Summary
Tanzania is abundant with diverse landscapes, including rugged safaris, grasslands, rainforests, woodlands, and savannah plains. The optimal method for traversing this vast country is by automobile.
As you drive through this expansive nation, you will not only encounter natural beauty but also experience remarkable cultural diversity. Numerous ethnic groups inhabit this East African nation, from the Sandawe in northern Tanzania, the Hehe in the Southern Highlands, to the Chagga people residing on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro and the Zanaki near Lake Victoria. These communities often extend a warm welcome to travelers from around the globe.
It is important to note that road travel in Tanzania can be time-consuming and challenging, characterized by segments of well-maintained roads in frequented areas, followed by lengthy stretches of unpaved paths. However, by adopting a leisurely pace, you can fully immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history, culture, and wild beauty that Tanzania offers. Here are the prime road-trip routes.
1. The Northern Circuit
Optimal Route for a Traditional Safari
Arusha to Serengeti National Park; distance 306km (190 miles)
Arusha serves as the gateway to some of Africa’s most unforgettable safari experiences. This route leads you to Serengeti National Park, necessitating a 4WD vehicle equipped for off-road excursions, which can be conveniently rented at various local agencies. The roadway from Arusha to Tarangire National Park is well-paved; however, prepare for unmade roads within the park that can be quite rugged and dusty.
En route to Lake Manyara National Park, Mto wa Mbu emerges as one of the initial stops. This vibrant tropical town provides opportunities to engage with local residents and other travelers, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy local snacks. It is notably a harmonious community where all 120 ethnic groups in Tanzania coexist.
In the Lake Eyasi region resides one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities, the Hadza or Hadzabe. As dawn breaks, Hadzabe men traverse the dense brush in search of honey or to hunt game, an engaging opportunity for visitors who wish to partake. Allocate time to visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, en route to Serengeti National Park. Spanning 264 sq km (102 sq miles), the renowned Ngorongoro Crater is the largest caldera in the world, featuring an impressive concentration of wildlife within its basin.
2. The Wild Southeast
Prime Road Trip for Unique Landscapes
Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park; 256km (160 miles)
The capital, Dar es Salaam, provides a vibrant introduction to Tanzanian culture. Numerous car rental services are available in the city, offering both self-drive and chauffeur options. Unless you are particularly adventurous, employing a knowledgeable local driver is advisable; they understand the local road conditions and cultural aspects of driving.
Departing the city, you will access the Tanzam Highway, which links Dar es Salaam to Mbeya in the west. The highway, with its well-maintained surface, will take you through Mikumi National Park and Iringa before reaching Ruaha National Park. While not as renowned as Serengeti or Ngorongoro, this serene park boasts striking scenery with rugged rock formations, baobab trees, and seasonal rivers, not to mention large populations of elephants and hippos, alongside a diverse array of birds.
Continuing from Ruaha, the drive to the pristine Udzungwa Mountains takes approximately five hours. Rising above 2438m (8000ft) (be sure to acclimatize), these lush landscapes are home to a multitude of endemic flora and fauna, including the rare Udzungwa red colobus monkey. The mountains present a true adventure for hikers, worthy of several days of exploration.
Nyerere National Park, established from a portion of the expansive Selous Game Reserve, concludes your expedition. Although the roads in Nyerere may be rough, it is considered one of the finest national parks for exceptional wildlife observations, including antelopes, buffalo, and lions, making the effort worthwhile. If you intend to return to Dar es Salaam, the drive will typically take around five hours.
3. The Southern Highlands and Western Tanzania
Ideal Extended Road Trip
Dar es Salaam to Arusha; 648km (403 miles)
Devoting a few weeks, or even up to a month, allows for an enriching experience traversing the Southern Highlands and Western Tanzania. From Dar es Salaam, the route leads to Morogoro, a quaint town situated at the base of the Uluguru Mountains, providing ample opportunities for hiking. For a cultural experience, spend a day engaging with the Luguru community.
Your journey will take you through the Udzungwa Mountains on your way to Iringa, home to the Wahehe people. This proud society is known for their historical resistance against German colonization in 1891, and their name is derived from their battle cry, “hee twahumite, hee twahumite, he he he heeeeee” (“hey, we have emerged”).
The route from Iringa to Ruaha National Park is relatively straightforward, followed by travel along the Tanzam Highway to Mbeya. Along the way, enjoyable side trips await including canoeing on Lake Nyasa or hiking amidst the Tukuyu hills, culminating at Kitulo National Park, famed for its sunflowers and picturesque scenery.
For a more extensive exploration of this region, contemplate bypassing Kitulo and proceeding from Mbeya to Katavi National Park, which is one of the most remote and pristine wilderness regions in the nation. Reaching this area requires effort, but it is indeed rewarding. The expansive Katisunga Plain is captivating, as are the distinctive roan and sable antelope, which are rare in many parts of the continent.
As you approach Arusha, consider a stop at Gombe National Park, recognized as a habitat for habituated chimpanzees, made globally famous by the work of anthropologist Jane Goodall. Within the dense forest, the sounds of chimps will resonate as they communicate with each other in exuberant calls.
4. Northeastern Tanzania
Ideal Route for Variety
Kilimanjaro Airport to Dar es Salaam; 598km (372 miles)
A trip through Northeastern Tanzania caters to diverse preferences, accommodating both budget-conscious and luxury travelers, with a myriad of options for accommodation, cuisine, culture, history, and adventure.
Commencing from Kilimanjaro Airport, you will journey to Moshi, a bustling trading hub with vibrant markets. A visit to a coffee farm for a tour will illuminate the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans. Additionally, if interested, you may request your guide to arrange a visit to a local Chagga family; their economy relies on cultivating bananas, yams, maize, and beans.
Your trip will then lead you to the stark Usambara Mountains, which rise dramatically from the plains. Nature enthusiasts, including hikers, botanists, and bird watchers, will find this region fascinating, characterized by lush valleys and rainforests that form a vibrant canopy overhead. Extending your stay will allow you to utilize knowledgeable guides to explore the rugged terrain of the Pare Mountains, an adventure suited for those with a spirit for discovery.
As you approach the coast (and contemplate an additional visit to Zanzibar), you will encounter the coastal town of Pangani. This historical port once played a critical role in the slave trade, with influences from Asian, Arab, German, and British merchants reflected in the town’s architecture. Even now, the resonant calls of fishermen heading to sea with their nets fill the air.
This article was first published on Jan 22, 2022, and updated on Nov 25, 2023.
