Practical info Tanzania: all pages
Practical info

Practical Info for a Self-Drive Safari in Tanzania

Road sign on the Ngorongoro crater road

Practical info for travelling in Tanzania

Practical info for a self-drive safari in Tanzania, answered by the team that hands over the keys in Arusha. Exploring Tanzania at your own pace is unforgettable, but a self-drive needs good preparation: the right car, the right papers and a realistic route.

Prefer to rent a 4x4 and organise everything yourself? That is absolutely possible. Below you will find the 19 things to keep in mind, and every one of our 125 guides sorted by topic.

19 things to keep in mind when travelling to Tanzania

  1. Driving in Tanzania

    Road conditions, what to expect on the main roads and on park tracks.

  2. Driving times & distances

    Realistic hours between Arusha, the parks, Dar es Salaam and the borders.

  3. Road rules & safe driving

    Speed limits, police checks and the rules that matter on the road.

  4. Fuel stations

    Where to fill up between Arusha and the Serengeti.

  5. Hiring a car in Tanzania

    How renting works, what to check and what is included.

  6. Car rental with a driver

    Not sure about driving yourself? Add a local driver-guide.

  7. Spec sheet: Toyota RAV4

    Which car to choose? Our spec sheets compare seats, gearbox and fuel range.

  8. National parks

    The parks worth driving to, region by region.

  9. Where you can self-drive

    Which parks allow self-drive and what changes for 2026.

  10. Park fees & permits

    Entry fees, permits and how to pay for your vehicle and each traveller.

  11. Camping

    Public campsites, rooftop tents and the gear you need.

  12. Best time to visit

    Dry season, green season and when the parks are at their best.

  13. Entry requirements

    Visas and documents for entering Tanzania.

  14. Driving permit (IDP)

    Do you need an International Driving Permit?

  15. Crossing borders

    Taking a rental car into Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.

  16. Self-drive on Zanzibar

    Driving on the island and what to watch for.

  17. Cost of a self-drive

    What a week on the road costs: car, fuel, fees and nights.

  18. Safety

    How safe a self-drive is, and how to keep it that way.

  19. FAQ

    Quick answers to the questions we hear most.

Can’t find your answer?

Call, email or WhatsApp us. We are in the Arusha office Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 16:00.

Every guide, by topic

125 guides

Serengeti to Victoria Falls Self-Drive Safari

There are road trips, and then there are African overland expeditions that stay with you for a lifetime. A Serengeti to Victoria Falls self-drive safari belongs firmly in the second…

  • Borders & multi-country trips
  • 29 min read

Explore Africa on Your Own with a 4×4

Discover the freedom of Africa’s open roads with a fully equipped 4×4. From iconic wildlife safaris in Tanzania and Kenya to gorilla trekking in Uganda and the deserts of Namibia, this…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 20 min read

Guide to Hiring a Car in Tanzania

Tanzania is one of East Africa’s most rewarding countries for a road trip, offering an extraordinary combination of wildlife, mountains, beaches, lakes, forests and remote wilderness areas…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 11 min read

Tanzania Family Self-Drive Safari

A Tanzania family self-drive safari is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to experience Africa together. Unlike traditional guided safaris that follow strict schedules, a…

  • Safety, health & entry
  • 11 min read

Tanzania Safari Guide

Welcome Self Drive kenya Section for Safari guide to Kenya , Uganda and Tanzania for the best safari planning experience in the wilderness of East African Natonal Park for both Wildlife &…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 10 min read

Tanzania Self-Drive Safari From November to February

A self-drive safari in Tanzania between November and February is one of the most underrated travel experiences in Africa. While many travelers focus only on the classic dry-season safari…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 10 min read

Tanzania and Uganda Self-Drive Safari

East Africa is one of the world’s most rewarding destinations for independent travelers seeking wildlife, adventure, and unforgettable landscapes. While many visitors choose either Tanzania…

  • Borders & multi-country trips
  • 9 min read

4×4 adventures: the best self-drive safari in Africa

Africa is still a virgin continent for tourism with still a lot of free conserved land that inhabits wildlife. From the giants of Africa that are usually referred to as the big five of…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 9 min read

Tanzania Self-Drive Adventure to Empakaai Crater

A self-drive journey to Empakaai Crater is one of the most rewarding and adventurous experiences in northern Tanzania. Hidden within the spectacular Ngorongoro Highlands, Empakaai offers…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 9 min read

