Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Zanzibar

Picture leaving Stone Town behind on two wheels, the coral-stone alleys giving way to open coastal road, salt air and clove trees drifting past as you head north toward Nungwi or east toward the kite beaches of Paje. Zanzibar rewards exactly this kind of freedom — you decide when to stop at a spice farm, when to detour down a sandy track to a beach nobody mentioned in the guidebook, and when to simply sit and watch dhows pull in at sunset.

The island's main roads are paved and connect Stone Town, the east coast and the north over distances of 40–60 km, but the real appeal for two wheels is what lies off them: the sandy, unpaved lanes into fishing villages and beach coves that a car simply can't manage as easily. A scooter or small motorbike lets you string together several stops in a single day, skip the wait for a dala-dala, and park anywhere without a second thought.

Top 10 things to see in Zanzibar by motorbike

1. Stone Town — the UNESCO-listed old town, and the natural start and end point of any loop around the island.
2. Nungwi — a northern-tip beach town with dhow-building yards, reef swimming and some of the island's best sunsets.
3. Kendwa Beach — a wide stretch of sand just south of Nungwi, an easy coastal ride with beach bars right on the water.
4. Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park — the only place on Zanzibar to see the endemic red colobus monkeys, plus a mangrove boardwalk.
5. The Rock Restaurant in Michamvi Pingwe — a restaurant perched on its own rock offshore, a classic destination for an east-coast ride.
6. Paje — a laid-back kitesurfing town on the east coast, good for a midday stop with cafes right along the beach.
7. Kizimkazi — a southern fishing village known for dolphin-watching trips and an old mosque with Kufic inscriptions.
8. Mangapwani Slave Caves — a historic coral cave site north of Stone Town, an easy ride with a somber history stop.
9. Matemwe — a quiet northeastern beach village, usually the jumping-off point for boats out to Mnemba Atoll.
10. Spice farms near Kidichi — working clove, vanilla and spice plantations a short ride inland from Stone Town, with guided tastings on site.

What do you need to rent a motorbike in Zanzibar?

To rent a motorbike in Zanzibar you'll need a valid motorcycle entitlement on your home licence — a car-only licence isn't accepted — along with an International Driving Permit. On top of that, Zanzibar requires a temporary local riding permit issued by the traffic police, which the rental shop normally arranges for you. The legal minimum driving age in Tanzania is 18, though many rental companies set their own, higher minimum. Expect to leave a deposit, and where possible opt for cash or a photocopy of your passport rather than handing over the original.

How much does it cost to rent a motorbike in Zanzibar?

A basic scooter runs roughly 65,000–75,000 TZS per day in low season, climbing to about 90,000–120,000 TZS in high season. Larger or newer motorbikes, 200cc and up, can reach 150,000–200,000 TZS or more per day at peak times.

• Prices rise in July–September and again from late December into early January, when demand from northern-hemisphere summer and Christmas travellers peaks.
• Prices drop in April–May, during the long rains, and more mildly in November.

When to book a rental motorbike in Zanzibar?

June to October is the best window for riding — dry roads, good visibility and reliable access to those sandy side tracks. This stretch, along with the late-December to February holiday period, is also high season, so book ahead and expect to pay toward the top of the price range. If you're after the lowest prices and don't mind the odd downpour, March to May is quietest, though the long rains can make unpaved coastal tracks slick or hard to pass; November's short rains are milder and less disruptive.

Local traffic rules in Zanzibar

Tanzania drives on the left, with overtaking on the right. Helmets are mandatory for both rider and passenger. Speed limits sit around 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h on the open road, with lower limits and frequent speed bumps through villages, so keep an eye out. Ride with zero alcohol — enforcement is strict and not worth testing. Carry your licence, IDP, Zanzibar permit and rental papers at all times, as roadside checks are routine, and avoid riding after dark, when unlit vehicles, potholes and wandering livestock make the roads considerably less forgiving.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!