if I have an accident?
If you have an accident, please stay in your vehicle if it is safe to do so, or by the side of the road if not, and call us straight away. We shall be there as quickly as possible, and shall sort out all of the necessary paperwork etc. All our vehicles are fully insured, and your safety is our primary concern.
Will I get stopped by the police while driving in Zanzibar?
Yes, probably! There are checkpoints at major towns and generally stop most vehicles. Zanzibar traffic police officers are usually friendly enough, will ask you for your driving licence & Zanzibar driving permit, and have a cursory look around your car. Smile, be friendly and courteous and you will be on your way in no time. In the unlikely event that you get into difficulty, give us a call and we shall have a chat with them for you.
I want to see the sites of Zanzibar! Can you show us around?
Zanzibar Express car hire can take you on various tours around the Island. We offer you the chance to experience all the sites, sounds, smells and tastes that this little piece of paradise has to offer.
Whether you would like to go on an organised tour or would prefer to explore on your own, Zanzibar Express Car Hire has the perfect solution for you.
Karibu Zanzibar !!!
  • Konstantin K – Perfect!!!

    Booked a car before leaving Ukraine, WhatsApp wrote off, the guys answered quickly and met upon arrival. Everything is very fast and simple. We rent the car for 12 days and were very pleased. For these roads you need a high and all-wheel drive car)
  • Sandra F – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

    We were a couple and we would rather have a private tour in Dar es Salaam. So, we use the private services from Xpress Rent a Car & Day Tours. All communication we had was excellent. Shabbir Ebrahim answered all WhatsApp and e-mails very quickly. We did 2 transfers and 1 city tour. Lameck, our guide/driver, is excellent guide! He is very friendly and told us many stories and details regarding his country. He is also a very good driver. Highly recommended!
  • Colourful Planet – Everything fine

    We rented a car for a week and service and the car was totally fine. Once we had a tiny issue, but we were helped right away by the team. I also want to take some people the fear of driving on Zanzibar. You have to get used a little bit to driving on the left side, but with automatic gear it was fine. The streets are not what we know in Europe, but since you drive slow, also this is no problem. We heard a lot of stories about the police over there, but also that was easy. Twice they quickly checked the licence and that was it. We were very happy we had the car, which made us totally flexible while exploring the island.

A TASTE OF ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar Express Car Hire can organise various tours of the famous Spice Island. Experience the sights, sounds and flavours of exotic Zanzibar with us.