Best Places to Explore in Zanzibar by Scooter

A scooter is one of the best ways to see Zanzibar properly, no fixed tour schedules, no waiting on dala-dalas, just you and the open road. Here are the island’s best destinations to explore at your own pace.

Stone Town

Start where most visitors land. Stone Town’s narrow, maze-like streets are best explored slowly, and a scooter gives you the freedom to duck in and out without worrying about parking. Visit the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and Darajani Market before heading out to the coast.

Nungwi

On the northern tip of the island, Nungwi is known for striking white sand, a lively atmosphere, and some of the best sunsets in Zanzibar. It’s a popular base for travelers and a fun ride up from Stone Town, roughly an hour on decent roads.

Kendwa

Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa has a similar laid-back beach vibe with the advantage of being swimmable at any tide. It’s an easy addition to a Nungwi day trip.

Paje

On the east coast, Paje is Zanzibar’s kitesurfing hub, with long stretches of beach and a relaxed, less crowded feel than the north. Watching the kitesurfers from a beachside spot is worth the ride alone.

Jambiani and Matemwe

For a quieter slice of the east coast, Jambiani and Matemwe offer turquoise water and a slower pace, with fewer big resorts and more of a real village feel.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

Zanzibar’s only national park is home to the rare red colobus monkey, found nowhere else on Earth. It’s an easy stop if you’re riding between Stone Town and the east coast beaches.

A Few Riding Tips for Getting Around

Main roads connecting Stone Town to Nungwi and Paje are paved and in decent condition, but rural side roads can be narrow, sandy, or pot-holed.
Distances can take longer than they look on a map, budget extra time, especially between east coast towns.
Riding a scooter directly on the beach or shoreline is not allowed in Zanzibar, keep to the roads.
Fill up on fuel before heading to more rural stretches, as stations are less frequent outside the main towns.

The Best Places to Explore in Zanzibar by Scooter