Tanzania to Mozambique Self-Drive Adventure

Driving from Tanzania into Mozambique is one of East Africa’s most underrated overland experiences . It is a journey that blends wild coastal scenery, quiet fishing towns, ancient Swahili…

  • Borders & multi-country trips
  • 8 min read

Great Migration to Victoria Falls Safari

Watching the Great Migration unfold across the endless plains of the Serengeti is one of the greatest wildlife experiences on Earth. Now imagine combining that unforgettable safari with a…

  • Borders & multi-country trips
  • 8 min read

Tarangire Concession Fees

Planning a safari to Tarangire National Park involves more than simply paying the park entrance fee. If you intend to spend the night inside the park at a lodge, tented camp, or campsite…

  • Park fees & permits
  • 8 min read

Where to go for a self-drive adventure in Africa?

Africa is a diverse and vibrant continent, rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, making it an incredible destination for tourists, also offering an incredible array of self-drive…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 7 min read

Arusha to Kampala Self-Drive

There are few road trips in Africa that match the excitement and diversity of a self-drive journey from Arusha, Tanzania, to Kampala, Uganda. Stretching across the heart of East Africa…

  • Borders & multi-country trips
  • 7 min read

Best Lodges in Tarangire National Park

One of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets, Tarangire National Park is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and varied fauna.

  • Planning & when to go
  • 7 min read

What is Tanapa in Tanzania

The Tanzania National Parks Authority commonly known as TANAPA is responsible for the management of Tanzania’s national parks. TANAPA was founded in 1959 with its headquarters in Arusha and…

  • Park fees & permits
  • 6 min read

Serengeti Self-Drive vs Guided Safari

Planning a safari in the world-famous Serengeti National Park is one of the most exciting travel decisions you can make. Known for its endless plains, incredible biodiversity, and dramatic…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 6 min read

Tanzania–Mozambique Self-Drive Adventure

A Tanzania–Mozambique self-drive adventure is one of East Africa’s most rewarding road trips. Combining world-class wildlife destinations, remote beaches, vibrant cultures, historic towns…

  • Borders & multi-country trips
  • 6 min read

Gorilla Trekking Self-Drive Guide

There are few wildlife experiences on Earth that compare to coming face-to-face with a family of wild mountain gorillas . Hidden deep within the misty forests of East Africa, these gentle…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 6 min read

Camping in Tanzania- All you need to know

Camping and roadtripping in Tanzania with a 4×4 is a fantastic way to see the country and feel incredibly free, regardless of your travel budget, love of the outdoors, or need for…

  • Camping & rooftop tents
  • 6 min read

Do I need an IDP to go self drive in E. Africa

Self-driving in East Africa can be an incredible experience, offering the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, before hitting the road, it’s essential to understand the driving…

  • Borders & multi-country trips
  • 6 min read

Visit Ngorongoro conservation area on a self drive

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Ngorongoro district neighboring Serengeti National Park to the North and the Great East African Rift Valley to the…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 5 min read

Tarangire vs Lake Manyara

When planning a self-drive safari in northern Tanzania , two parks often compete for a spot on your itinerary: Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.

  • Planning & when to go
  • 5 min read

Travel tips to go on a self-drive Road trip in Africa

Driving in Africa can be crazy and every country there’s away it considers as penalty due to speeding and flow of traffic, some countries like Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda , the speed limit…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 5 min read

Tanzania Self-Drive and Beach Safari

A Tanzania self-drive and beach safari is the perfect blend of untamed wilderness and tropical relaxation. This unique travel experience allows you to explore world-famous national parks at…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 5 min read

Overland Africa Safaris

Explore Africa the authentic way — by road, by wilderness, and by adventure.

