Road Trips in Tanzania

This African country is all about nature gems. Among the most beautiful areas in Tanzania, you’ll find the Ngorongoro Crater whose surroundings is characterised by one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. The lovers of active holidays will be also delighted with a trip to the heart of the Selous Game Reserve where you can observe numerous bird species in their natural habitat.

One of Africa’s Great Lakes is Lake Tanganyika located on the border between DRC, Burundi, Zambia, and Tanzania. It is also world’s second oldest freshwater lake. It offers beautiful views – a stroll along its shores will be an unforgettably romantic experience.

Those who would like to spend some time sunbathing should definitely direct their steps to Tanzania’s coastline. In the past, this part of Tanzania was an important part of ancient trading routes. Here, you’ll find never-ending golden strands that will be ideal for an escape from civilisation.

If you would like to admire Africa’s tallest peak, travel to Mt Kilimanjaro and its smaller sibling, Mt Meru. Take a commemorative photo against the background of one of these giants or take a trekking trip along some of the trails in their near vicinity.

While travelling around Tanzania, you’ll be surely surprised by its cultural diversity. For a full immersion embark on a tour around its most colourful, historically important, and vibrant towns and villages. During your trip, you shouldn’t miss Dodoma, the country’s capital, Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Arusha, or Mwanza.

While travelling around Tanzania, you’ll have a pretty well-developed bus system at your disposal. The buses move between major cities; however, they won’t take you to all Tanzanian recesses. You can also use the services of taxis and minibuses. For those who enjoy staying independent during their holidays, there’s an option to rent a car. Car rental companies are located at international airports and in major cities.

Generally, driving in Tanzania will be a daunting challenge as Tanzanian roads aren’t well-maintained. An additional obstacle will be the erratic driving of native motorists. Tanzanian roads are also infamous for the high rate of car accidents. For a better driving experience, it’s advisable to consider a 4x4 off-road vehicle.

While travelling by car, you should carry your driver’s licence and an International Driving Permit. Remember, to avoid driving at night and don’t be surprised to come across frequent police road blocks.

While a road trip in Tanzania can be a fantastic adventure, there are some important things to be aware of before embarking on your journey. Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind:

• Safety: Like any road trip, safety should be a top priority. Tanzania's roads can be challenging to navigate, with poor signage and unpredictable driving conditions. It's important to drive defensively, wear seat belts at all times, and avoid driving at night whenever possible. It's also a good idea to research any potential safety concerns in the areas you plan to visit, such as wildlife or crime.

• Vehicle maintenance: Make sure your vehicle is well-maintained and up to the task of handling the often rough roads in Tanzania. Check the tires, brakes, and other key components before setting off, and be prepared to deal with any unexpected breakdowns.

• Wildlife encounters: Tanzania is home to a wide range of wildlife, including many large and potentially dangerous animals. It's important to stay alert and avoid getting too close to any wild animals you encounter. Always follow the advice of local guides and rangers, and avoid getting out of your vehicle in areas where wildlife is present.

• Local customs and laws: Tanzania has its own unique customs and laws that visitors should be aware of. For example, it's considered rude to eat or drink in public during the holy month of Ramadan, and homosexuality is illegal in the country. It's important to do some research before you go to avoid any cultural misunderstandings or legal issues.

• Road conditions: Tanzania's roads can be challenging to navigate, with many unpaved and poorly maintained roads in rural areas. It's important to drive slowly and carefully, especially on dirt roads, and be prepared for unexpected hazards like potholes or wildlife crossing the road.

By keeping these considerations in mind and doing your research before you go, you can help ensure that your road trip in Tanzania is a safe and enjoyable adventure that you'll remember for a lifetime.

The best time of year to take a road trip in Tanzania depends on your preferences and what you want to see and do during your journey. Generally, Tanzania has two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season.

The dry season runs from June to October and is generally considered the best time to visit Tanzania for a road trip. During this time, the weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities like wildlife viewing and hiking. The roads are also generally in better condition during the dry season, as the rains have not yet caused too much damage.

If you're interested in seeing the Great Migration, which is the annual migration of wildebeest and other animals across the Serengeti, the best time to visit is from July to September. This is when the animals are typically in the northern part of the park, making it easier to spot them.

The wet season in Tanzania runs from November to May and can be a challenging time to take a road trip. The rains can make the roads muddy and difficult to navigate, and some parks may be closed during this time. However, the wet season can also be a great time to visit if you're interested in bird watching, as many migratory birds visit Tanzania during this time.

Overall, the best time to take a road trip in Tanzania is during the dry season, from June to October, when the weather is pleasant, the roads are in better condition, and wildlife viewing opportunities are at their best. However, if you're interested in bird watching or have a particular interest in seeing the wet season landscapes, then the wet season can also be a great time to visit.

Packing for a road trip in Tanzania can be challenging, as the country has a diverse range of landscapes and weather conditions. Here are some essentials to consider when packing for your trip:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing: Tanzania is a warm and humid country, so it's important to pack lightweight, breathable clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable. Cotton or linen clothing is a good choice, and it's a good idea to bring a mix of long and short-sleeved shirts and pants.

• Sun protection: Tanzania is a sunny country, so it's important to pack sun protection, including sunscreen with a high SPF, sunglasses, and a hat to shield your face from the sun.

• Insect repellent: Tanzania is home to a variety of insects, including mosquitoes, so it's important to pack insect repellent to protect yourself from bites.

