EMBERZanzibar is a sprawling island, and between the east-coast beaches and Stone Town in the west it's almost two hours by car. Here's how people actually get around the island — from local transport to more comfortable options for tourists.
The dalla-dalla is the island's traditional means of transport — small, often colorful minibuses that run fixed routes between villages and Stone Town. They're cheap and an authentic way to see how locals travel, but they're often overcrowded and run without a fixed timetable, so patience is worthwhile.
Taxis are everywhere in tourist areas, but almost never with a meter — the price is negotiated before you get in, and a longer ride between the east coast and the airport can take over an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions.
For those who want total freedom, you can rent a car or a scooter — the main roads are paved, but traffic in Stone Town is chaotic and, outside the larger towns, street lighting is almost nonexistent at night. An international driving license and some experience driving on the left are essential.
For long distances, such as between the east coast and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, most hotels and lodges can arrange a direct private transfer — by far the simplest option if you're arriving with luggage or late in the evening.