  • Planning & when to go
  • 5 min read

Self Guided Safari Tanzania

Escape the crowds and have miles of highway to yourself on our 10 Days Self Guided Safari Tanzania. In your car, you enjoy the freedom to control your stops along the way. Go as fast or as…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 5 min read

Petrol Stations Along the Serengeti Route

Planning a self-drive safari from Arusha to Serengeti National Park is one of the most rewarding travel experiences in Africa—but it comes with a serious logistical challenge: fuel…

  • Driving in Tanzania
  • 5 min read

Serengeti Seasonal Campsites

The vast plains of Serengeti National Park are among the most iconic wildlife destinations on Earth. Famous for hosting the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle—the Great Wildebeest…

  • Camping & rooftop tents
  • 5 min read

First-Time East Africa Overlanders

East Africa is one of the world’s most rewarding destinations for overlanding. Vast savannahs filled with wildlife, snow-capped mountains rising above the equator, tropical beaches along…

  • Borders & multi-country trips
  • 5 min read

Tanzania northern circuit self drive

A Tanzania Northern Circuit self-drive safari is one of the most rewarding and adventurous ways to experience Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Designed for independent travelers who…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 5 min read

Best Cars for Rooftop Tents: A Detailed Guide

Have you ever gone for any African safari adventure in Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda or Uganda. If so, you’re probably familiar with the charm of camping under the starry night sky. Rooftop tents…

  • Camping & rooftop tents
  • 5 min read

Land Cruiser Hire Tanzania

Looking for Land Cruiser hire in Tanzania ? Whether you are planning a wildlife safari, business trip, or off-road adventure, renting a Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 is the most reliable way to…

  • Hiring a 4x4
  • 4 min read

Tanzania Short self drive Trips

When most travelers think about Tanzania, they imagine long, immersive safaris across vast wilderness. But what many don’t realize is that Tanzania is one of Africa’s best destinations for…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 4 min read

Self-drive safari Vs Guided safari in Tanzania

A safari regardless of whether it is is guided safari or self drive safari is one of the most amazing and memorable vacations worth taking. It gives one an opportunity to explore remote…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 4 min read

Driving Distances and Times in Tanzania

The most common mistake on a first self-drive in Tanzania is planning with the times a navigation app gives you. On the tarmac between Arusha and Karatu those times are roughly right…

  • Driving in Tanzania
  • 4 min read

Tanzania travel requirement-The ultimate guide

For one to travel into Tanzania, it requires them to be able to comply with the rules and regulations of the Tanzanian government. Firstly, to travel to Tanzania, one requires a visa, and…

  • Safety, health & entry
  • 4 min read

4×4 self drive adventure from Arusha with rooftop tent

Arusha is known as the capital city of tourism as it is the center of the most famous park in Tanzania. Some of the most popular park that can be accessed from this city include Serengeti…

  • Camping & rooftop tents
  • 4 min read

Discounted Uganda low season gorilla permit 2026

Uganda remains one of Africa’s premier destinations for primate tracking, offering exceptional opportunities to observe endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural…

  • Park fees & permits
  • 4 min read

Driving tips on a self-drive safari in Tanzania

A self-drive adventure through the wilderness of Tanzania is one that you should not think of missing out. Imagine driving yourself through all the 14 national parks and other protected…

  • Driving in Tanzania
  • 4 min read

Public Campsites in Serengeti | Budget Camping Guide

Public campsites in Serengeti National Park provide one of the most authentic and affordable ways to experience Tanzania’s world-famous wilderness. Located deep inside the park and…

  • Camping & rooftop tents
  • 4 min read

Road Trip Essentials for Travelling around Tanzania

Taking a long drive around Tanzania is a Dream Come True for all travelers looking to enjoy Wildlife Safaris in Tanzania while on Self Drive to the various Safari Destinations in Tanzania.

  • Planning & when to go
  • 4 min read

Tanzania Camping Safari on a Budget: What to Expect

A Tanzania budget camping safari is the perfect way to experience Africa’s legendary wildlife without breaking the bank. From the endless plains of Serengeti National Park to the…

  • Camping & rooftop tents
  • 4 min read

Visiting Serengeti national park from Kigali-Rwanda

One of the common things that visitor currently do is combining gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park with the visit to the Africa’s renowned Serengeti national park…

  • Borders & multi-country trips
  • 4 min read

Best time to go for an self drive safari in Africa

Africa is an incredible self-drive adventure destination offering a diverse range of landscapes, wildlife and cultures. From the vast deserts of Namibia and the rugged mountains of South…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 4 min read

Simba campsite in Ngorongoro| Ngorongoro accommodation

Travelers on a low-budget Ngorongoro Crater safari can stay at any of the many campsites, including both public and private Ngorongoro’s campgrounds. One of the most popular protected areas…

