Zanzibar is much larger than most visitors realize. To truly experience the magic of the Spice Island, you need to get out of your resort and explore. With a rental vehicle from Kibabu Cars, you have the ultimate freedom to see it all.
Here is our recommended 7-day self-drive itinerary that covers history, culture, and world-class beaches.
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Stone Town
Pick up your rental car directly from the airport. Drive to your hotel in Stone Town and park your car (Stone Townâs narrow alleys are best explored on foot). Spend your first day wandering through the historic streets, visiting the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and enjoying local street food at the Forodhani Gardens night market.
Day 2: The Spice Tour & Drive to Nungwi
Check out of your hotel and drive north. On your way, stop at one of the famous Spice Farms (just 20 minutes outside Stone Town). Take a 2-hour walking tour to see how cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla are grown. Afterward, continue your drive north to the vibrant beach town of Nungwi. The roads are well-paved and scenic.
Day 3: Nungwi and Kendwa Beaches
Leave your car parked and enjoy the pristine northern beaches. The ocean here is not heavily affected by tides, meaning you can swim all day. Enjoy a sunset dhow cruise in the evening.
Day 4: Drive to the East Coast (Matemwe)
Drive down the northeast coast to Matemwe. This area is much quieter and peaceful. Take a boat trip to Mnemba Atoll for the best snorkeling and diving in Zanzibar. Return to your car and enjoy a quiet seafood dinner at a local beachfront restaurant.
Day 5: Jozani Forest & Paje
Drive south towards Paje. Along the way, stop at the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. This is the only place in the world where you can see the rare Red Colobus Monkeys. The park is right off the main road and has secure parking. Afterward, continue to Paje, the kite-surfing capital of Zanzibar.
Day 6: The Rock Restaurant & Kuza Cave
From Paje, take a short drive to Pingwe to visit the iconic âThe Rock Restaurantâ (make sure to book your table in advance!). After lunch, drive to Jambiani and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Kuza Cave.
Day 7: Southern Tip (Kizimkazi) & Departure
On your final day, take a scenic drive down to Kizimkazi in the extreme south for an early morning dolphin tour. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed lunch before driving back to the airport to safely drop off your Kibabu Cars rental.
This itinerary gives you a taste of everything Zanzibar has to offer, and itâs only possible when you have the keys to your own vehicle. Reserve your car today and start planning your adventure!
