Getting around
Low
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: thezanzibus.com, afrostylicity.com
Overall2.1/10Harder to get around than about 85% of cities
Good to know
Good to Know
- Stone Town is best explored on foot—narrow, historic streets are pedestrian-only and genuinely walkable.
- Download offline maps before exploring; Google Maps works but data can be unreliable.
- Avoid walking alone at night in Stone Town's alleyways or on isolated beaches; stick to lit, populated main streets after dark.
- Negotiation is standard for street taxis; know approximate fares before negotiating to avoid 2–3× tourist markup. Pre-booking eliminates this entirely.
- Dala dalas are authentic and cheap but crowded, no seatbelts, and have no fixed schedules—best for short local trips, not ideal for airport transfers or those with luggage.
- Bolt launched August 2025 but only covers Stone Town and airport; it's unavailable for beaches (Nungwi, Paje, Kendwa, Jambiani) and wider island.
- Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas and on dala dalas; keep valuables in inner pockets and bags secure.
- Road safety is the primary transport concern in Zanzibar—193 accidents recorded in 2024; drivers often overtake into oncoming lanes and use phones while driving.
- Rainy seasons (March–May, November) add 30–60 minutes to all journeys; factor this into airport and ferry connection timings.
- Scooter/motorbike rental is affordable ($15–25/day) and popular; helmets are legal requirement and usually provided.
Car Rental
- Typical Daily Rate
- TZS 75,000
- Details
- Self-drive and chauffeur options available. Most providers offer free delivery to airport and Stone Town. Rates include insurance, taxes, unlimited mileage, and 24/7 breakdown cover
- License Requirements
- International driver's license or home country driving license; temporary Zanzibar driving permit processed upon booking confirmation
Walkability
- Getting Around Tier
- low
- Daytime Vs Nighttime
- Daytime: genuinely safe and pedestrian-friendly. Nighttime: avoid walking alone in deserted streets, isolated alleyways, or unlit areas, especially Stone Town
- Getting Around Tier Rationale
- Stone Town itself is highly walkable, but beyond it Zanzibar lacks reliable public transit or rideshare infrastructure, making car-free travel across the island difficult.
Stone Town
- Details
- Narrow streets too tight for automobiles; maze-like labyrinth rewards exploration on foot. Comfortable footwear essential—expect 15,000+ steps on full sightseeing day
- Walkable
- Yes
- Description
- UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow pedestrian-only streets; most walkable area of Zanzibar
Overall City
- Details
- Key attractions including UNESCO Old Quarter and Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park are accessible by foot from Stone Town
- Walkable
- Yes
- Description
- Central areas surprisingly walkable; Stone Town and surrounding neighborhoods within walking distance
Taxi Services
Street Taxis
- Details
- No meters; fares negotiated. Tourist pricing is typically 2–3× the local rate. Pre-booking eliminates negotiation stress and guarantees fair pricing
- Availability
- Readily available in Stone Town, near airport, and major hotels
- Cost Airport To Nungwi
- TZS 100,000
- Cost Airport To Stone Town
- TZS 40,000
- Cost Short Distance Stone Town
- TZS 10,000
Tuk Tuks Bajajis
- Details
- Seat 2–3 people; fares negotiable; abundant and convenient for short distances
- Availability
- Easily hailed on street; ideal for navigating narrow streets
- Cost Short Trips Stone Town
- TZS 5,000
Private Pre Booked Transfers
- Details
- Fixed pricing, professional drivers, AC vehicles, no negotiation required; considered best way to avoid airport hassle and ensure fair rates
- Cost Airport To Stone Town
- TZS 62,500
- Cost Airport To North Beaches
- TZS 156,250
Public Transit
Dala Dala Minibuses
- Status
- Primary local public transport; privately owned; no official buses
- Details
- No set timetables; depart when full. Can be crowded and slow; no fixed schedules. Popular routes to Nungwi (route 116), Paje (route 309), Matemwe. Main terminal: Darajani Market, Stone Town. Do not pay anyone before boarding—common scam
- Fare Range
- TZS 500
- Typical Fare
- TZS 1,000
- Fare Range Upper
- TZS 2,000
Driving General
- Parking
- Stone Town: secure paid lots with guards available; outside city: park inside hotel grounds
- Side Of Road
- Left-hand traffic
- Road Conditions
- Main routes paved and generally okay; rural roads one-way, uneven, and poorly marked
- Fuel Availability
- Readily available on main routes
Scooter Motorbike Rental
- Typical Daily Rate Low
- TZS 37,500
- Typical Daily Rate High
- TZS 62,500
- Details
- Helmet and basic insurance typically included; many provide free hotel delivery/pickup. Excellent way to explore island independently. License requirements vary by engine size
- Typical Range
- 50cc–150cc scooters and motorcycles available
- Safety Note
- Left-hand traffic; roads can be poor condition in rural areas; wear helmet always (legal requirement)
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this walkability & transport research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Zanzibar
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.