Tanzania Self-Drive Safari Guide: Is it possible to drive alone in Tanzania? What to consider when going on a self-drive safari in Tanzania? Arusha, Mwanza, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar are a few of Tanzania’s most popular cities and locations for individual game drive safaris. The greatest sites to drive oneself in Tanzania for wildlife safaris include the Serengeti, Tarangire, Katavi, Ruaha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Gombe Stream national parks. Self-drive safaris are the best way to experience Tanzania’s most beautiful cities, beaches, game reserves, national parks, and the island of Zanzibar.In Tanzania, self-drive vacation packages are currently the most popular. Renting a car allows visitors to explore Tanzania on their own without a tour guide’s assistance. Self-driving cars are allowed and guaranteed in Tanzania’s national parks all year round. Driving alone is fantastic if you are a tourist seeking a genuine adventure. As a result, there will not be anyone to tell you where to go or what to do. Instead of going on a guided safari expedition, you may do a ton of things on your own. In Tanzania, national parks and other conservation areas permit self-driving cars.
Make sure you have some crucial information with you that will aid you on your journey, and pack like a tourist. You should be aware of certain suggestions in order to prevent issues and ensure that your trip is memorable and pleasurable.
When Is the Best Time to Drive Myself Through Tanzania?
Self-Drive Tanzania can be done at any time of year, just like other safari experiences in Tanzania, like the classic guided safari tour, which is always accompanied by a tour guide. The dry seasons are the ideal times to travel to and discover Tanzania because of the more comfortable and driving-friendly roads and the ease with which animals can be seen from a variety of spots close to water sources.
The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Tanzanian Self-Drive Tours
Tanzanian self-drive safaris include the following benefits:
Compared to guided group excursions, self-drive tours provide more freedom and better time management depending on your individual interests. Which would I prefer to see more of in the wild: birds or elephants? Should I spend three hours or three minutes watching the lions? Do I want to spend another day in this national park? Since you are in charge of the experience and nobody is putting any pressure on you, you may decide to do all of these things when on a self-drive safari tour.
Self-drive vacations can be more exciting, especially if you are traveling alone and there are no other people in the area (even without a guide).
There will most likely be more surprises and adventures (both positive and negative).
Tanzanian self-drive safaris include the following drawbacks:
The entire schedule and journey must be planned by you.
Private campsites are not always clearly indicated; it is best to enter the coordinates in advance, and a GPS is definitely necessary. However, it is often challenging to locate campsites because the coordinates are not always clear.
It can be challenging to plan and time (routes take longer than intended).
You have to pay close attention to the road at all times because of the many speed bumps, speed limits, and speed monitoring devices. Furthermore, as a result of other people’s frequently negligent driving (particularly that of trucks and buses).
It occurs quite frequently, and you usually need assistance from someone else to get back on your feet. Examples include getting stuck in a sandy riverbank or getting caught off guard by a tropical storm and sinking into the mud. Because of this, help in an emergency needs to be requested and might not arrive immediately.
There’s a possibility that cell phone dead spots will appear on remote routes, making help calls unfeasible.
It can end up costing more time and money to make little, honest mistakes due to ignorance or inexperience (e.g., if gate hours are not followed, the 24-hour rule of entrance tickets is misconstrued, or you misjudge the need for or fail to refuel).
You have to prepare your own meals when camping.
The poor condition of the roads, which might vary by region and season, may make you hesitant to drive yourself.
It is essential that you are always incredibly flexible, day or night.
Seeing animals is usually a random encounter and is probably less successful than seeing them with a guide. (As a result, travelers frequently consult tour guides for suggestions on destinations.)
When traveling alone, the cost of care per person is higher. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the main attractions; thus, it is a shame that some tourists decide to overlook it.
Contrary to popular belief, driving alone rarely results in financial savings.
A guided tour would have cost as much, if not less, in many instances.
Advice for Tanzanian Self-Drive Safaris.