  • Camping & rooftop tents
  • 4 min read

Self-Drive Safari: Gorilla and great Migration

East Africa offers two of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on Earth — gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda and witnessing the Great Migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti . Combining…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 3 min read

Uganda and Tanzania self drive: gorillas and wildebeest

Combing Uganda’s gorillas at Bwindi national park or Mgahinga gorillas national park is every adventurous dream who wish to visit east Africa on a safari adventure. Now think of doing it at…

  • Borders & multi-country trips
  • 3 min read

4×4 Tanzania Jeep hire with or without guide

You can rent a car with or without driver from any major city or airport in Tanzania from wherever you want to start your journey from. Whether you want a pickup from the airport or from…

  • Hiring a 4x4
  • 3 min read

Tanzania self drive from Kilimanjaro

A self-drive safari in Tanzania starting from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is one of the most adventurous and rewarding ways to explore East Africa’s most iconic wildlife…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 3 min read

How to reach Serengeti from Nairobi Kenya: Must knows

It is a common tendency for travelers to combine Serengeti national park and Masai Mara national reserve of both Kenya and Tanzania. This is common tendency more so during the river…

  • Borders & multi-country trips
  • 3 min read

Tanzania Self-Drive Safari with Zanzibar Extension

Imagine driving across the endless plains of the Serengeti at sunrise, spotting elephants beneath ancient baobab trees in Tarangire, descending into the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater —…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 3 min read

The easiest route to reach Serengeti from Kampala

There happen to be various option on how to reach the renowned Serengeti national park from Kampala Uganda. The park famously known for the mighty great migration of wildebeest and its high…

  • Borders & multi-country trips
  • 3 min read

Tanzania Wildlife Self-Drive Safari

Tanzania is one of Africa’s most spectacular safari destinations, home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater , Tarangire, and many other world-famous wildlife parks. While guided safaris are…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 3 min read

Is individual travel with family safe in Tanzania

A Tanzania safari is a delight for all ages, and as such is an ideal family holiday. The excitement of the adventure is truly shared, allowing parents, grandparents and children to treasure…

  • Safety, health & entry
  • 3 min read

The park entrance gate to Kilimanjaro national park

The highest peak on the African continent and the highest standing mountain all over the world. Kilimanjaro mountain is a dream to all hiker all over the world. It doesn’t matter whether…

  • Park fees & permits
  • 3 min read

Is it safe to self-drive in Zanzibar Island of Tanzania

Driving around Zanzibar can make or ruin a fairy-tale holiday. There are pros and cons to self-driving but there are also some serious pitfalls which could get you locked up in a Zanzibar…

  • Safety, health & entry
  • 3 min read

Is self drive safe for East Africa

East Africa is a great region for safari on the African continent and exploring it on a self-drive experience would make it very interesting. East Africa self-drive safari is looked at as a…

  • Borders & multi-country trips
  • 3 min read

Can I fly from Masai Mara to Seronera?

Yes, it is very possible to fly from Maasai Mara to Seronera. However, this can only be done using connecting flights since there are no direct flights from Maasai Mara to Seronera despite…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 3 min read

Visit Botswana for a self drive adventure

Botswana is an incredible destination for a self-drive adventure, offering a blend of stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a range of diverse ecosystems that can be explored at your…

  • Borders & multi-country trips
  • 3 min read

Self Drive East Africa

Self Drive Tanzania offers Self Drive East Africa in Tanzania , Kenya , Rwanda, Ethiopia & Uganda at ($60/Day). Are you looking for Self Drive East Africa / Car Hire Rental East Africa ?

  • Borders & multi-country trips
  • 3 min read

Tanzania Budget Camping Safari

A Tanzania budget camping safari is the perfect way to experience Africa’s incredible wildlife without the high price tag of luxury lodges. By staying in tents at public campsites inside or…

  • Camping & rooftop tents
  • 3 min read

Ngorongoro conservation area entry and exit gates

Ngorongoro conservation area is one of the most famous protected in Tanzania in particular and Africa at large. With the world biggest unbroken volcanic caldera. This conservancy is a must…

  • Park fees & permits
  • 3 min read

Things to Know while Self Driving in Tanzania

Tanzania is a very ideal Safari Destination to explore while on Self Drive Tanzania Tour to Serengeti National Park , Lake Manyara National Park , Ngorongoro Conservation Area , Tarangire…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 3 min read

