ZanCars

Save Money on Car Rental in Zanzibar

Sat - 4th Oct 2025

Planning a trip to the stunning island of Zanzibar? Exploring this tropical paradise is much easier when you have your own wheels. The good news is, car rentals in Zanzibar can be both convenient and affordable — no need to break the bank. Here are some smart tips that will enable you to spend less but have a whole lot of fun in this incredible place.

Book Your Car Early

Have you booked your Zanzibar travel tour yet? Booking your car in advance is the best method of saving money. When you rent a car in Zanzibar airport, the fee may be steeper when you leave it at the last moment. You should reserve at least two weeks in advance, and you will get better deals most of the time. Most rental firms will provide early bird deals where you will save at most 30 percent of the standard charge.

Compare Different Rental Companies

Do not simply choose the first company that you encounter. Take the time to price shop with various auto rental agencies. Other local firms have lower prices than large international brands. Read reviews on the web to ensure that the company is sound. See what is covered by the price, such as insurance and additional charges.

Choose the Right Size Car

Consider your actual needs. A compact car consumes less fuel and is less expensive to hire. A small car is ideal when you are traveling alone or with one other person in your car. Bigger vehicles may be good, but are costlier and difficult to park in small streets.

Understand Insurance Options

Insurance can increase your rental bill a lot. See whether your credit card or travel insurance covers car rentals. That way, you will not be charged twice for the same protection. Nevertheless, the problem is that driving in Zanzibar may be complex because of the narrow roads and various traffic regulations, and the basic coverage is limited.

Skip the Airport Premium

While it's convenient to rent a car in Zanzibar airport, you will, of course, incur an added cost. Other lower-priced outlets of the companies are in Stone Town or other locations. You can save a lot of money by hiring a taxi to pick up your car.

Rent for Longer Periods

Weekly rates are almost always cheaper than daily rates. If you're staying for five days or more, ask about weekly pricing. Some companies also offer discounts for rentals longer than two weeks.

Fill the Tank Yourself

Here's a tip that saves travelers a lot of money: always bring the car back with a full tank. Rental companies charge absolutely crazy amounts for fuel - way more than what anyone would pay at a regular station. Just stop at a petrol pump near the drop-off point and top it up. This simple move keeps extra cash in your pocket.

Avoid Extra Charges

Taking a few minutes actually to read through the rental contract pays off big time. Companies love adding charges for things like extra drivers, GPS units, or child seats.

Got a smartphone? Then there's really no need to rent their GPS. Just download offline maps before the trip and bring along a phone mount for the dashboard. Easy fix that saves money.

Check for Damage Before Driving

This step is super important. Stroll around the rental car and take pictures of all the minor scratches, dents, or marks that you can see. Yes, even the tiny ones. Too many travelers get blamed for damage that was already there when they picked up the vehicle.

Make sure the person at the counter writes down all the existing damage on the paperwork. Don't skip this part - it's protection against unfair charges later.

Drive Carefully

Driving in Zanzibar isn't quite like driving in most other places. The streets are also very rough in some places, and people here also have a very local style of traffic management. Allow yourself more time to arrive at destinations and do not hurry.

Accidents and speeding fines will empty a wallet in a short time. Besides, nobody wants to be bothered with that, particularly when they are on holiday.

Ask About Discounts

And ask seriously, whether there are any discounts. Surprises are sometimes involved. Students, older travelers, and people who've rented from them before often qualify for special rates.

Also worth checking - talk to hotel staff about car rental partnerships. Sometimes they have arrangements that offer better prices than booking directly.

Wrapping It Up

These simple tips can help you enjoy the freedom of having your own car in Zanzibar without overspending. Just take a little time to plan — compare options, read the fine print, and weigh your choices. Even a bit of research can save you money, leaving more in your pocket for unforgettable adventures.

Ready to explore Zanzibar on your own terms? Book your affordable car rental today and start your island adventure without the worry of high costs!