11 Days Paradise in the Wilderness – Tanzania Explore: Kilimanjoro, Arusha, Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro. 11 Days Paradise in the Wilderness
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A self-drive adventure in Tanzania can be an incredibly rewarding experience offering the freedom to explore new places at your own pace and on your terms. However, the key to a successful self-drive trip in Tanzania lies in thoroughly preparation and an understanding of the practical aspects of the road travel of places like Serengeti national park. You will also need to know the required documents for the self drive and the quality of the car needed for such a safari. Below are detailed tips to help you plan and enjoy a great self-drive adventure.
Plan Your Route, But Be Flexible
Start by researching the places you want to visit using maps, guidebooks or online resources to understand key routes, road conditions and the sights along the way. Consider scenic routes, national parks and landmarks that might be worth detouring to see. Although it is important to have a general itinerary to guide your trip, allow some flexibility for spontaneous stops. Tanzania Road trips often bring unexpected discoveries so have some free days for unplanned adventures.
Estimate travel times realistically, factoring in rest breaks, fuel stops, meals, and sightseeing. Avoid overloading your schedule to prevent stress and allow yourself time to enjoy the journey.
For instance, not plan your itinerary to include Serengeti on a road trip below five days as this is unrealistic and heavily stressing to have a genuine adventure. Instead plan visiting easily accessible parks like Tarangire national park, Lake Manyara national park or Ngorongoro conservation area for the short self drive safaris.
Vehicle Selection on a Tanzania self drive safari
The choice of vehicle depends on the terrain and type of adventure. So, if you are heading to remote or rugged areas, an off-road vehicle might be necessary. For urban exploration or paved highways, a compact car or a comfortable sedan may be more suitable.
If you don’t have a vehicle suited to your adventure, consider renting one with agencies that offer specialty vehicles like SUVs or campers. Ensure that the vehicle is in top condition and if it is a rental, thoroughly inspect it before starting your journey. If you are going long distances, choose a vehicle that is fuel-efficient especially if you plan to drive through remote areas where fuel stations might be sparse.
If your plan is to adventure the Tanzania northern circuit parks like serengeti, Ngorongoro or lake Eyasi for the cultural visit to Datoga and Hadzabe tribes, renting a 4×4 car with two fuel tanks is essential as the road conditions and remoteness of these parks needs you to plan ahead.
Essential Car Prep & Maintenance
Before embarking on a self-drive adventure, have a mechanic do a full check-up of the car. This includes checking tire pressure, oil levels, brakes, battery, lights and windshield wipers.
The good news is, at self drive Tanzania, we offer you a 24/7 road assistance and we always keep a spare car to come for your rescue in case the original car can’t take you through the safari
Self drive Tanzania cars come with emergency kit that include.
- 2 Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench
- Jumper cables
- First-aid kit
- Road flares or reflective triangles
- Tire repair kit
- Multi-tool or basic toolkit
- Duct tape (for quick fixes)
Navigation & Communication in Tanzania
While smartphones with GPS apps are invaluable don’t rely solely on them however carry a physical map of the region as a backup especially if you are heading into areas with poor cell service. Download offline maps in case you lose signal like some apps like Maps which will allow you to use maps without an internet connection.
If you are planning to travel in a Tanzania, consider renting a GPS or using a dedicated device to avoid issues with roaming data charges. And if you are traveling to remote areas, consider bringing a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon for emergencies.
You can easily acquire a local Simard from any of the local telecom network service provide in Tanzania and you will only need to present your valid passport for you to get one that you can use while in Tanzania. However, when you buy a sim card from Der es salaam, you can face a temporary connectivity issue when you turn to Arusha, but that will be temporary and can be resolved by simply calling the service provider.
Know the Road Rules in Tanzania
Try your best to do research on the road laws and driving etiquette of the region you will be traveling through for example some countries drive on the left side of the road, while others drive on the right. Familiarize yourself with the local speed limits as well as specific road signs, toll systems and regulations for example seat belt use, alcohol limits among others.
You won’t need an international driving permit while in Tanzania and we drive on a let hand side. The speed limit in parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro is generally at 40km per hour and violating the speed limit rule can come with a huge penalty.
Packing Smart
Pack for the climate and activities you plan on doing and layer your clothing to adjust with changing weather conditions especially if you are traveling through various landscapes like mountains, deserts and coastlines. Stock snacks and water in your car particularly if you are traveling through remote areas. It is better to have extra provisions than to risk running low.
If you are planning on camping or hiking, carry tents, sleeping bags and a portable stove and always make sure to pack for the environment you are visiting and any specific activities you may want to engage in.
Different tour companies in Tanzania offers both rooftop tents and ground tents and other camping gears at extra costs beyond the car rental fees. However, be advised to carry an extra sleeping bag for your own comfort as the ones offered by the tour companies might be slim and less comfortable. also carry a pillow as it is never included on the list of camping gears, or you can
Accommodation & Rest Stops
If you are traveling through popular parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, consider booking accommodation in advance especially during peak seasons between June to September.
For more off-the-beaten-path adventures, you can choose to stop at roadside inns, motels or campgrounds on the way. Make your journey more fun by stopping at roadside attractions, local diners or historical sites in order not only to break up the driving time, but also enrich your travel experience.
Stay Connected & Capture the Memories
For safety reasons, share your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them regularly especially if you are heading to remote areas. You can take photos or keep a journal to document your journey. This will be a great way to relive your adventure later but also help you share your experiences with others.
In conclusion, a great self-drive adventure is about striking a balance between preparation and spontaneity. While it is essential to plan and stay safe on the road, the beauty of a road trip lies in the unexpected moments and discoveries along the way.
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