The comprehensive guide to car rental in Stone Town, Tanzania

Stone Town is located in Zanzibar, Tanzania and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich history and diverse culture with African, Arab, Indian and European elements. With narrow, cobblestone paths, traditional buildings, vibrant markets and landmarks, such as the Sultan's Palace and the Old Fort, Stone Town is a fascinating destination for history and culture enthusiasts.

Read further everything you need to know about car rental in Stone Town and the best tips for renting a car in Tanzania and get ready for an exciting experience!
 

Renting a car in Stone Town is a simple procedure. The step-by-step guide to renting a car in Tanzania consists of the following:

1. Choose from Abbycar’s easy platform or in person in one of our rental locations the car type that meets your criteria according to your needs, travel plan and budget.
2. Provide a valid driving license, passport or ID and credit card.
3. A deposit amount will be blocked in your credit card, but not charged. This deposit will be charged only in case of damage.
4. You take the car after inspecting its situation and take photos to prove the existence of any pre-existing damage. You should also check the mileage and gas mileage.
5. You return the car at the drop-off point.

The required documents for renting a car in Tanzania are: 

• Driving license (International Driving Permit)
• Passport or ID
• Credit card under your name (the main driver’s name).

When looking for the best car rental companies in Stone Town, remember the following advice:

• Price comparisons and deals: Check the offers and discounts for the car category you want. Cheap car hire in Tanzania is often offered, but take into account also the deals for specific periods.
• Hidden fees: Read thoroughly the rental agreement to avoid hidden charges.
• Car fleet: Choose a rental company with new and safe vehicles and great variety to find the perfect car for you.
• Customer service and reliability: A worldwide reliable company with local partners is your safe option.

Abbycar is one of the top car rental companies in Tanzania, with worldwide reputation and great variety in new and modern vehicles, 24/7 road assistance and excellent customer service, offering you the car hire safety in Tanzania you logically seek for.

Moreover, Abbycar is one of the few car rental companies in Tanzania that accept debit card and cash as an alternative payment method to credit card. So, if you wonder whether you can rent a car without credit card in Stone Town, you can discuss with us this possibility. 

However, keep in mind the following tips for car rental in Tanzania with no credit card:

• Inform the rental office before your arrival about your desire to pay without a credit card.
• Ensure you have sufficient fund for the security deposit.
• If you want to rent a car with no deposit, you may be required to buy extra insurance with wide coverage, such as Super Collision Damage Waiver that eliminates the deposit amount.
• Minimum and maximum age may be different than with credit card, so ask us about age restrictions for renting a car in Tanzania without credit card.

The top car rental locations to rent a car in Tanzaria are Zanzibar Airport and Stone Town downtown.

There are many car rental options at Zanzibar airport, but the key is to find the right car rental agency in terms of prices as well as security, such as Abbycar. With Abbycar, you can book your car rental online, but you are also welcome at our station at Zanzibar airport or Stone Town downtown, where we operate 24/7 to serve our clients that arrive during the night.

Plus, Abbycar combines the reputation and reliability you are looking for from an international car rental company with the excellent and affordable services from our local providers that help you keep your vacation on a budget.

The benefits of renting a car in Stone Town are:

• Freedom and flexibility: Renting a car allows you to explore Zanzibar at your own pace, visiting less accessible areas like remote beaches or spice farms without being tied to public transport schedules.
• Convenience: You can drive directly to your destination, avoiding the hassle of limited public transportation.
• Cost-effective for groups: If you are traveling as a group of friends or family members, renting a car is more economical than paying for multiple taxis or tours.
• Comfort: You’ll have the comfort of a private vehicle, especially useful for longer trips across the island.

The private or public transport options in Zanzibar and Stone Town are:

• Taxis: They are convenient for short distances, but they can be expensive for longer journeys or frequent use. 
• Dala-Dala (local minibuses): They are affordable and a great way to experience local culture, but they are overcrowded and uncomfortable for visitors.
• Bicycles: Biking is a nice idea to explore local areas, but they are not suitable for long distances, and roads can be unsafe for bikers.
• Motorbike rentals: This is the most affordable vehicle rental, but there are many safety concerns due to heavy traffic and aggressive driving style of the locals.

If you are wondering whether driving in Stone Town is advisable for tourists, you should keep in mind the following:

• Difficult road condition: Roads in Tanzania are poorly maintained, with potholes, dirt roads and few signs, making navigation tricky, especially for first-time visitors.
• Driving culture: The driving style in Tanzania is chaotic and sometimes aggressive from local drivers.
• Parking difficulty: In most areas in Stone Town, parking is challenging.
• Cost: The total budget for car hire in Tanzania, including gas and insurance, is more expensive than public transportation.

However, with car rental, you can discover authentic destinations away from mass tourism as well as places that are not accessible by public transportation. The best road trips you can make are:

• Spice farms: About 30 minutes from Stone Town, in the spice farms you can learn about the island’s spice trade and taste fresh spices like cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon.
• Jozani Forest: 45 minutes’ drive from Stone Town, this tropical rainforest is ideal to enjoy walking trails and see the rare red colobus monkeys.
• Nungwi and Kendwa beaches: 1.5 hours’ drive from Stone Town, these pristine beaches offer white sand, emerald waters and activities, such as snorkeling.
• Kizimkazi: About an hour to the south, Kizimkazi is well-known for dolphin tours and ancient mosques.
   

The cost of car rentals in Tanzania starts from 34.99 USD per day, but you may expect variations in seasonal car rental prices. In middle season, you can rent a car on average at 20-50€, while during the high season, average prices are 40-70€ for small cars.

Abbycar is a high-quality yet budget car rental option in Tanzania, with worldwide reputation, offering great discounts that are constantly renewed. Although you should expect some additional costs for insurance and fuel, the whole price will remain within your budget with no hidden fees, giving you the opportunity to fully organize your trip from the beginning.
 

Driving in Tanzania is the best value-for-money way to explore this beautiful country, but it is important to consider a few safety aspects. The roads in rural areas can be poorly maintained, with potholes and limited signage. This can make driving challenging, particularly for those unfamiliar with the island. Additionally, street lighting is minimal in many areas, so avoid driving at night if possible. 

Another tricky issue is car theft. It is advisable to park in secure areas or use guarded parking lots in Stone Town. Theft protection in your insurance package is also advisable. Plus, as parking availability in Stone Town is limited, private parking is not only the safest but also the easiest way to explore the city hassle-free.

The local regulations and tips for driving in Stone Town you should remember are:

• Navigation: Use a reliable GPS or offline map app, as many roads have no signs. If using internet data is not affordable due to roaming, please ask from Abbycar to provide your car with GPS.
• Fuel: Ensure you have enough fuel, as gas stations are rare outside Stone Town.
• Drive on the left: Like in mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar follows the British system, so cars drive on the left side of the road.
• Speed Limits: The speed limit is 40 km/h in towns and villages and 60 km/h outside city. 
• Documents: Always carry your driver’s license, passport, and vehicle rental documents. 
• Seatbelts: Seatbelts are mandatory for both the driver and passengers.

Understanding these safety tips and local traffic rules will ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience in Tanzania.

Explore the sights of Stone Town and Tanzania with Abbycar and get ready for an unforgettable journey!