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Car Rental in Tanzania
From the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro to the beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania is best explored by car. Compare rental offers, book online with no hidden fees, and collect your vehicle directly at the airport.
Terms
Rental terms in Tanzania
The basic rules of most rental providers in the country. Exact terms of a specific offer are shown in the city search before payment.
- Driver age — from 23 years.
- Driving experience — from 2 years.
- Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge.
- Fuel policy: “full-to-full”.
- Cross-border travel to KE, UG and RW — by prior arrangement at booking.
- Basic insurance (CDW/TP) is included in the price.
- A Full CDW package reduces the excess to zero.
- No-deposit rentals are often available.
- National driving licence.
- Driver’s passport.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
- A bank card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
On the road
Driving rules in Tanzania
A driver’s guide for the country — common traveler questions: currency, fuel, speed limits, toll roads.
| Currency | TZS |
|---|---|
| Speed limits | 50 city · 80 rural · 100 expressway (km/h) |
| Blood alcohol limit | up to 0.8 ‰ |
| Daytime headlights | not required |
| Vignette (toll roads) | not required |
Traffic rules: Tanzania
- Drive on the left. Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road, and overtaking is on the right.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and up to 100 km/h on selected highways.
- Daytime headlights are not mandatory, but check that all lights are working before driving.
- The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%. Professional drivers are subject to a zero-tolerance policy. Violations may result in fines, licence suspension, or arrest.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
- Children under 5 must travel in a child seat. Children under 12 must sit in the rear seats.
- Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system.
- There is no vignette system.
- In national parks such as Serengeti and Ngorongoro, the maximum speed limit is 40 km/h. Driving off designated roads is prohibited.
- Driving in Zanzibar requires a temporary local driving permit, which is arranged by the rental company when you collect the car.
- Night driving outside cities is strongly discouraged due to unlit roads, wildlife, and poorly marked speed bumps.
- Cross-border travel to Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda requires COMESA insurance (Yellow Card) and prior approval from the rental company.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about car rental in Tanzania
License, deposit, border crossing, driver age and toll roads.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Tanzania?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for all foreign drivers and is mandatory if your driving licence is not issued in English. In Zanzibar, you also need a temporary local driving permit, which the rental company will arrange.
What is the minimum age for renting a car?
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 23 years old with a minimum of two years of driving experience. Drivers under 25 are often charged a young driver fee.
Is a security deposit required?
Yes. A deposit is blocked on the driver’s bank card and released after the vehicle is returned without damage. Cash deposits are rarely accepted, so check the rental conditions before booking.
Where can I pick up and return the car?
Rental offices are available at Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport (Arusha), as well as in Arusha, Zanzibar, Mwanza, and Moshi.
Can I drive to neighbouring countries?
Yes, travel to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda is possible with prior approval from the rental company. COMESA insurance (Yellow Card) is required and is usually arranged by the rental provider.
Which insurance should I choose?
Basic CDW insurance is included. If you plan to visit national parks or drive on unpaved roads, Full CDW with zero excess is recommended to protect against damage to the bumper or underbody.
What is the fuel policy?
Most rentals operate on a full-to-full policy. Petrol stations are scarce in remote areas and near national parks, so refuel whenever possible and consider carrying extra fuel in a jerry can.
When is the best time to rent a car in Tanzania?
The dry seasons (June to October and January to February) are the best times for safaris and road trips. During the rainy seasons (March to May and November to December), many unpaved roads become difficult to access, making a 4WD vehicle highly recommended.
Nearby
Similar destinations
Neighboring and kindred countries of the Balkans and the Caucasus with built-in car search.
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