Travel Tanzania - Practical information guide

Exploring Tanzania at your own pace is an unforgettable experience. Still, planning a self-drive trip here can feel like a lot. We've seen firsthand that our travellers enjoy Tanzania most when the practical details are arranged in advance by us, leaving more space to enjoy the journey itself. That balance of freedom and preparation is what our Tanzania self-drive tours are all about.

Prefer to rent a 4x4 and organise everything yourself? That’s absolutely possible. Tanzania offers a wide range of lodges, campsites and national parks. Just be aware that distances are long and conditions vary. Careful planning and a realistic daily schedule will help keep your journey comfortable and stress-free.

On this page, you’ll find practical information to support your planning. We’ve brought together 13 key topics with tips and frequently asked questions about self-driving and independent travel in Tanzania. They’re here to help you hit the road well prepared.

13 things to keep in mind when travelling to Tanzania

  1. Driving in Tanzania - Find out about safety, road conditions, insurance coverage, which SIM card to buy, what to do in case of a breakdown - and much, much more.
  2. Planning your Tanzania trip? - Forget about Google Maps. Check out our road trip planner, which provides realistic driving times and distances to all the major places of interest in Tanzania, so you can design a great and feasible Tanzania travel itinerary. 
  3. Restricted areas - We allow you to take our rental cars to all corners of Tanzania. However, the Suzuki Escudo has some limitations and off-limit areas.
  4. Car rental with driver-guide - Doubting whether to go on a self-drive holiday or use the services of a local knowledgeable driver-guide? We discuss what to expect when hiring Roadtrip Africa's safari vehicles in Tanzania with a driver-guide and give you a few tips to help you decide what suits you best. 
  5. Which car to choose for your Tanzania holiday? Find spec sheets of Roadtrip Tanzania's rental cars here: Toyota Land Cruiser Double Cab, Toyota Land Cruiser Troopy, and Suzuki Escudo.
  6. Camping in Tanzania - Are you planning a camping safari? Check out camp gear for rent at Roadtrip Africa and learn what you should know about camping in Tanzania. 
  7. National Parks of Tanzania - Don't miss out on Tanzania's most beautiful national parks during your travels. Our extensive guide provides an overview of the costs, and you can read more about arranging your permits.
  8. Best time to visit Tanzania - We understand that you might need help choosing the best time to visit Tanzania. Find out all about dry season, rainy season, peak season, low season and timing your Tanzania safari with the migration. 
  9. How much to budget for your travel to Tanzania? Read about it in our guide and know exactly what to expect. 
  10. Tanzania's entry requirements - Important information about entering Tanzania and the type of visa you'll need.
  11. How to get to Zanzibar - Are you thinking of ending your Tanzania safari with some beach time? Check out the most reliable domestic airlines and ferries that take you to Zanzibar. 
  12. Responsible travel - We understand you might want to give away goodies or help locals while travelling. Read more about responsible travel in Tanzania and find out what really helps.
  13. Safety in Tanzania - Did you know that Tanzania is a super safe country to travel in? Read all about travelling solo, petty crime and general safety in Tanzania, and enjoy a worry-free trip.

Preparing for your trip to Tanzania, and can't find the answer to your question in our Practical Info Guide? Just contact our team at Roadtrip Africa. We're experts on self-drive safaris and travel in Tanzania, and we're always happy to help.