Driving in Tanzania: licences, car rental and road rules

Use your home licence for up to 3 months; bring an International Driving Permit if you prefer. Rent from agencies in Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Zanzibar; budget US$40‑70 per day for a small car. Follow left‑hand traffic, wear seat‑belts, and limit night driving on poorly lit roads.

Visitors may drive with a valid licence from their home country for the first 90 days. After this period a Tanzanian licence is required; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is accepted and helps police verification but is not legally required. Check the Tanzania Transport Authority for any updates before travel.

Major towns host international chains (Avis, Hertz) and local firms (Roadtrip, Safari Rentals). Compact cars (Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra) cost US$40‑70 per day, midsize SUVs US$80‑120. Insurance is usually mandatory and adds US$10‑20 per day. Book online in advance, especially for peak safari season (June‑October).

Tanzania drives on the left; overtaking on the right is common on highways. Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80–100 km/h on main roads, 120 km/h on motorways. Seat‑belts must be worn by driver and passengers. Alcohol limit is 0.05 % BAC; police checkpoints are frequent on major routes.

Road conditions vary: paved highways between major cities are good, but many rural roads are gravel and may be washed out during the rainy season (March‑May, November‑December). Carry a spare tyre and a basic tool kit.

Night travel is discouraged on unlit roads outside cities due to wildlife, livestock and limited street lighting.

Budget US$50‑80 per day for rental, fuel (approx. TZS 2,500 per litre), and insurance. Fuel stations are common in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and along the main highway to Moshi; expect longer gaps in remote parks.

Plan rental pick‑up and drop‑off at the same location to avoid extra fees. If you travel between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, consider a ferry (US$35‑60) or a short flight instead of driving the 350 km coastal road.