What is the state of Tanzania’s roads? Safari via self-drive in Tanzania’s northeast: Particularly by East African standards, Tanzania’s northeastern highways are in excellent shape. The main highways from Arusha city to Lushoto/Dar es Salaam in the far east, Ngorongoro in the west, and Moshi/Kilimanjaro in the east are all covered with smooth asphalt. A number of speed bumps and the odd pothole are to be expected.Tanzanian Self-Drive Safari Guide
To arrive at your lodge or park entrance gate, the final portion of your daily trip typically entails some gravel road driving. These gravel and dirt roads frequently experience seasonal fluctuations, with the wet season being the most challenging. Except for the Serengeti National Park and the route to Lake Natron, the national parks along Tanzania’s northern safari circuit are simple to drive through.
The main routes from the Ngorongoro Crater Road to the Naabi Hill gate (the entrance to the Serengeti), from the Naabi Hill gate to Seronera (the park’s heart), and from Seronera spreading to the East and West are well-known to all Tanzanian tour operators. The road’s uneven surface and washboard ribbons make it difficult to navigate. Within the Serengeti, self-drive safaris are permitted, although a Land Cruiser is needed. If you drive at a restricted speed of 25 km/h, which is not covered by insurance, you will not be able to roll over one car and lose control unexpectedly. The driving times to the Serengeti are as follows:
Southern Tanzanian self-drive safari: The southern safari parks’ gates—Kibiti to the Selous Game Reserve (90 km), Morogoro to the Selous Matambwe Gate (90 km), and Iringa to Ruaha National Park (90 km)—have the longest gravel stretches (110 km). It takes roughly two and a half hours to drive to Dodoma and Babati. A land cruiser is necessary because off-road driving in the Selous Game Reserve can become challenging during the wet season. Other tips for a self-drive safari in Tanzania include:
Hire a vehicle from a reliable company.
While some Tanzanian businesses lend cars to tourists for self-directed travel, others don’t. Finding a trustworthy firm that offers top-notch vehicles that will function smoothly during your holiday is essential. Rent a vehicle with camping gear, a pop-up roof, or a rooftop tent.
valid driver’s license or foreign driver’s permit.
If you have a driver’s license, renting a car as a tourist for self-drive excursions in Tanzania will be easier. Valid driver’s licenses from your own country or an international driving permit are accepted at any national park, as well as other conservation areas like the Ngorongoro and wildlife reserves. A legal document known as a “International Driving Permit” (IDP) authenticates your license overseas and allows you to drive in other countries. It can be obtained from the country of origin of the traveler or from the place they are visiting. If you do not already have one, the 12-month International Driving Permit (IDP) can be useful. An international driving permit is required because you will be driving in this program.
How can I get around?
in Tanzania?
It is highly advised that you install Maps.me on your smartphone prior to departing for your self-drive safari tour in Tanzania. You can use the app for free. Download Tanzanian maps and enjoy off-road driving with GPS. Maps.me has plotted almost all of the hotels and campsites. Going completely offline and reading a paper map on your lap has its advantages. Although the map included with your rental car is not extremely detailed, the main highways are clearly highlighted.
Tanzania’s asphalt roads are normally in decent shape, but because of the numerous speed bumps, the necessity to slow down when going through communities, and the potential for taking a lot of photos, you will not be able to travel faster than 50 km/h. Even the view from the side of the road is breathtaking. The top speed limit for dirt roads is 25 km/h.
talents at reading maps and mechanics.
It is crucial for tourists searching for self-drive tours in Tanzania to possess specific abilities, like the ability to read maps and have an understanding of mechanics. Since you will be traveling alone on this trip, these are helpful skills to have. When something goes wrong with the car, you should know how it works. Instead of waiting for a mechanic, who can take some time to arrive, you might be able to fix it yourself. Having the tools needed to repair any minor issue would also be helpful. The precise path you should travel on your trip can be found on a map. You can save time and locate the best route by using a global positioning system (GPS). We advise users to download and
It is highly advised that you install Maps.me on your smartphone prior to departing for your self-drive safari tour in Tanzania. You can use the app for free. Download Tanzanian maps and enjoy off-road driving with GPS. Maps.me has plotted almost all of the hotels and campsites. Going completely offline and reading a paper map on your lap has its advantages. Although the map included with your rental car is not extremely detailed, the main highways are clearly highlighted.
Tanzania’s asphalt roads are normally in decent shape, but because of the numerous speed bumps, the necessity to slow down when going through communities, and the potential for taking a lot of photos, you will not be able to travel faster than 50 km/h. Even the view from the side of the road is breathtaking. The top speed limit for dirt roads is 25 km/h.