• First aid kit: It's always a good idea to bring a small first aid kit with you on a road trip, including items like band-aids, antiseptic cream, and painkillers.

• Camera and binoculars: Tanzania is known for its incredible wildlife, so don't forget to pack a camera and binoculars to capture the experience.

• Cash and credit cards: While Tanzania does have some ATMs, they can be unreliable, so it's a good idea to bring a mix of cash and credit cards for your trip.

• Water bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially in Tanzania's warm climate. Pack a refillable water bottle to ensure that you always have access to clean drinking water.

• Travel adapter: Tanzania uses Type D and G electrical outlets, so be sure to pack a travel adapter if you plan to bring any electronic devices with you.

• Map and navigation tools: While GPS systems are useful, they may not always work in Tanzania's remote areas, so it's a good idea to bring a map and other navigation tools to ensure that you don't get lost.

By packing these essentials, you'll be prepared for a comfortable and enjoyable road trip in Tanzania.

The cost of a road trip in Tanzania can vary widely depending on your travel style, accommodation preferences, and the activities you choose to participate in. However, here is a general idea of what you can expect to spend per person on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, as well as some information on the cost of renting a car.

For budget travelers, you can expect to spend around $30-$40 per day on food, accommodation, and activities. This would include staying in budget hostels or campsites, eating street food or cooking your own meals, and participating in low-cost activities like hiking or exploring local markets.

For mid-range travelers, you can expect to spend around $100-$150 per day. This would include staying in mid-range hotels or lodges, eating at local restaurants, and participating in activities like wildlife safaris or guided hikes.

For luxury travelers, you can expect to spend upwards of $500 per day on accommodation, meals, and activities. This would include staying in luxury lodges or resorts, eating at high-end restaurants, and participating in activities like hot air balloon safaris or private guided tours.

For those planning a longer road trip, you can expect to spend around $500-$1,000 per week per person, depending on your travel style and accommodation preferences. This would include the cost of transportation, food, and activities.

As for the cost of renting a car, you can expect to pay around $50-$100 per day for a basic 4x4 rental, depending on the company and the length of your rental period. It's important to note that the cost of fuel is also relatively high in Tanzania, so be prepared to budget for that as well.

Overall, Tanzania can be a relatively affordable destination for a road trip, especially for budget and mid-range travelers. With careful planning and budgeting, you can enjoy a memorable and rewarding trip without breaking the bank.

Entry fees for national parks in Tanzania vary depending on the park, the length of your visit, and your nationality. Here is an overview of the entry fees for some of the most popular national parks in Tanzania:

• Serengeti National Park: The entry fee for Serengeti National Park is $60 per person per day for non-residents and $20 per person per day for residents of Tanzania. Children under 5 years of age are free. There are also additional fees for camping, vehicle entry, and other activities.

• Ngorongoro Conservation Area: The entry fee for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is $70 per person per day for non-residents and $20 per person per day for residents of Tanzania. Children under 5 years of age are free. There are also additional fees for camping, vehicle entry, and other activities.

• Tarangire National Park: The entry fee for Tarangire National Park is $45 per person per day for non-residents and $15 per person per day for residents of Tanzania. Children under 5 years of age are free. There are also additional fees for camping, vehicle entry, and other activities.

• Lake Manyara National Park: The entry fee for Lake Manyara National Park is $45 per person per day for non-residents and $15 per person per day for residents of Tanzania. Children under 5 years of age are free. There are also additional fees for camping, vehicle entry, and other activities.

It's important to note that these fees are subject to change and should be confirmed with the park authorities before visiting. Additionally, some parks may charge extra fees for certain activities, such as guided safaris, hot air balloon rides, or camping.

To enter a national park in Tanzania, visitors must register at the park entrance gate and pay the appropriate fees. Payment can be made in cash (Tanzanian shillings or US dollars) or by credit card, and visitors will receive a receipt as proof of payment. It's important to keep the receipt with you during your visit, as you may be asked to show it when leaving the park.

Overall, while the entry fees for national parks in Tanzania can be relatively high, they are necessary to support conservation efforts and protect the country's natural beauty for future generations to enjoy. With careful planning and budgeting, a visit to Tanzania's national parks can be an unforgettable experience that is well worth the cost.

There are several guidebooks and road maps available that can be useful for planning a road trip in Tanzania. Here are a few recommendations:

• Lonely Planet Tanzania: This guidebook covers all aspects of travel in Tanzania, including national parks, beaches, cultural attractions, and more. It includes practical information on accommodation, transportation, and visas, as well as maps and suggested itineraries.

• Bradt Tanzania Safari Guide: This guidebook focuses specifically on Tanzania's national parks and wildlife, with detailed information on wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and conservation efforts. It also includes information on cultural attractions and practical tips for planning your trip.

• National Geographic Adventure Map Tanzania: This waterproof and tear-resistant map provides detailed information on roads, national parks, and other points of interest in Tanzania. It includes information on topographic features, as well as a comprehensive index of place names and attractions.

• Michelin Map Africa North & West: This detailed map covers the northern and western regions of Africa, including Tanzania. It includes detailed road maps, as well as information on distance and travel times between major cities.

When selecting guidebooks and maps for your road trip in Tanzania, be sure to choose ones that are up-to-date and provide accurate information. It's also a good idea to read reviews and get recommendations from other travelers to ensure that you're getting the most helpful and reliable resources possible.