Is there Uber in Zanzibar in 2024?
Wondering whether or not there is Uber in Zanzibar?
You’ve come to the right place as I have visited Zanzibar multiple times and have written a guide to Uber in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is a big island with beautiful beaches, beach resorts, and many historical places to explore. Zanzibar covers over 1666 km², stretching 110 kilometers long and 40 kilometers in wide.
But with so much to do, see, and experience, how do you move around?
The beautiful and popular pristine beaches are located on all sides of the island. So a common question especially among first-time visitors is “Is there Uber in Zanzibar?“
ridesharing apps like Uber are a convenient way to move around in many cities around the world. In addition, these apps are life-saving for many travelers when in a new country.
So let’s dive into the ultimate guide to Uber in Zanzibar!
Is There Uber In Zanzibar?
No, there is no Uber in Zanzibar.
Uber does not operate in Zanzibar island and it never has. However, is available in major cities in mainland Tanzania including Arusha, and Dar es Salaam.
According to some online sources, Uber has/had plans to launch their services in Zanzibar. On my last visit to the island in early December 2023, it was not yet available. On my app, it still shows that their services are currently unavailable in 2024.
As a popular tourist destination, I believe the services would be welcomed by tourists and locals. Public transport on some parts of the island isn’t very reliable as you have to wait for some minutes before the next bus arrives.
If the speculations online on Uber’s plan to launch its services in Zanzibar are true, this will boost the already popular tourism industry more. (I’ll provide updates soon)
While some tourist attractions in Zanzibar are usually within walkable distances, others are far from the town areas. In Stone Town, for instance, you can walk and explore the major historical areas without requiring an Uber.
Depending on your hotel’s location and where you want to go, an Uber may come in handy. Also if you want to go from Stone Town to Paje or Nungwi Uber would offer the most convenience.
Don’t worry though, there are multiple ways to get around Zanzibar. I’ll get into all of them later in the post.
But to answer the question of “Is there Uber in Zanzibar?”, no, there is currently no Uber in Zanzibar.
What Is The Equivalent Of Uber In Zanzibar?
There is no equivalent of Uber in Zanzibar.
You will not find any ridesharing apps like Lyft or Bolt in Zanzibar. The next best thing for convenient transportation on the island is the local taxis.
Taxis in Zanzibar are privately owned by the local drivers. There is no taxi company regulating the operations and no meters on taxis.
With this in mind, expect the taxi prices to be high but negotiable. English is widely spoken in Zanzibar so negotiations are easy.
If taking a taxi from the airport, I would highly recommend asking someone at the airport for an approximate price to your destination. Taxi drivers are notorious for giving very high prices to clueless tourists.
With a price estimate in mind, you know when the quoted price is reasonable or not. Like any other destination in the world remember everything is more expensive in the airport.
In case you don’t have the local currency when arriving in Zanzibar, don’t worry foreign currencies (like the US dollar and Euros) are widely accepted.
How To Get Around Zanzibar
There are multiple means of transport in Zanzibar, all you have to do is decide which best fits your budget and plans.
Transport options available around Zanzibar include; taxis, private car hire, Dala dala, shuttle bus, Bajajis, bicycle and motorcycle rental, and walking. Let’s look into each option in detail.
1. Taxis
As mentioned above, taxis are readily available around Zanzibar, especially in touristic areas. These are convenient for moving around long distances.
If you are visiting attractions solo and not on a tour, a taxi is the best way to do it. You can spend as much time as you like at one attraction and make spontaneous stops along the way.
Taxis are also convenient when moving from one town to the other. Especially if you have a lot of baggage or traveling with friends.
Keep in mind, the drivers decide the prices as the taxis are not metered. Make sure to first agree on an amount before boarding.
Taxis are of course expensive compared to bajajis, dala dalas, and the shuttl buses. Depending on how far you are going the prices will vary.
For instance, if moving from Nungwi to Paje the taxi price may be almost triple that of a shuttle bus. As the distance increases so does the price. Since the driver may not find a client on their way back and have to avoid losses on their side.
Taxi ride costs can add up quickly especially when traveling alone. I wouldn’t recommend using taxis, especially for short distances.
2. Chauffeur-driven car hire
If you prefer a more private and comfortable experience, you can hire a car with a driver. Many tour operators in Zanzibar have chauffeur services available.
In case you are not sure which car hire provider to use, I recommend making arrangements with your hotel or resort.
With a chauffeur, you don’t have to worry about driving on unfamiliar roads. It also helps you relax and spend quality time with your loved ones.
Prices will vary depending on the company used. Roughly expect to pay about $90 a day for a rental with a driver.
If you have a budget for it, I would highly recommend hiring a car with a driver especially if traveling with kids.
3. Car Rental
If you want to explore beyond the popular sites at your own pace, consider renting a car.
