Self Drive Tanzania – 4×4 Self drive in Tanzania Guide
One of the most interesting and rewarding activities one should in life is self-driving in Tanzania. This offer you the opportunity to explore the brain of Africa at your own whim, from northern Tanzania in Serengeti National Park to the iconic beaches of Zanzibar Island when you sail on the sea.
Self-driving in Tanzania is an epitome of enjoyment of this country and can be undertaken by both foreign residents, foreign non-residents and citizens. As you book your trip to Tanzania, it is always important to specify whether you will have a self-drive or a chauffeur driven trip, as it helps your chosen car rental company in Tanzania plan accordingly.
This trip type can be undertaken by anyone as long as they are ready to comply with the different rules and regulations of driving in the country, necessary documentation and also follow some tips for safety.
Requirements for self-driving in Tanzania
Valid driver’s license: This is to verify if you are legally allowed to drive in Tanzania and for foreigners, an International Driving Permit is a must have.
Valid passport: This must have a Visa to verify legal entry and existence in the country.
Driving age: One must be at least 23 years old to rent a car in Tanzania for self-drive. This is so because this person is considered mature, responsible and experienced enough to drive alone.
Vehicle log book: This is always issued by the car rental company to confirm legal possession of the car.
Car rental agreement: This is a written document you are meant to have from the car rental company, signed by both parties agreeing rent to you a car. It also contains the amount of money paid or will be paid for the number of days one is to spend with the car.
Vehicle insurance documents: COMESA, comprehensive insurance, third party insurance are those should have as it is what is checked for by the authorities.
Best cars for self-driving in Tanzania
Toyota RAV4: This is the mostly hired compact SUV that can accommodate 5 or 4 people according to the model. It is small but comfortable with a 4×4 capacity.
Land Cruiser Hard top: Like the Land Cruiser Extended, this one also great for navigation on rough terrain because of it high ground clearance that cannot damage the under carriage and can accommodate 5 people.
Land Cruiser Prado TX: This is a medium sized 4×4 vehicle made up of large windows and can further be modified with a pop-up roof or a roof-top tent when one wants to create more space for resting. They can carry up to 7 people.
Land Cruiser V8/VX: This car is strong and offers extra comfort on the road.
It is important to note that it is highly recommended for one to use 4×4 vehicles for a self-drive safari in Tanzania because they can easily navigate all kinds of terrain, and more so most of them have high ground clearance that ensures safety of the under carriage.
They are also very effective during the muddy and slippery roads during the rainy season.
Different road conditions and what to expect of them
In rural areas and park tracks, roads are always rough and more so get slippery and muddy during rains which makes them rough. Therefore navigation here requires a 4×4 vehicle.
Most roads in urban areas are paved and in good condition, making them very suitable for an on road safari.
One needs to beware of motor cycles, pedestrians, livestock and street vendors on the road, so you need to be careful.
Driving rules and regulations in Tanzania
These are not meant to oppress anybody but to ensure that everyone enjoys and can use the road in the safest way possible.
Alcohol use: It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol in Tanzania, as it is in other countries. The Blood Alcohol Concentration in a human body should be 0.08% and above this, one is considered drunk and therefore can’t drive.
Seat belts: These are mandatory and their absence or not having them on attracts heavy fines. They are used to save one’s head during collision.
It is wise to note that there are different police check points in Tanzania and so one has to be kind and respectful.
In Tanzania. Driving is on the left hand side.
Speed limits: Different road areas have different speed limits such as 80km/h on highways, 50km/h in towns, 40km/h in rural areas and 30km/h in national parks.
Famous destinations for self-drive in Tanzania
Serengeti National Park: Located in northern Tanzania, this park is famous for endless plains and the Great wildebeest Migration. Serengeti further offers a year-round wildlife viewing such as giraffes, leopards, lions, elephants and cheetahs.
Lake Manyara National Park: It is located in the Arusha region of northern Tanzania and is famous for water birds, flamingos, and climbing lions.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a home to the Ngorongoro Crater with one of the highest densities of wildlife in Africa, including black rhinos.
Tarangire National Park: This Park is known for harboring large herds of elephants and having over 550 species of birds, making it a bird haven.
Mikumi National Park: It seats in southern Tanzania offering a great opportunity wildlife viewing such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos and crocodiles, over 400 bird species, wildebeest, zebras and giraffes. It is also one of the most virgin national parks in Tanzania as it is not often visited.
Read more about destinations in Tanzania
Best times for self-driving in Tanzania
Dry season: This lasts from June to October and is when the country experience too much sunshine. However, it is a great season for wildlife viewing through game drives as the parks are clearer.
The season provides better driving conditions but also comes with increased prices of accommodation ad other things due to demand.
Wet season: It lasts from November to May and is characterized by lush vegetation and tourists are always few thus making tourism places less crowded. However, it is a difficult time to navigate roads especially in remote areas as they are often muddy and slippery.
Safety tips for self-drive in Tanzania
Avoid driving at night in a foreign land
Avoid drunk driving
Always have emergency contacts especially of your car rental company.
Keep doors locked especially while game driving in the national parks for safety from cunning animals
Ensure to follow rule and regulations in the park as given by the game rangers.
Endeavour not to over speed or overtake unnecessarily so as to save lives.
Always refill on sight of a filling station to avoid being stranded. This is because in many remote areas of Tanzania, there are barely of no fuel stations and so, one can store some extra fuel in a jerry can.
Before your trip especially to remote areas, ensure to have downloaded the offline maps as GPS may fail to function there.
While in the park, one must respect wildlife by not using flash photography.
Having a self-drive in Tanzania will definitely be adventurous to an experienced driver guaranteeing flexibility and freedom. All this can be achieved when you rent the right car from a legitimate car rental company and further follow guidelines and more so stay out of trouble with the authorities, then Tanzania will become a paradise.