Driving in Tanzania- The ultimate guide to first time traveler

Road conditions in Northern and Southern Tanzania

By African standards, the road conditions of Northern Tanzania are great. The primary roads that connect Arusha to the areas of Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam are covered in asphalt though expect to often come across several speed bumps and a few potholes on these roads.

Despite being in good conditions, one cannot drive at 50km/hour due to the many speed bumps along the road which require a driver to reduce speed when going over them. There will also be need of reducing speed when driving through the small city centers and villages.

Most through routes and dead ends are usually unsurfaced, with numerous potholes and eroded surfaces and expect to come across such roads in the various destinations. Within the national parks, people often drive on dirt roads and the conditions of these roads vary from season to season. These off-road tracks can be a bit challenging and become even a lot more challenging during the rainy season.

The off-road driving in these parks is not as technical, except for Serengeti national park and the road to Lake Natron.

The roads towards Tanzania’s Southern safari parks are marked by long gravel sections. Off-road driving especially in Nyerere National Park is quite challenging especially during the rainy season therefore one will require a good 4×4 vehicle.

What side of the road in Tanzania does one drive on?

Just like Uganda and Kenya, driving in Tanzania is done on the left side of the road.

What is the speed limit on the roads in Tanzania?

The driving speed in Tanzania are 80km per hour on highways, 40km per hour when driving through towns and city centers and 35km per hour within the national parks. Take note that most of the main highways connect to the towns therefore ensure to remember to reduce the speed as you approach the towns.

When driving in Tanzania, can one cross the border over to the neighboring countries?

In case one would like to cross a border from Tanzania to the neighboring countries, they will require a COMESA yellow card which can be arranged for them by the car hire company. This card is an extension of the motor vehicle insurance to the next country or countries one will be visiting. When crossing the border from Tanzania to Kenya, the Tanzania authorities require that the logbook is left behind so that return is done through the same border.

Do I require an international driving license to drive in Tanzania?

No, an international driver’s license is not required for driving in Tanzania but rather your valid driver’s license from your country will work just fine. Ensure to always carry this driver’s license and identification documents when driving.

Is it safe to drive in Tanzania!

Driving in Tanzania is safe and offers an unforgettable experience though there are a couple of rules and tips to follow such as.

• Drive defensively and take it easy. Avoid long driving days and overly packed itineraries that cause exhaustion and fatigue that may cause accidents.
• Take extra care while driving on washboard ribbon roads as cornering and reacting to sudden incidents is difficult when over speeding though the car may feel smoother when driving at a higher speed.
• Watch out for unmarked speed bumps. There are numerous road bumps on the roads with some not indicated by road signs especially when approaching the towns therefore ensure to pay attention to the road.
• Watch out for potholes especially on the secondary roads as this can cause the car to break down or get a flat tire.
• Purchase a local SIM card with an internet bundle such that you can connect to Google maps and ease communication via WhatsApp in case of break downs.
• In case you are spending the night at a local lodge or motel, ensure to have a secure space for parking the car.
• Avoid driving at night since it is difficult to see distractions such as potholes in the dark or when an approaching car uses full blinding lights.
• To be able to handle any sudden situations, always carry some cash, water and a charged mobile phone.

If one follows the above rules and tips, it is safe to drive in Tanzania.

Which telecom provider do I use in Tanzania?

Tanzania has several mobile network providers such as Airtel, Vodacom and Tiggo. Airtel usually works best for the northern area while Vodacom and Tiggo are best for the coastal region.

Before starting your road trip, ensure to get a Simard from one of the telecom providers and load it with sufficient data and credit for internet connection and phone calls. This Simard can be obtained by visiting one of the telecom company service centers with your passport.

How to deal with the traffic police in Tanzania

Tanzania has a lot of traffic police, and they can easily be recognized from a distance by their bright white uniforms. When pulled over by the traffic police, be very respectful, patient, and stay friendly. These officers in most cases pull you over to check if the car is insured, if the tires are in good condition, if you are carrying a valid driving license, or check for the car papers.

In case you are caught in the wrong, the traffic officers will fine you and this fine will need to be paid via a bank deposit therefore drive to the nearest bank, pay it before proceeding on the road.

How can one easily navigate through Tanzania?

While on a self-drive adventure, one requires a google map which they will either find in the car or in most cases use the one on their phones.

When is the best time to drive in Tanzania

The best time to go for a drive in Tanzania is during the wet season between June and September and December to March. During this time of the year, the terrains are dry and passable, and you will have a great experience in different national parks in Tanzania.

However, the accommodation is expensive and limited during this period due to the high demand for the accommodation. Therefore, for the budget travelers you can consider travelling in the low or shoulder season where discounts are usually offered.