Drive Tanzania at your own pace, from the Serengeti plains to the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. Follow the highway from Arusha to Moshi for views of Mount Kilimanjaro rising from the savannah.
With a car you can link Dar es Salaam to the beaches of Zanzibar ferries, or circle Lake Manyara and Tarangire. Stop in small villages, adjust plans to the wildlife and enjoy sunrise and sunset on your schedule.
At a glance
Drives onLeft
Motorway tollCheck locally
CurrencyTanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Min. rental age21 years
Good to know before you drive
The essentials for a smooth, ticket-free trip.
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Speed limits
Town50 km/h
Open road90 km/h
Motorway130 km/h
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Parking
Paid short-stay zones in city centres — buy a ticket and display it.
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Alcohol limit
Typically 0.05% blood-alcohol limit; lower for new drivers.
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Vignette / tolls
Check whether a motorway vignette or tolls apply — many rentals include one.
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Change or cancel free up to 24 hours before pick-up.
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What drivers say about Tanzania
★★★★★★4.5
★★★★★5
"We picked up the car in Arusha and drove to Tarangire and Serengeti with no issues. Friendly staff, fair price, smooth process and reliable vehicle."
A
Asha Neema Mushi
Tanzania
★★★★★5
"We rented a car in Dar es Salaam for a coastal road trip with friends. Booking was simple, pickup quick, and the car was clean and fuel‑efficient. Staff gave good route tips. Only wish there had been a USB cable included, but overall we were very happy."
J
Juma Hassan Mwakyusa
Tanzania
★★★★★5
"I hired a small SUV in Mwanza for a week‑long trip, and everything went very smoothly. The car handled both city roads and rougher rural tracks without any trouble. Staff were polite, explained the contract clearly and didn’t push extras. Return inspection was quick and fair."
For Tanzania it is wise to reserve a car at least 2–4 weeks before arrival, especially in high season (July–October and December–February) when safari traffic is heavy. Popular classes and 4x4s around Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar sell out early. Last-minute bookings are possible in cities, but choice and prices may be less favourable.
The supplier usually releases the security deposit within 3–10 working days after drop-off, once the vehicle is checked and any fines or damage are cleared. Your bank may then take a few extra days to show the funds. With some no-deposit, no-credit-card offers, only a smaller pre-authorisation or fuel deposit may apply instead.
The excess is the maximum amount you must pay towards damage or theft before insurance cover applies. In Tanzania it often ranges from about TZS 500,000 to TZS 2,500,000 depending on vehicle class and supplier. You can usually buy extra cover to reduce this excess significantly, sometimes down to zero, in exchange for a higher daily rental cost.
Most Tanzanian suppliers require a credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit. Some partners, especially for local or smaller cars, may offer no-deposit or no-credit-card deals, sometimes allowing debit cards or cash deposits. These options are limited and may come with higher rates or stricter conditions, so always check payment rules before booking.
Typical small cars in Tanzania start from about TZS 60,000–90,000 per day, while mid-size vehicles are around TZS 90,000–150,000. 4x4s suitable for safari often range from TZS 180,000 to over TZS 350,000 per day, depending on season, mileage limits and equipment. Prices vary by location, date, insurance options and whether you collect at an airport.
Bookingcar compares prices from many Tanzanian and international rental companies in one search, helping you quickly see which offer is best value for your dates, car type and location. By showing transparent prices, included features and special deals side by side, Bookingcar lets you choose the most cost-effective option rather than paying more with a single provider.
If you return the car late in Tanzania, you are usually charged for extra hours or a full additional rental day once you exceed the grace period, which is often 30–60 minutes. Prolonged delays may trigger higher “late return” rates. Unapproved late returns can also affect insurance cover, so contact the rental office as soon as you know you will be delayed.
Standard limits in Tanzania (unless signs state otherwise) are:
Urban areas: 50 km/h
Rural roads: 80 km/h
Major highways / trunk roads: 80–100 km/h, depending on signage
Near schools, markets and villages: often 30–50 km/h with speed humps
Always follow posted limits, as enforcement with mobile checkpoints and cameras is common on main routes.
Traffic penalties usually involve on-the-spot fines, commonly between about TZS 30,000 and TZS 200,000 depending on the offence. Speeding, dangerous overtaking or ignoring police signals can attract higher fines and, in serious cases, court appearances or licence suspension. Unpaid fines may be charged later via the rental company, plus an administrative fee taken from your deposit.
The legal blood alcohol limit in Tanzania is generally 0.08% (80 mg per 100 ml of blood) for private drivers. Police conduct roadside checks, especially at night and on weekends. Penalties for drink-driving can include substantial fines, court proceedings and possible imprisonment. Because enforcement and conditions can be strict, visitors are strongly advised not to drink at all before driving.
Fuel prices are regulated and adjusted monthly. As a recent indication, petrol and diesel typically cost around TZS 3,000–3,500 per litre, varying slightly by region and global oil prices. Stations are common in cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha but sparse in remote safari areas, so plan refuelling in advance and keep some cash in Tanzanian shillings for payment.
Tanzania currently has no general motorway toll system or national vignette for private cars. Most main highways, such as those linking Dar es Salaam with the interior, are free to use. You may, however, encounter small local charges such as parking fees, ferry crossings (for example in Dar es Salaam) or conservation and park entry fees when driving into protected areas.
