Tanzania Distances & Driving Times - Create a Realistic and Unforgettable Itinerary
Are you eager to start planning your ultimate roadtrip to Tanzania? While distances might seem doable on apps like Google Maps, we have noticed that most travellers underestimate the country's driving times.
With our Tanzania Roadtrip Planner, we give you a clear idea of what distances to expect when self-driving in Tanzania. Besides providing you with distances and realistic driving times, we have also added some extra advice on how to design your ideal itinerary in Tanzania.
Need some assistance? Share your day-to-day itinerary with us, so we can cross-check feasibility and help you where needed. Have fun planning and don't forget to take it easy and enjoy your time in Tanzania!
Tanzania roadtrip planner | Distances & driving times
The times provided in our table are realistic but approximate. Factors such as weather and changing road conditions can affect your actual travel duration. When using navigation apps like Google Maps or Maps.me, add roughly one-third to the estimated travel time.
Instead of planning the entire day's journey in one go, break it into segments. This precaution helps avoid following Google Maps' shortest route, which may lead you onto poorly maintained or nonexistent back roads, potentially increasing both travel time and the wear on your vehicle. In Tanzania, taking shortcuts is not advisable!
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Tips for creating the best Tanzania self-drive itinerary
When designing your Tanzania travel itinerary, make sure to take the following planning advice at heart:
- Being constantly on the move does not make your Tanzania (self-drive) holiday more fun. Plan at least two nights at each location to appreciate where you are. If you booked a beautiful lodge, ensure you have time to enjoy it. Some lodges are a destination in their own right. Besides that, you have to build some flexibility to allow for the unexpected, as things might work out differently than planned. Jam-packed itineraries cause long driving days, speeding and fatigue, which is dangerous and can lead to accidents on the road.
- Don't plan lots of driving on days when you need to catch a flight. If something goes wrong, there's instant stress. You can rely on excellent road support from our end, but things take time to organize and cooperation from both sides.
- Build in variation. Do not underestimate the game driving/viewing inside the national parks. These can be challenging and tiresome activities for the driver and the travel companions. Best is to alternate vehicle-based activities (Tanzania safari drives and getting from A to B), with activities to stretch your legs, such as walks/hikes or cultural experiences. For further inspiration and tips, check out our Tanzania Travel Blog.
- Alternate camping & lodges. At Roadtrip Africa, we are big fans of alternating camping stays with nights spent at lodges. Many upmarket lodges are foreign-owned, but it can also be a gratifying and authentic experience to stay at a more budget-friendly, locally-owned, guesthouse.
- 'polé polé' (slowly slowly) is a lifestyle in Tanzania. Expect everything to take a while, from fuel stops to entering parks, ordering a meal, etc.
And don't forget: a roadtrip in Tanzania is best enjoyed when you believe that the adventure lies in the journey, not the destination....Have fun!