Skills in reading maps and mechanics
It is crucial for tourists searching for self-drive tours in Tanzania to possess specific abilities, like the ability to read maps and have an understanding of mechanics. Since you will be traveling alone on this trip, these are helpful skills to have. When something goes wrong with the car, you should know how it works. Instead of waiting for a mechanic, who can take some time to arrive, you might be able to fix it yourself. Having the tools needed to repair any minor issue would also be helpful. The precise path you should travel on your trip can be found on a map. You can save time and locate the best route by using a global positioning system (GPS). We advise users to download and
Make use of the maps.me program, which functions offline because networks are scarce in many parks.
health and travel insurance.
Before starting your self-drive safari in Tanzania, it is crucial to assess your health. Remember to bring your usual medications and a first aid kit that has everything you will need to treat small cuts and scrapes. However, by negotiating with the local correspondent firm, you can make arrangements for your health insurance to be prepared for travel in advance. This will make it easier for you to get medical treatment close to your trip location, anytime and whenever you need it.
Reload your credit cards.
Having adequate funds in your bank accounts is essential, particularly if you have debts for extras like food and beverages, park admission, campground fees, and other costs. Visa or MasterCard credit cards are required for all bank services nationwide. You can engage in activities not covered by your tour schedule, such as purchasing drinks, other extras, or gas refills, if you have any spare money.
Things to Consider When Taking a Tanzanian Self-Drive Safari Tour.
Using Self-Drive Tanzania to Rent a Car
The fact that the majority of Tanzania’s areas have both paved and unpaved roads is the most important consideration when renting a car there. Therefore, we advise you to drive a 44 vehicle that can handle any type of terrain, such as a national park with rocky roads like Serengeti National Park, to any destination of your pick.
Vehicle Pickup and Drop-Off in Tanzania.
Depending on your travel choices, we think Arusha Town will be your first stop in Tanzania. If you wish to drive yourself across Tanzania, we suggest booking your vehicle rental and making reservations in advance. You are then given the addresses of our offices, and you let us know where you want to pick up the vehicle. The driver that picked up the rental car from the hotel or airport will also pick it up when you return it. It is that easy and adaptable.
Tanzanian driving.
Tanzania has a wide variety of geography, ranging from densely populated regions with well-maintained highways to isolated regions with unpaved roads that link to different safari locations. As you sit in your car with the to get the most out of your self-drive adventure in Tanzania, we advise you to wear the proper tires and abide by all traffic laws and safari location regulations.
In Tanzania, avoid driving at night.
In Tanzania, traveling alone during the day is the safest option. Since driving at night is less safe, especially in Tanzania’s most isolated safari areas, we advise our clients against doing so. Everyone drives at night with their high beams on because there are not many streetlights outside of Tanzania, which is risky because it can blind you and cause an accident. However, in rural locations and on roads with many potholes, it can be challenging to see the road well at night. Please only drive during the day.
Do not rely on Google Maps too much.
We strongly recommend using your route map while in Tanzania because Google Maps is not always reliable in identifying impassable, pothole-filled dirt roads with sharp twists that could mislead you in Tanzania’s more rural areas. Even if Google Maps attempts to divert you onto less-traveled, more direct roads, we advise against exiting main roads.
In Arusha, be ready for traffic.
Due to the town’s numerous roundabouts, expect considerable traffic if you intend to drive through Arusha Town. Because they are courteous, cars in the town will yield to you when it is convenient rather than trying to squeeze through. Later, you will travel through low traffic and finally reach Tanzania.
Tanzanian lodging.
Tanzania offers a wide range of accommodation options, from opulent game lodges in wildlife-rich national parks to historic structures lining Stone Town’s narrow streets, large resorts and basic beach huts encircling Zanzibar’s beaches, and an abundance of average mid-range hotels and low-cost, dilapidated guest houses. Travelers in charge of camping have the option to choose between a public and a private campsite when making travel plans. However, bookings are required one day in advance for the park’s exclusive campsites. Reservations for hotels and lodges can be made before the trip begins. Organizing your accommodation in advance might help you feel less anxious about where you will stay after the trip.However, bookings are required one day in advance for the park’s exclusive campsites. Reservations for hotels and lodges can be made before the trip begins. Organizing your accommodation in advance might help you feel less anxious about where you will stay after the trip.