I recommend using Discover Cars for all your car rentals as they are the most reliable and trusted around the globe.
You can also rent through tour operators or rent from local operators. Local operators tend to give higher prices compared to tour companies or even Discover Cars.
Book in advance to avoid any inconvenience, especially in peak seasons. Remember Tanzania drives on the left side.
4. Zanzibus shuttle bus
A convenient mode of transport for first-time visitors and solo travelers. Zanzibus operates in major towns on the island moving tourists around.
These shuttle buses are ideal when visiting tourist sites or moving to different parts of the island. They are cost-effective and very reliable providing a better alternative to taxis and dala dalas.
The buses are small meaning no wasting time waiting for them to fill up, you can pre-book and they’ll pick you up. In addition, they are air-conditioned with lots of luggage space.
The only disadvantage is that they only operate during the day.
5. Dala dala
These are the most popular means of transport on the island. The minibusses offer a budget-friendly and most local way to move around Zanzibar towns and villages.
Dala dalas depart when full and you pay while inside. Do not pay the bus fare while boarding or to anyone telling you to prebook or reserve a seat.
They usually are overcrowded and not very comfortable. With little luggage space, it’s up to you to take care of your valuables. If you have multiple bags you may need to pay extra for the bags usually secured on top of the minibus.
In addition, they will make several stops along the way dropping and picking up passengers. So if you are in a rush, this isn’t for you.
However, if you love to experience the local way of life and love connecting with locals, then you will love dala dalas. For a few dollars, you can travel to the remote parts of Zanzibar and make friends.
6. Bajajis
Popularly known as tuk tuks. These are convenient for short distances and are very affordable. Like taxis, they are not metered and prices are negotiable.
The Zanzibar heat may be too much making it very uncomfortable to walk around. Bajajis are convenient for moving around within towns. I wouldn’t recommend anyone to use a Bajaj when going from one town to another. Well unless you are on a crazy adventure with friends.
7. Bicycle and motorcycle rental
You will also find bicycle and motorcycle retail shops in major cities and tourist areas. These give you the freedom and flexibility to explore the island on your terms.
Make sure you have a valid international driving license (for motorcycles) and follow the local road rules.
Bicycles are popular and fun to ride along the small towns and coastal areas. Since major towns have busy traffic, bicycles are not a very ideal means of exploration.
8. walking
Walking tours or simply walking solo is one of the best ways to discover a new place. Stone Town is very walkable with a lot to see and experience. You can also walk around many towns in Zanzibar as most amenities are within walking distance.
Don’t forget to wear the right shoes, put on sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses as the sun can be very unforgiving.
9. Take a tour
What better way to see and learn about Zanzibar’s history? Tours are convenient if you hate planning excursions, with tours just book and show up.
Spice farms, forest exploration, and island hopping are better explored on tours. Most of these sites are located far from the main town which would be very stressful visiting on your own.
Uber In Zanzibar: FAQ
Taxi prices in Zanzibar will vary depending on the distance and time of travel. When traveling at night expect the prices to be higher. Taxi drivers are also known to give high prices to tourists, so don’t be shy to negotiate and walk away i the price is unreasonable.
No, there is no Bolt in Zanzibar. In fact, there are no ridesharing apps like Uber or Lyft in Zanzibar. However, Bolt and Uber operate in mainland Tanzania in cities like Arusha, Dodoma, and Dar es Salaam.
Yes, taking a taxi in Zanzibar is generally safe. You can get a recommendation from your hotel and use that one driver while in Zanzibar if it helps feel safer.
Taxis in Zanzibar are readily available in major towns and tourist places. All you have to do is hail one down or simply walk to their parking areas. You will find taxis near hotels and outside the airport.
Yes, renting a car in Zanzibar is worth it especially if you want to explore beyond tourist areas and attractions.
Yes, Uber works in Tanzania mainland but not on the Zanzibar archipelago. There may be plans to launch operations in Zanzibar but it is not yet official.
No, there is no Uber in Zanzibar airport. At least not for now.
No, there is no Uber in Zanzibar cities.
The best way to get around Zanzibar is by using taxis. Taxis are convenient and comfortable, especially for long-distance movements.
The cheapest way to get around Zanzibar is using dala dalas. These are the local minibusses moving passengers around the island. For short distances, Bajajis or walking are cheaper ways to move around.
Final Thoughts: Uber In Zanzibar
There you have it, a complete guide to Uber in Zanzibar.
In summary, there is no Uber in Zanzibar. It has not operated in Zanzibar but there may be plans to launch operations soon.
To get around Zanzibar, I would recommend using dala dalas, bajajis, renting a car, taking a tour, or using a shuttle bus.
Zanzibar is a beautiful island with amazing cuisine, history, and breathtaking beaches.
Enjoy your trip to Zanzibar!!
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