After exploring Zanzibar by scooter, we decided it was time to go further.
The speed bumps and uneven roads were manageable – but not always enjoyable.
So we rented a car from the same local provider. Not for speed, but for freedom. Freedom to change plans, stop spontaneously, and explore parts of the island that felt less connected to resort life.
Most rental cars in Zanzibar are SUVs – and for good reason. Higher clearance makes driving on uneven roads significantly easier. We paid $120 for four days, which felt reasonable for the flexibility it gave us.
For couples, this kind of road trip offers something special: shared decisions, unexpected detours, and long conversations between destinations.
And Zanzibar delivered all of it.
Day One: Spice Farm, Village Life & Cooking with Locals
Zanzibar is often called the “Spice Island,” so visiting a spice farm felt essential.
We chose Zanzibar Spice Co, combining a farm tour with a village visit and cooking class.
The experience felt grounded rather than polished. We walked through a garden identifying cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, turmeric, lemongrass, and dozens of other spices by sight, smell, and touch. Tasting fresh spices directly from their source is completely different from seeing them in jars at home.
To be honest, the farm itself felt more like a demonstration garden than a large-scale production site. We saw individual plants rather than plantations – though we may have only visited a small section.
What made the day meaningful was the village component.
Before travelling, we packed small gifts for children and, following the farm owner’s suggestion, bought a sack of rice locally to donate. Meeting families face-to-face and distributing it personally created quiet, human moments that stayed with us longer than any postcard view.
The cooking class followed immediately after the tour. Most preparation was handled by local women and two men leading the experience, but we joined in – cleaning potatoes and garlic, grinding spices in a large mortar, laughing as we tried to match their technique.
Lunch was shared at a long communal table: simple, generous, and full of flavour.
Costs:
- Spice farm & cooking class: $80
- Rice donation: just under $30
- Spices purchased: around $50 (a little bargaining is expected)
For couples, experiences like this deepen a trip beyond sightseeing. You leave with stories – not just photos.
Day Two: Nungwi, High Waves & an Unexpected Discovery
The second day, we drove north toward Nungwi. Our plan: dolphin watching and snorkelling.
The sea had other ideas.
Waves were high, and conditions looked challenging. Despite seeing others board boats, we chose not to go out. In Zanzibar, not every excursion should proceed simply because it’s available. Sea conditions matter – and so does enjoyment.
At first, we felt disappointed. But road trips reward flexibility.
On the drive back south, we made an unplanned stop at Baha Spice Farm – and unexpectedly, it became the highlight of the day.
The atmosphere felt more intimate and less structured than our previous visit. We tasted fruits directly from trees and discussed cultivation methods in greater depth. It was also interesting to compare two different spice farm models on the island.
Costs:
• Guide tip: $10
• Spices purchased: $60 (prices slightly lower than previous day)
Sometimes the most meaningful travel moments are unplanned.
Day Three: Dolphins & Turtles in Kizimkazi
For our third road trip day, we headed south to Kizimkazi Mkunguni – a fishing village known for fresh catch and dolphin tours.
This time, the sea cooperated.
We arrived at 6:00 am, just before sunrise. Compared to the north, the water was calm – at least near the shore.
Seeing dolphins surface in open water is profoundly different from any controlled environment. There is unpredictability, and that is part of the beauty.
We were incredibly lucky. At first, we spotted a small group. Then later, we encountered a much larger pod – perhaps around fifty dolphins moving together.
The first sighting was a “wow” moment.
The second left us speechless.
Their movements were effortless – almost choreographed. Even the most skilled ballet dancers would struggle to match their grace.
On the return journey, we stopped briefly for snorkelling, though our most memorable snorkelling experience was later at Blue Lagoon (covered in another post).
Dolphin Tour Costs:
- Dolphin watching tour: $105
- Tip for captain: approx. $8 (20,000 TSH)
Before lunch, we visited Garden Cave, where turtles live in a natural cave pool connected to the ocean. Swimming alongside them added a calm, meditative contrast to the morning’s excitement. (You can read more about this in our Zanzibar caves article.)
Afterwards, local fishermen prepared fresh seafood directly on the beach. We had arranged it earlier that morning. Watching the meal being grilled over open fire – informal, authentic, delicious – felt like theatre by the ocean.
Driving in Zanzibar by Car: What Couples Should Know
Renting a car in Zanzibar is straightforward, but patience is essential.
• Road conditions vary significantly
• Speed limits are low – respect them
• Police checkpoints are common
• Pedestrians and livestock may cross unexpectedly
• Allow more time than Google Maps suggests
For us, driving was part of the experience rather than simply transportation.
There is something intimate about navigating unfamiliar roads together – choosing music, debating directions, laughing when plans change.
Why This Zanzibar Road Trip Worked So Well
Over four days, we experienced:
- Zanzibar’s agricultural heritage
- Village life beyond beach resorts
- The unpredictability of the Indian Ocean
- Wildlife encounters offshore
- The cultural atmosphere of Stone Town
Not every plan succeeded. One excursion was cancelled. Another stop was spontaneous. Yet together, these imperfect elements created a richer journey.
We also realised something practical: the northern part of Zanzibar around Nungwi often experiences stronger waves. Despite its strong reputation, we personally preferred the east and south of the island.
For couples travelling in Zanzibar, dedicating a few days to independent exploration adds depth. It allows you to step outside the curated holiday bubble and discover a more layered version of the island.
And sometimes, it’s the unplanned detours that become the most meaningful chapters of the trip.
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Exploring the planet together – from wild roads to quiet evenings
About the Author
The author, ainarsbl, is a Level 7 Google Local Guide, Master Reviewer and expert travel reviewer focused on scenic landscapes, UNESCO sites and meaningful couples travel experiences.