Tanzania Mid-Range Lodge Safaris

Experience the magic of Tanzania’s wildlife while enjoying comfort, quality service, and excellent value for money. Mid-range lodge safaris in Tanzania offer the perfect balance between…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 3 min read

4×4 hire for great migration

Experience the thrill of the Great Wildebeest Migration with a reliable 4×4 safari vehicle designed to handle the rugged beauty of Tanzania’s Serengeti. Whether you choose a self-drive…

  • Hiring a 4x4
  • 2 min read

A Tanzania guided safari- all inclusive adventure

At self drive Tanzania, we can also arrange for you the guided safaris at an affordable price. These guided safaris can be for only within Tanzania or cutting across different east African…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 2 min read

Our off-road vehicle condition: what do they have?

All our off-road vehicle we offer on Tanzania safari are robust with features like a pop-up roof to enable the proper visibility of animals. They have got raised suspension that enable them…

  • Hiring a 4x4
  • 2 min read

Visiting Olmoti crater on a Tanzania self drive

The Olmoti crater is a crater on the extinct Olmoti volcano located in the Ngorongoro district in Arusha. It is situated at the northern end of the Ngorongoro crater where the tallest…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 2 min read

Family rooftop tent Tanzania: Why it is suitable

A family rooftop tent is a tent that accommodates up to 4 people including 2 adults and 2 children . These rooftop tents are mounted on the hard tops of safari vehicles such as Nissan…

  • Camping & rooftop tents
  • 2 min read

Self-Drive Guide to Tanzania

Tanzania is a wonderfully easy country to drive around as long as you stick to the main network of roads as most of these are tarred and reasonably well maintained (there’s the odd pothole…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 2 min read

Where to go in western Tanzania?

Mountain ranges, solitary lakes, and outlying areas characterize the western circuit. While the southern circuit offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience, the western circuit puts you…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 2 min read

Drastic Fuel price increase in Uganda

As the country Uganda tries to regain its business stability, the price of the fuel is charging the minds of the people. The country is trying to recover from the COVID -19 but other…

  • Borders & multi-country trips
  • 2 min read

Ultimate Guidelines to follow on Self Drive Tanzania

Tanzania is an ideal safari Destination to explore and visit while on Self Drive Tanzania Tour to Serengeti National Park , Lake Manyara National Park , Ngorongoro Conservation Area …

  • Planning & when to go
  • 2 min read

Self Drive Serengeti

Serengeti National Park is located kilometers off Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park with numerous wildlife animals wandering from one place to another. Serengeti…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 1 min read

Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti National Park

Hot air balloon is ranked as the best activity done by travelers in Serengeti National Park . Hot air Balloon involves a traveler standing in the wicker basket with a heated airbag in the…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 1 min read

Essentials to Carry for your Self Drive Tanzania Tour

Tanzania is a beautiful Safari Destination to explore while on Self Drive Tanzania to Serengeti National Park , Lake Manyara National Park , Ngorongoro Conservation Area , Tarangire…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 1 min read

Tanzania Safari Companies

Self Drive Tanzania is a registered Local Car rental Company that works in partnership with local Tour operators and Local lodges to offer great safari Tanzania for unique adventure…

  • Planning & when to go
  • 1 min read

Frequently asked questions

Can you self-drive in Tanzania’s national parks?

Yes. You can drive yourself into the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the other parks with a rental 4x4. You pay park fees for the vehicle and each traveller. Read which parks allow self-drive.

How much does car hire in Tanzania cost?

Our Toyota RAV4 starts from $60 per day and our Land Cruisers and Nissan Patrol from $110 per day, with unlimited mileage. The TXL Land Cruiser is from $120. Rooftop tents, camping gear and a driver-guide are extras. See the fleet and prices.

Where can I pick up the car?

We hand over in Arusha, Moshi, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, at the airport or your hotel. One-way drop-offs in another town or in Kenya, Uganda or Rwanda can be arranged.

Can I take the rental car to Kenya, Uganda or Rwanda?

Yes, on request. We arrange the COMESA yellow card insurance for travel beyond Tanzania. Read our guide to crossing borders with a rental car.

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

You can drive on an international permit or the licence from your own country. Read do I need an IDP for the details.

Can I rent a car with a driver instead?

Yes. Every vehicle in our fleet can be booked with an experienced driver-guide. Car hire with a driver.