Taxi in Zanzibar — Your Complete Guide to Zanzibar Taxi Services

Getting around Zanzibar by taxi is the most convenient way to explore the island, but understanding your options before you arrive will save you time, money, and hassle. Unlike many tourist destinations, Zanzibar's taxi system operates without meters, ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt, or standardised pricing. This means prices are typically negotiated between the driver and passenger — a process that often disadvantages tourists unfamiliar with local rates.

There are broadly three types of taxi services available in Zanzibar: unofficial street taxis (usually older vehicles operated by independent drivers), hotel-arranged taxis (reliable but often marked up 30–50% above market rate), and professional pre-booked transfer services like GoZanzibar. Each has its place, but for reliability, safety, and value, a pre-booked private taxi service consistently delivers the best experience.

Private vs. Shared Taxis

Private taxis give you a dedicated vehicle and driver for your journey. This is the standard GoZanzibar offering — your own air-conditioned Alphard or a budget-friendly Tuk-Tuk depending on your needs. Shared taxis (called "dala dala" locally) are public minibuses that run fixed routes at very low prices but are crowded, slow, and not recommended for travelers with luggage or those unfamiliar with the routes.

Why GoZanzibar Is the Best Taxi Service in Zanzibar

GoZanzibar Transfers stands apart from other taxi services in Zanzibar for several reasons. First, our pricing is fixed and published — you know exactly what you'll pay before you book, with no surprise surcharges or tips expected. Second, all our drivers are licensed, trained, and vetted for safety. Third, our vehicles are modern, clean, and well-maintained. And fourth, we operate around the clock, 365 days a year, so whether you need a taxi at 6 AM or midnight, we've got you covered.

While Zanzibar is generally a safe destination for tourists, taking common-sense precautions when using taxi services will enhance your experience and protect you from the occasional bad actor. Here are our expert safety recommendations based on years of operating on the island.

• Always agree on a price before getting into any taxi. With GoZanzibar, this is handled automatically through our fixed pricing system.
• Use a reputable, pre-booked taxi service rather than hailing taxis on the street, especially for longer routes or late-night journeys.
• Keep your phone charged and share your live location with a friend or family member during the ride.
• Carry smaller denomination notes — drivers may claim they don't have change for large bills to extract a bigger fare.
• Avoid taxis that approach you aggressively at the airport, ferry terminal, or tourist hotspots. Reputable drivers don't need to hustle for customers.
• If a driver takes an unexpected route or behaves unprofessionally, calmly ask them to stop at a public place and contact your accommodation or GoZanzibar support.

While outright scams are uncommon, overcharging tourists is a widespread practice in Zanzibar's informal taxi market. Here are the most common tactics and how to protect yourself: