Zanzibar is one lovely and exotic island that is worth visiting. When in Zanzibar, you will probably wonder what are the best ways to get around it and if there is Uber to help you in that task. We are here to answer all of your questions.
No, there is no Uber in Zanzibar. But don’t worry, there are other transportation options to help you venture around Zanzibar.
From riding with a regular taxi, to using public transportation. Read on to know more.
How To Get Around Zanzibar Without Uber?
Getting around Zanzibar is very easy, and although we always think it will be difficult if there is no Uber there, it is not in this case. There are a few options to safely and comfortably get around Zanzibar, and we are here to tell you all about them.
If you are interested in knowing the best ways to get around Zanzibar without Uber, keep on reading.
Alternative Ride Sharing (Grab/Lyft) in Zanzibar
There are no alternative ride-sharing options in Zanzibar. But, that won’t make your experience any worse, or it won’t be any harder to get around this beautiful island. Let’s move on and start talking about the options that are available.
Taxi in Zanzibar
Getting around Zanzibar with a taxi is easy, although it is not the best option out there. Why? Because taxis that you will hail down on the street in Zanzibar don’t use meters, the drivers could charge their customers as they wish.
They usually rip off tourists, especially if you are not familiar with how rides’ pricing goes in Zanzibar. That is why we recommend pre-booking a taxi by calling the taxi number or asking for the front desk to book a cab for you, but in some cases, that can be more expensive since when booking through a hotel, they usually take a commission for it.
A taxi from the airport to your resort will cost you about $50 if you pre-book it, but if not, the price may go from $60 and up. We also don’t recommend leaving your luggage in the taxi when going site seeing, don’t trust your driver in Zanzibar with your luggage.
And also, remember to agree to the price with your driver before your ride, make sure that they won’t rip you off by the end of the ride, bargain with them, and try to agree on a price that suits both of you.
Train in Zanzibar
Getting around Zanzibar with a train is not possible but let’s move on to our next option.
Bus in Zanzibar
In Zanzibar, there are no government-owned buses. Instead, there are private buses called dala dalas, and if you really want to experience Zanzibar traditionally, then this is a perfect option for getting around Zanzibar. It is also very affordable.
The only place where you could buy a dala dala ticket is with the driver, and if some people are offering you to sell you the ticket on the street, don’t accept it because it is a scam. The ticket price is 2000tzs (around $0.86), and if you had some luggage, there is an extra 1000tzs (around $0.43) charge.
It could also happen that the data dala driver wants to scam you and charge you an even 10x higher price, but don’t accept that; tourists pay the same price for the bus ticket as the locals do.
There are no time tables for data days in Zanzibar, so if you want to know when it will arrive, you will have to ask the locals or the dala dala driver for your next trip. They don’t have an exact number of people that can fit inside, it is usually around 20, but sometimes a few more people will squeeze in.
The rides are also slower than taxi rides since they have many stops, so if you are not someone who likes to wait around and likes slow rides, this might not be the best option for you. In this case, you might want to choose some of the other options available.
Walking in Zanzibar
Walking around, Zanzibar is one of the best options. Stone Town is small and walkable, and it is very safe as well. Also, it is a budget and eco-friendly way of traveling around this beautiful town. It is a great way to really get to know the culture and wander around the remote areas in Zanzibar.
So if you are someone who doesn’t mind breaking a sweat and walking around this beautiful town, this is the option that we would recommend.
Renting a Car in Zanzibar
Renting a car in Zanzibar is an excellent option if you plan on exploring around the island and if you don’t like depending on anyone. It is also good for people who are not traveling on a budget and don’t mind spending a few coins extra.
When getting a car rental in Zanzibar, you will need a driving license and a Zanzibar driving permit. Where can you get one? Well, the rental shops will usually get the permit for you. That is why it would be best to get your rental before your trip.
To get a Zanzibar driving permit you will need a picture of your driving license and your image scanned, and you can send all that to the rental company before your arrival via email, and they will issue a driving permit for you. International driving licenses are not valid in Zanzibar.
The rental will cost you around $30-$40, and it includes insurance; you will also need to pay an extra $10 for your permit. Remember to wear a seat belt when it Zanzibar if you want to avoid getting a fine; drinking and driving is also not allowed in Zanzibar.
Petrol in Zanzibar is paid in shillings, but you can also pay for petrol in dollars, although you will get a horrible exchange rate, so try avoiding paying in any foreign currencies.
