Getting around Zanzibar — daladala, bajaj, taxi and the ferry to the island
From the airport or harbour to your hotel
Zanzibar is reached via the airport (ZNZ) — about 6 km from Stone Town — or via the ferry from Dar es Salaam.
From the airport: official taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. Price to Stone Town: approximately $15–20, to the north (Nungwi, Kendwa): $30–50. Negotiate before departure as there are no meters. Remember: never offer less than half the asking price. That's considered offensive.
From the ferry (harbour in Stone Town): you step directly into the heart of the city. All transport options are available, and most Stone Town hotels are also reachable on foot.
The daladala — real Zanzibar transport
A daladala is a small minibus (Toyota HiAce) running fixed routes at a fixed low price. The cheapest transport on the island: approximately 500–2,000 Tanzanian shillings per journey (€0.15–0.70).
The daladala only leaves when full. "Full" means more people than officially fit — that's the experience. No air conditioning, often loud, sometimes detours. A great experience for local travel — less practical for getting your suitcase to the hotel.
Useful routes: Stone Town — Nungwi (north), Stone Town — Paje (east), Stone Town — Matemwe.
Downside: no fixed departure times, often long waiting, very crowded during rush hour.
The bajaj — the Zanzibar three-wheeler
A bajaj is a motorised three-wheeler (similar to an Indian tuk-tuk). Perfect for short distances within Stone Town or to the airport.
Price: always negotiate. Never ask how much it costs for a foreigner — ask "bei wapi?" (how far?) and then offer an amount. Common: $3–8 for rides within Stone Town.
Riding a bajaj is an experience in itself. They squeeze through the narrowest alleys of Stone Town and know every corner.
Taxi — comfortable, private, more expensive
For journeys from the airport to a distant beach (Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe, Paje), or for a day trip to the spice farms, a private taxi is the most comfortable option.
Price is negotiated before departure. Indicatively: - Stone Town → Nungwi: $40–60 - Stone Town → Paje: $30–50 - Day trip by taxi (8 hours): $80–120
Renting a scooter — freedom but risk
Scooters are available for hire in Stone Town for approximately $20–30 per day. A driving licence is theoretically required in an international format, but enforcement is inconsistent.
My honest opinion: the roads outside Stone Town have improved, but traffic, sand and unexpected obstacles make scooters risky for those unused to them. For experienced motorcyclists: fine. For holidaymakers who ride once a year: be careful.
The ferry from Dar es Salaam
When combining Tanzania with Zanzibar, the ferry is a popular option. Two operators:
Azam Marine: multiple daily departures from Dar es Salaam. Crossing approximately 1.5–2 hours. Price: $35–45 per person one way.
Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries: similar.
Always buy tickets in advance — in peak season the boats fill quickly. Book through the official website or your operator.
Note: the sea in the Zanzibar Channel can be rough. More turbulent during monsoon periods (March–May, October). For sensitive passengers: bring sea-sickness medication.
My advice for a week in Zanzibar
For most visitors, the best combination: taxi from airport on arrival → beach resort in the north or east → Stone Town day trip by bajaj → try the daladala for local atmosphere one day → taxi to airport on departure.
Don't rent a car unless you're confident about Zanzibar driving conditions. It's an island with its own traffic logic.