Car Rental Zanzibar: No Deposit, No Credit Card
Rent a car in Zanzibar at a low price without blocking funds on your credit card
How to Rent a Car in Zanzibar
Getting behind the wheel is simple. Follow these four easy steps and start your Zanzibar adventure today.
Search & Compare
Enter your pickup location and dates. Compare prices from multiple local and international rental companies on one page.
Choose Your Car
Select the vehicle that fits your needs. Filter by body type, transmission, and extras like no deposit or free cancellation.
Book & Pay 15-20%
Fill in your details and secure your booking by paying only 15-20% upfront. No credit card needed - debit card or cash accepted.
Pick Up & Drive
Receive your voucher by email with all details. Pick up your car at the airport or get it delivered to your hotel. Enjoy Zanzibar!
Why Rent a Car in Zanzibar?
Exploring Zanzibar at your own pace is the best way to discover hidden beaches, spice plantations, and charming villages. With car rental in Zanzibar with no deposit, you can enjoy complete freedom without worrying about blocked funds on your credit card. Unlike taxis or public transport (dala-dalas), a rental car gives you the flexibility to stop wherever you want, whenever you want.
While taxis in Zanzibar can be expensive and require negotiation for every trip, and public minibuses run on unpredictable schedules, a rental car provides comfort, privacy, and reliability. You control your itinerary - from sunrise at Nungwi Beach to sunset at The Rock Restaurant, without waiting or overpaying.
No Deposit
Keep your money in your pocket. No funds blocked on your card during the rental period.
No Credit Card
Pay with a debit card or even cash. No credit card required for booking or pickup.
Guaranteed Model
Get the exact car you booked, not just a similar one. What you see is what you get.
Additional Insurance
Optional full coverage with zero excess. Drive with complete peace of mind.
Free Cancellation
Plans changed? Cancel your booking for free up to 48 hours before pickup.
Pay for Cash
No digital payment? No problem. Pay the remaining balance in cash at the pick-up desk.
Car Hire Zanzibar Price
The cost of renting a car in Zanzibar depends on several factors: vehicle class, season (high or low), rental duration, transmission type, and insurance options. Compare prices from multiple providers to find the cheapest airport car rental that fits your budget.
Tips for Getting a Cheaper Rental
- Book for a longer period (one week or more) to get a significant daily rate discount
- Choose a car with manual transmission - they are typically 10-20% cheaper than automatic
- Select a no-deposit rental option to avoid blocking funds on your credit card
- Book in advance - prices increase as the pickup date gets closer
- Compare prices from different rental companies on our platform for the best deals
Economy
Suzuki Alto, Toyota Vitz
Compact
Toyota Corolla, Mazda Demio
SUV
Toyota RAV4, Suzuki Vitara
Pickup / Truck
Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max
Minivan
Toyota Noah, Nissan Serena
Table of Rental Prices for Popular Cars in Zanzibar by Season
| Car Model | Body Type | Passengers | Luggage | Low Season ($/day) | High Season ($/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki Alto | Economy | 4 | 1 bag | $15 | $22 |
| Toyota Vitz | Economy | 4 | 2 bags | $18 | $28 |
| Mazda Demio | Compact | 5 | 2 bags | $22 | $32 |
| Toyota Corolla | Sedan | 5 | 3 bags | $28 | $40 |
| Suzuki Vitara | SUV | 5 | 2 bags | $35 | $50 |
| Toyota RAV4 | SUV | 5 | 3 bags | $45 | $65 |
| Honda CR-V | SUV | 5 | 3 bags | $50 | $70 |
| Toyota Hilux | Pickup | 5 | 4 bags | $55 | $80 |
| Toyota Noah | Minivan | 7 | 4 bags | $50 | $72 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado | Premium SUV | 7 | 5 bags | $85 | $120 |
Customer Reviews
Fantastic experience renting a car in Zanzibar through this site! The no-deposit option was a game changer. Picked up a Toyota RAV4 right at the airport, and it was in perfect condition. Will definitely use again!
Very easy booking process. I was worried about needing a credit card, but paid with my debit card without any issues. The car was clean and well-maintained. Great service!
Good value for money. Rented a Suzuki Alto for a week exploring the island. The price was very competitive compared to other services. Only minor issue was a small delay at pickup.
Booked a car for our honeymoon trip around Zanzibar. The free cancellation policy gave us peace of mind. Airport pickup was smooth, and the staff were incredibly helpful.
Third time using ZanzibarCar and consistently good experience. The comparison feature helped me find the cheapest option. Unlimited mileage is a big plus for touring the island.
Traffic Rules & Driving in Zanzibar
Traffic Rules
On Zanzibar you drive on the left side, so stay alert, follow signs, and drive defensively at all times.
- Keep left and overtake only when it is clearly safe
- Wear seat belts and make sure passengers do the same
- Use headlights at night and in heavy rain
- Respect local speed limits, especially in towns and villages
- Slow down near schools, markets, and pedestrian areas
- Avoid using a phone while driving unless hands free
- Do not drink and drive and always carry your driving documents
General note: Roads in Stone Town are narrow and can be congested. Main highways connecting tourist areas are generally in good condition. Be cautious of pedestrians, cyclists, and animals on rural roads.
Parking
Parking is usually free in smaller villages and beach areas, but in Stone Town it is limited and paid, with attendants often collecting a small hourly fee.
Use marked lots when possible, keep cash in Tanzanian shillings, and avoid leaving valuables in the car.
Gas Stations
Popular fuel stations include well known brands such as Puma, Oryx, and TotalEnergies, mainly around Zanzibar City and along the main roads.
Fuel prices are posted per litre in Tanzanian shillings and can change, so check the pump display and plan ahead for remote areas.
Toll Roads
Zanzibar generally does not have official toll roads on Unguja or Pemba, so you can drive the island roads without paying toll fees.
Your main extra driving costs are usually parking charges and occasional access fees in specific areas rather than road tolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you do not need a credit card to rent a car in Zanzibar. Many rental companies on our platform accept debit cards or cash payments. Simply use the "No Credit Card" filter when searching for available vehicles.
Not necessarily. We offer many no-deposit car rental options in Zanzibar. You can filter results to show only cars available without a deposit, so no funds will be blocked on your card.
Yes, airport pickup at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is one of the most popular options. Many rental companies offer meet-and-greet service right at the arrivals terminal.
You will need a valid driving license (international driving permit is recommended), a passport, and the booking voucher you receive after reservation. Some companies may also accept a national driving license.
The minimum age is typically 21 years old, though some rental companies may require drivers to be at least 23. Young driver surcharges may apply for drivers under 25.
Driving in Zanzibar is generally safe if you follow local traffic rules. Remember that driving is on the left side of the road. Roads in Stone Town and main tourist areas are paved, though some rural roads may be unpaved. Drive carefully and watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
Yes, many vehicles on our platform come with a free cancellation policy. Look for the "Free Cancellation" badge when browsing available cars. You can cancel your booking at no cost up to 48 hours before pickup in most cases.
Basic insurance (CDW - Collision Damage Waiver) is usually included in the rental price. You can also purchase additional insurance for extra coverage, including zero-excess options that cover you fully in case of damage or theft.
Top 3 Most Popular Cars in Zanzibar
Suzuki Alto
Economy
Toyota RAV4
SUV