How to Book a Taxi in Zanzibar: A Complete Guide to Getting Around the Island
By Naru Zanzibar · Naru Guide · Zanzibar Taxi Guide
Zanzibar Is Bigger Than It Looks
Zanzibar can look small on a map, but travelling between popular areas takes real time. Nungwi to Paje, for example, is around a 1.5 hour drive depending on traffic and road conditions.
This matters when you're planning your trip. A dinner reservation, a tour, or a day trip to another part of the island can take longer than expected, and staying in one area doesn't mean everything else is close by. Building travel time into your plans makes for a much smoother trip.
Renting a Car in Zanzibar
Renting a car is an option if you want more independence to explore on your own schedule. It's worth knowing that driving in Zanzibar can be tricky for visitors who aren't familiar with the island. Road quality varies, signage is limited in a lot of areas, and unfamiliar routes can be harder to navigate than they look on a map.
Car rental can work for experienced drivers who don't mind figuring things out as they go. For most first-time visitors, though, a private driver tends to be the easier and less stressful option.
Private Drivers and Transfers
Booking a private driver or trusted transportation provider is one of the easiest ways to get around Zanzibar. You don't have to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or negotiating fares on the spot. This is especially useful for:
Airport transfers
Hotel transfers
Getting between different parts of the island
Day trips and excursions
Families and groups
Anyone who'd rather not deal with transportation logistics on their trip
Book Your Transportation with Naru Zanzibar
This is exactly what we help with at Naru Zanzibar. We offer airport transfers, private transportation around the island, transfers between hotels and different areas, and transportation for tours and experiences, all with reliable local drivers and guides.
We also offer car seats for families, so travelling with young children is easy and safe, safety always comes first. Our transportation is affordable, and because we're a local team, we can help you plan the rest of your Zanzibar trip alongside your transfers.
Instead of juggling separate bookings for your airport pickup, transfers between beaches, and day trips, you can arrange it all through one trusted provider.
Other Ways To Get Around Zanzibar
For a full picture, here are the other transportation options travellers typically use:
Local taxis available in Stone Town and near major hotels, though pricing usually needs to be agreed before the ride
Hotel-arranged transfers which many hotels offer, often at a higher price
Dala-dalas (shared minibuses) the local public transport option, affordable but not always practical with luggage or a tight schedule
Bajajis (tuk-tuks) good for short trips within towns like Nungwi or Stone Town
Private tour operators useful for structured day trips, though less flexible for point-to-point transport
For airport pickups, longer distances or just a bit of peace of mind, a pre-booked private driver is usually the most reliable choice.
Plan Your Zanzibar Transportation With Naru
Whether you need an airport transfer, a private driver for your whole trip, or help getting between the island's beaches and towns, get in touch and we'll help you sort it.
WhatsApp: +1 (443) 435-5965
Email: hello@naruzanzibar.com
