When renting a car in Zanzibar, understanding how fuel and refuelling works will help you plan your journeys smoothly and avoid unnecessary delays. While fuel is widely available across the island, there are a few important things visitors should know before setting off.

This guide explains where to find fuel stations, how to pay, current fuel prices, and practical tips for self-drive travel in Zanzibar.

Road conditions in Zanzibar vary from smooth tarmac to rough, untarmacked tracks leading to beaches and rural areas.

All vehicles at Drive Zanzibar are:

• Automatic transmission (no manual cars available)

• SUVs with elevated ground clearance

• Well suited for both tarmacked and rough roads

This makes them ideal for visitors who are not used to local road conditions or left-hand driving.

👉  View our available Zanzibar car rental vehicles to find the right option for your trip.

Fuel stations are available across Zanzibar, particularly in towns and along main roads.

Important things to know:

• Fuel stations do not accept card payments

• Cash is essential for refuelling

• Fuel costs approximately 3,000 TZS per litre

• Petrol and diesel are widely available

We recommend refuelling before longer trips or when travelling to more remote areas of the island.

No — fuel stations in Zanzibar do not accept card payments.

This is one of the most important things to know before driving on the island.

• Cash is essential for refuelling

• Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) are required

• Cards and mobile payments are not accepted at fuel stations

We recommend always carrying enough cash when driving, especially if you plan to explore beyond main towns.

Fuel prices in Zanzibar are regulated and consistent across the island.

• Average fuel price: around 3,000 TZS per litre

• Both petrol and diesel are widely available

Prices may change slightly over time, but fuel costs are generally predictable.

To make your self-drive experience stress-free, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Refuel when your tank drops below half if travelling far

• Carry cash specifically for fuel stops

• Refuel before visiting rural or beach areas

• Avoid waiting until late at night to refuel

Planning ahead ensures you can enjoy your trip without worrying about finding fuel.

Road conditions in Zanzibar vary from smooth tarmac to rough, untarmacked roads leading to beaches and rural areas.

At Drive Zanzibar, all our vehicles are:

• Automatic transmission

• SUVs with slightly elevated ground clearance

• Suitable for both paved and rough roads

This makes refuelling stops and island-wide driving more comfortable and reliable.

Zanzibar is a compact island, and driving distances are short:

• Maximum driving time across the island is around 1 hour 30 minutes

• You can reach the furthest side of the island within a short drive

Because distances are manageable, fuel consumption is generally low, making Zanzibar car rental a convenient and cost-effective way to explore.

Knowing how refuelling works makes self-drive travel in Zanzibar simple and enjoyable. With reliable vehicles, short driving distances, and fuel stations across the island, renting a car gives you complete freedom to explore at your own pace.

👉 View our available Zanzibar car rental vehicles or contact us if you have questions before your trip.