Getting Around Tanzania: A Comprehensive Guide
The majority of travelers visiting Tanzania are here to enjoy the wilderness of the African bush. The roads connecting destinations on the popular Northern Circuit—linking the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro National Park, and a string of other sights and wildlife reserves—are well-maintained.
Away from these touristed areas, however, overland travel can be slow and uncomfortable. Many prefer to cover long distances by plane, particularly when accessing remote lodges and tented camps in Tanzania’s national parks, though this can be expensive.
For those who cannot afford the lavish prices of air transfers, buses are a terrific option. Within cities and towns, dalla dalla (community minibuses), boda boda (motorcycle taxis), and bajaji (tuk-tuks) are all cheaper than conventional taxis. Then there are trains on Tanzania’s modest rail network, boats linking the islands in the Indian Ocean, and towns along Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika.
Flying is the Fastest Way to Get Around Tanzania
Tanzania has three international airports served by a wide range of international and regional airlines, with particularly good connections to other parts of Africa and the Gulf. In Dar es Salaam, Julius Nyerere International Airport is the busiest hub, with connecting flights to regional airports and private airstrips all over Tanzania.
Known as the “Gateway to Africa’s Wildlife Heritage,” Kilimanjaro International Airport is served by flights from various countries in Europe and the Middle East, along with local hops and charter flights to and from northern Tanzania’s national parks.
In Zanzibar, Abeid Amani Karume International Airport brings in travelers looking for white sand, blue skies, and warm ocean waters, with many connections to African capitals and the Middle East, plus seasonal flights from Europe.
Domestic airlines operate daily flights from major cities to popular tourist centers like Arusha, Zanzibar, Mafia Island, Mwanza, Pemba Island, and Iringa. Some smaller towns and islands receive less frequent scheduled flights using small aircraft with small baggage allowances.
Tip for flying in Tanzania: Many high-end safari lodges have their own airstrips and use private charter companies to shuttle guests, avoiding long days of travel by road. Fares are typically included in the final rate you pay, but many charter airlines have a 15kg per passenger baggage allowance and prefer passengers to use soft-sided bags rather than hard suitcases.
Rent a 4WD to Explore Tanzania Independently
Tanzania boasts an extensive road network covering almost 90,000km (56,000 miles), but only 15% of the country’s roads are tarred. If you’re not deterred by local driving conditions, going on a road trip on your own can be an enjoyable way to explore.
Because road conditions deteriorate quickly once you leave the main towns, hiring a Land Cruiser or a similar 4WD with an accompanying driver is a good idea. Your driver can act as an unofficial tour guide and navigate Tanzania’s potholed roads.
Rental agencies located in major towns and cities charge from US$50 per day for a basic 2WD car and upwards of US$150 a day for a 4WD. Insurance is extra, and you’ll pay another US$30 to US$50 per day for a driver. Most hire companies also provide roadside assistance in case of mechanical issues.
Make sure to present your driver’s license at hire offices. Agencies typically accept licenses from your home country as long as they are in English. You can even hire a 4WD equipped with camping gear for national park trips. However, avoid driving at night due to potholes and wandering wildlife.
Tip for renting a car in Tanzania: When parking in towns, car guards will look after your vehicle for a small fee, providing a ticket to display on your windscreen. Always lock your doors while driving in town to reduce the risk of crime.
Taxis and Ride-Shares for City Hops and Airport Transfers
At most airports, bus stations, and shopping centers, you’ll find a taxi easily. Tanzanian taxis are white or have white license plates and can be hailed from the roadside. However, it’s easiest to ask your hotel or restaurant concierge to organize one for you.
Uber has also made a significant presence in Tanzania, making ride-shares another convenient option. Many hotels and lodges provide in-house shuttles for airport transfers and other transport hubs.
Tips for taking taxis in Tanzania: Tanzanian taxis are not metered, so always negotiate a price before getting in. At the airports in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, taxi associations post lists of fares to key destinations as a guide.
Buses: An Inexpensive Way to Travel in Tanzania
If you are budget-conscious, Tanzania has an expansive bus network that reaches almost everywhere by road. The John Magufuli Bus Terminal in Dar es Salaam sees about 3000 buses pass through each day to all corners of the country. Buses can be fast on major intercity roads but are typically slower on minor tracks, with frequent stops being the norm.
Various bus companies travel from Dar es Salaam to the coast, towns across Tanzania, and border crossings to neighboring countries, with some international services to Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Buses range from basic vehicles to luxury options with air conditioning and toilets.
Local Buses: Handy for Exploring Big Cities
To ease traffic congestion in Dar es Salaam, the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system was introduced, helping millions of residents avoid the city’s notorious traffic jams. Buses operate in designated lanes, allowing for easier movement.
Only parts of Dar es Salaam are covered by these blue buses, but they are great for exploring the city center. Look out for ticket offices, and check the destination illuminated on the front of each bus.
Tip for getting around by bus in Dar es Salaam: The John Magufuli Bus Terminal has ticket purchasing on the third floor. Compare prices and schedules before booking and be cautious of touts offering to help.
Trains: An Atmospheric and Affordable Way to Explore Tanzania
Travel by train is another affordable option, although services can be unreliable. Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) runs a deluxe passenger service from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma on Lake Tanganyika and a limited commuter train service in Dar es Salaam.
TRC also offers services from Dar es Salaam to Arusha via Moshi and to Mwanza via Tabora. It’s worth paying higher fares for 1st and 2nd-class coaches with onboard catering and wi-fi.
Ferries and Water Taxis Link Coastal Islands and Lakeside Towns
Ferries and water taxis transport passengers from the mainland to the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and various islands in the Zanzibar archipelago. Azam Marine is one of several companies providing these services. Ferry tickets are usually paid for in US dollars, and local cruises are also popular.
Local Transport: Cheap But Crowded
The dalla dalla is a shared minibus that operates like a local bus service and is ubiquitous in Tanzania. These minibuses can often be overcrowded, so plan accordingly. For quicker transport, consider a boda boda (motorcycle taxi), though keep in mind the associated risks.
Accessible Transportation in Tanzania
While dedicated facilities for travelers with disabilities are limited, Tanzanians are accommodating and willing to assist. Sidewalks often lack wheelchair accessibility, but tour agencies in major cities can arrange inclusive safaris. Contact lodges in advance if you have specific needs.
