Travel alerts & warnings
Tanzania driving guide.
Driving in Tanzania gives you access to wildlife parks, coastal towns and dramatic highland scenery, but road conditions vary sharply beyond main highways. Expect busy urban traffic, livestock and unlit vehicles, and plan rural journeys for daylight.
- Advisory
- Increased caution
- Drives on
- Left
- Best season
- June to October…
- Permit honored
- Yes
USIDA member value-add
Build a driving trip in Tanzania
Tell us how long you have and what you like. We'll lay out a realistic day-by-day drive with stops, drive times and local road notes.
Takes a few seconds — free for members.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased cautionin Tanzania due to crime, terrorism, health, unrest, arbitrary enforcement of laws, and targeting gay and lesbian individuals. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
- Crime
- Violent crime happens in Tanzania. It includes assault, sexual assault, robberies, mugging, and express kidnapping. Crime can happen at any time. It is more common in crowded urban areas and when people are not paying attention. Local law enforcement may be slow to help if a crime happens.
- Terrorism
- There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Tanzania. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
- Unrest
- Demonstrations can take place in response to political or economic issues. The Tanzanian government increases security presence around protests. This includes checkpoints and roadblocks. The Tanzanian government may limit or prohibit rallies or demonstrations.
Driving there
Your permit in Tanzania
- Tanzania honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Tanzania
Road rules and hazards
Wear seat belts and do not use a handheld phone while driving. Give livestock and wildlife plenty of space, and approach villages cautiously: speed humps may be poorly marked.
Speed limits
Built-up areas generally have a 50 km/h limit; elsewhere, follow posted limits rather than assuming a national highway speed. Police conduct speed checks, and national parks impose lower limits.
Tolls and park access
Mainland highways are generally untolled, although some crossings may charge. National park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area entry charges are separate; confirm current payment methods and vehicle-entry requirements before travelling.
Fuel and vehicle preparation
Fill up in major towns such as Arusha, Moshi, Dar es Salaam or Morogoro before remote stretches. Carry Tanzanian shillings because card payments can be unreliable, and check the spare tyre, jack and drinking-water supply.
Rentals and police checks
Carry your IDP alongside your original driving licence, passport and rental documents. Choose a high-clearance 4WD for safari routes and confirm insurance and park-use restrictions. At police checkpoints, remain polite and request an official notice and receipt for any fine. Driving in Zanzibar also requires a local driving permit, usually arranged through the rental company.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Tanzania
Arusha National Park
Arusha Region · About 1–1.5 hours from Arusha to the main entrance.
Mount Meru scenery, giraffes and the Momella Lakes make this an accessible first safari drive.
Tarangire National Park
Manyara Region · About 2–3 hours from Arusha to the main gate.
Baobab landscapes and large elephant concentrations, especially during the dry season.
Ngorongoro Crater
Arusha Region · About 3–4 hours from Arusha to Loduare Gate; allow additional time to reach the rim and descend.
A spectacular volcanic caldera with dense wildlife populations; crater driving requires advance planning and a suitable 4WD.
Serengeti National Park
Mara and Simiyu regions · About 8–10 hours from Arusha to Seronera via Ngorongoro, including rough roads; gate formalities can add time.
Vast savannah, big cats and seasonal migration viewing reward a properly equipped, multi-day road trip.
Mikumi National Park
Morogoro Region · About 5–7 hours from Dar es Salaam, depending on traffic and roadworks.
Open floodplains and accessible wildlife viewing make it a practical safari destination from the coast.
Bagamoyo
Pwani Region · About 1.5–3 hours from Dar es Salaam, depending on your starting point and traffic.
Swahili coastal heritage, historic buildings and nearby Kaole ruins offer a rewarding alternative to safari routes.
Heading to Tanzania?
Apply online in about ten minutes. We print and mail your permit, and you can track it the whole way.