Greek tourists often seek sunny spring and summer destinations. Renting a car in Zanzibar gives you the freedom to reach hidden beaches, spice farms, and colorful towns with ease.
As you drive around, you will notice how the island’s roads connect peaceful villages with stunning coastal spots. With so much to discover, this guide will show you why Zanzibar road trips are worth your while.
Greek travelers will find many reasons to enjoy a road trip in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar’s climate feels like a tropical Greek island. It has a warm monsoon climate, with long sunshine and cool sea breezes. Many beaches have white sand and palm trees. The local Swahili culture adds African charm to the Mediterranean vibe. Greek travelers will feel at home with sunny days and seaside views, yet enjoy exotic culture.
Greek visitors will love the fresh seafood and spices. Beachfront cafes serve grilled fish, octopus, and tropical fruits. In Stone Town, you can walk narrow alleys and see historic palaces. Key attractions include the Old Fort and the House of Wonders. These historic sites tell of the island’s spice trade and culture.
A day in Zanzibar can be started with a calm beach swim and end with a jungle walk. The pace is easy and relaxing on coastal drives. Greek travelers can sip coffee by the sea or try snorkeling over coral reefs. But adventure is not far away. You can go kiteboarding in Paje, take a spice farm tour, or even a short safari drive through forests.
Driving in Zanzibar gives Greek travelers the freedom to explore the island’s best spots at their own pace. Here are some of the routes that offers a new view and a glimpse into Zanzibar’s culture and natural beauty.
Nungwi and Kendwa are two of the best places to visit when driving in Zanzibar. Located at the northern tip of the island, both beaches are famous for their powdery white sand and beautiful coastline.
Unlike other beaches in Zanzibar, the sea in Nungwi and Kendwa stays calm even during low tide, making them perfect spots for swimming any time of the day.
Greek tourists in Zanzibar will appreciate the different atmospheres that Nungwi and Kendwa offer. Nungwi village is filled with shops, beach bars, and small markets where visitors can enjoy local flavors.
In contrast, Kendwa is quieter and more peaceful, ideal for travelers who want a calm and slow-paced beach day.
Driving to Nungwi and Kendwa also opens up many exciting activities to enjoy. Both areas are known for excellent snorkeling tours, and you can discover colorful coral reefs and marine life. Sunset cruises are a popular choice, offering a relaxing boat ride across the calm waters during the golden hour. In the evening, many beachfront restaurants serve freshly grilled seafood, and you can dine right by the waves.
A drive to Jozani Forest is one of the most scenic experiences when exploring Zanzibar by car. The road leading into the park winds through dense, lush greenery, offering a peaceful escape from the busier parts of the island. As you drive deeper, the cool shade from towering trees and the quiet surroundings create a relaxing atmosphere.
Once you reach Jozani Forest, there are easy and enjoyable ways to explore on foot. Visitors can park near the entrance and take short boardwalk hikes that pass through mangrove forests and swamp areas. The trails are well-marked and easy to walk.
The highlight of visiting Jozani Forest is the famous red colobus monkeys. These rare and curious monkeys are unique to Zanzibar and can be seen up close. They are playful, unafraid of people, and love to jump between trees right over the walking trails.
Driving to Paje and Jambiani is perfect for travelers looking for a quiet coastal escape in Zanzibar. These villages lie along the island’s eastern coast, with ocean views and swaying palms lining the way. For Greek tourists in Zanzibar, visiting Paje and Jambiani by car makes it easy to reach hidden beaches.
Here, beach bars, simple cafés, and hammocks dominate the shoreline. You can spend the day sunbathing, sipping fresh coconut juice, or enjoying meals right by the water.
Adventure lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in Paje, thanks to its steady coastal winds. Kite surfing and windsurfing are popular activities, and many schools offer easy lessons directly on the beach.
Alongside the active scene, you can spot traditional fishing boats and locals working on seaweed farms.
Driving to Kizimkazi offers a mix of marine adventure and cultural discovery on Zanzibar’s southern coast. This village is best known for its morning dolphin tours, where boats leave early to spot wild dolphins swimming close to shore.
Beyond its dolphin tours, Kizimkazi holds deep historical value. The village is home to one of East Africa’s oldest mosques, built in the 12th century from coral stone.
Although small, the mosque stands as a strong reminder of Zanzibar’s long history of trade and cultural exchange. Exploring the site offers the island’s Islamic heritage and ancient architecture.
The drive to Kizimkazi also passes through peaceful fishing villages like Dimbani and Mtendeni. You will see fishermen at work, children playing along dirt roads, and women gathering seaweed by the shore.
The drive from Paje to Michamvi offers one of the best beach-hopping routes in Zanzibar. This coastal road runs along the island’s east side, curving past stretches of white sand, tropical forests, and peaceful bays.
For Greek tourists in Zanzibar, this route provides a relaxing drive filled with open sea views, small villages, and plenty of scenic stops.
At Pingwe Beach, travelers can visit the famous Rock Restaurant, a small seafood restaurant perched on a rock in the middle of the sea. At low tide, visitors can walk to it, while at high tide, a short boat ride is needed.
Beyond Pingwe, the route continues past quiet bays, palm groves, and open green fields, offering plenty of places to pull over, take photos, or simply enjoy the view.
Beach activities are easy to fit in along the Paje to Michamvi route. Visitors can swim in clear waters, snorkel among coral reefs, or relax under shady palm trees.
Driving the southern circuit from Kizimkazi to Makunduchi reveals some of Zanzibar’s most untouched landscapes. This route follows the island’s southern shoreline, passing through quiet villages, small farms, and hidden beaches. The drive offers open views of the coast, simple village scenes, and stretches of green fields.
One of the best parts of this drive is the peace and quiet along the way. Few tourists explore this side of the island, so travelers often have the roads to themselves.
Near Paje, drivers will also pass kite surfing villages, with colorful kites filling the sky over wide, shallow lagoons.
At the southern tip, Makunduchi offers history and quiet beach experiences. The village is home to an old clock tower built by Sikh merchants in 1883, a rare piece of architectural history on the island.
Nearby, travelers can relax at a reef-protected beach, where calm waters and soft sand offer a perfect ending to a day of exploration.
Mangapwani Caves offer a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance on Zanzibar’s west coast. It is located about 20 km north of Stone Town.
One of the main attractions is the natural limestone cave, which houses a freshwater pool at its lowest point. This pool has historically served as a vital water source for local communities.
The Mangapwani Slave Chamber, located a few kilometers from the coral cave, was constructed around 1880 and used as a concealed holding area for enslaved people during the illegal slave trade period.
Visiting this site serves as a reminder of the resilience of those who suffered during that era.
Here are a few driving and common practices in Zanzibar:
Plan your drives around these times to enjoy Zanzibar’s scenery and avoid common hassles:
Exploring Zanzibar by car is stress-free and rewarding. Greek tourists will love the freedom to stop anywhere and soak up the views. Rent a car with Finalrentals to easily combine beach relaxation with fun day trips to forests or towns. With short drives between sights, a road trip in the island is easy and flexible.
