Carnet de voyage

A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to make your Tanzania Roadtrip smooth and safe.

• Before you hit the road, for all routes

Driving times are approximate and may vary depending on the exact location of your accommodation. Always check its location before setting off, as you may sometimes pass your accommodation before reaching the town or destination mentioned in your travel plan.

• Visa

Most travellers need a visa for Tanzania. The easiest way is to apply online at visa.immigration.go.tz. Make sure to print your application and carry it with you — you’ll need to show it when you arrive. Apply well in advance, as processing can take up to a month. Didn’t manage in time? No worries, you can also get your visa on arrival.

• Yellow fever vaccination

This one only applies if you come from a country where yellow fever occurs. If that’s the case (age 1+), you’ll need proof of vaccination at the border. Just transited through such a country? Then you don’t need it. The good news: the vaccine protects you for life. Find the list of countries with a risk of virus transmission here.

• Visiting Zanzibar

Planning to visit Zanzibar after your roadtrip? All visitors (except residents) must have Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. It’s quick to arrange online. You can apply for it here.

• Stay connected

Buy a local SIM card and load it with airtime and data — essential for navigation and staying in touch. Airtel works best for the Northern Safari circuit, and Vodacom and Tiggo work best for the coastal region. Coverage is good across most of the country.

• Bring a credit card.

The best way to handle money on your travels is to bring cash, multiple debit cards and a credit card. Why? Always carry cash for the unexpected. Most lodges and restaurants don’t accept foreign debit cards. Credit cards work at high-end places, but don’t count on it everywhere. As ATMs apply daily withdrawal limits, it is handy to carry an extra debit card. Park fees can only be paid via credit card.

• Plan your drive wisely

The driving times we mention are just that: driving times. Always add extra time for fuel stops, lunch breaks, and unexpected delays. You’ll also notice that our times are longer than what Google Maps suggests. That’s on purpose. Google is often too optimistic in Tanzania, especially on smaller roads and in national parks. Our estimates reflect what you can realistically expect behind the wheel.

• Use smart navigation

Combine Google Maps with the Maps.me app. Pro tip: Map your route in short sections, targeting the next major town, instead of the whole day at once. Google loves shortcuts — not all of them are good!

• Essential tools on board

Your car comes with a Nelles map of Tanzania. Handy when mobile coverage drops.

• Start early

On travel days, hit the road early. It gives you breathing space for surprises and lets you enjoy the drive at a relaxed pace.

• Mind your speed

Highways: Max 80 km/h (even if the official limit is 100 km/h)
Urban areas: Stick to 40 km/h
Watch out for unmarked speed bumps at town entrances and potholes that can damage the car or cause flat tyres.

• No driving after dark

Road conditions become dangerous after 7 PM: poor street lighting and approaching traffic that often uses high beams make it challenging to detect potholes, pedestrians, and animals crossing the road. Gates of the national parks close at 6 PM and won’t let you in to reach your lodge at sunset.

• Fuel up smart

Stick to the major brands/ chains in towns like Shell, Total, Puma, Mount Meru and BP.

• Stay secure

Always lock your doors in cities and towns. Don’t leave valuables unattended in the car.

• Be prepared

Carry some cash, drinking water, and a fully charged phone. It’s your best backup when plans change.

• Food tips

Good lunch spots are rare outside the cities. If we know of a nice place, we’ll mention it in the notes. Otherwise, bring a lunchbox from your lodge. Feeling adventurous? Try a local Chipsi Mayai — a hearty omelette made with fries mixed or layered into beaten eggs. It’s often considered the country’s unofficial national street food!

• National Park visits

We take care of your park permits in advance. You’ll find the entrances listed in your Travel Plan.

1. Validity: A day pass is valid for 12 hours and allows a single entry. If you stay the night inside a park lodge, your permit is valid for 24 hours. This means you can enjoy both a morning and an afternoon game drive.
2. Park gates: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You may enter and exit through different gates, depending on where you stay the night.
3. Optional visits: If your itinerary lists a visit as optional, the permit is not included. You can buy it directly at the gate on arrival. No need to worry about being denied entry — TANAPA does not limit visitor numbers. Payment is by credit card only (Visa or Mastercard). Cash and debit cards are not accepted. Check our website for the latest entrance fees.
4. Exit stamp – very important!
   Always get an exit stamp when leaving a national park. If no ranger is present at the gate, go to the nearest ranger post. Forgetting to check out may trigger a search, and fines will be issued. These fines will be charged to you.