Pick a sample route you like! We’ll customise it just for you and handle everything: your 4×4 rental, handpicked lodges, and all transfers. Or choose our Nomads route, which is directly bookable.
One legendary safari park after the next; the Northern Circuit is Tanzania’s classic safari self-drive itinerary.
This is an ideal roadtrip for Tanzania first-timers who primarily come for safari, have limited time, or want to combine their itinerary with a Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar add-on.
We recommend 10 days / 8 car rental days for this Tanzania self-drive tour.
This road trip takes you through all the highlights of the country. After your first night in Arusha, you’ll head to Tarangire, where elephants roam among the giant baobabs. Then, you’ll drive up towards the highlands of Ngorongoro for an unforgettable safari in the crater.
Next, you’ll cross the endless plains of the Serengeti, where you’ll spend the night right in the savannah. The route continues east along a spectacular road to Lake Natron, a rugged area of volcanoes, canyons, and traditional Maasai villages.
This itinerary includes Tanzania’s top safari parks, plus some undiscovered treasures. It involves picturesque self-drives on lesser-known routes, diverse hiking opportunities, and once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences. Due to its diversity, this is also a great Tanzania self-drive itinerary for families. This route is among our favourites!
You’ll explore Tarangire, Lake Eyasi, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Lake Natron and West Kilimanjaro.
We recommend 14 days / 13 car rental days to follow this Tanzania self-drive itinerary.
The bush-to-beach Tanzania safari is the ultimate one-way roadtrip and righteously our most popular one! Start in Arusha and hand over your car in Dar es Salaam (or vice versa). This Tanzania itinerary is ideal for those looking to combine the classic safari experience with mountain scenery, culture, and beach, while staying away from the crowds and high-end resorts. Because of its variety, this is also a great itinerary for family holidays.
We recommend 20+ days to follow this Tanzania self-drive itinerary.
Exploring Tanzania at your own pace is an unforgettable experience. Still, planning a self-drive trip here can feel like a lot. We’ve seen firsthand that our travellers enjoy Tanzania most when the practical details are arranged in advance by us, leaving more space to enjoy the journey itself. That balance of freedom and preparation is what our Tanzania self-drive tours are all about.
On this page, you’ll find practical information to support your planning. We’ve brought together 13 key topics with tips and frequently asked questions about self-driving and independent travel in Tanzania. They’re here to help you hit the road well prepared.
We chose to go with a driver which worked very well for us as our driver Stanley was very knowledgeable about birds, wildlife and the local area. He took us to the best places to see animals and birds and we did not have to worry about driving, finding the way or any mechanical issues, we could just focus on enjoying all the sights and sounds of Tanzania!
The vehicle we hired was very reliable and performed well on some challenging roads. The team was always available if you had questions or decided that you would take a driver-guide for a few days! Self drive with Roadtrip Africa gives you the freedom with the support when you need!
Tanzania is incredibly safe and beautiful to self-drive and we loved the experience, being doubtless one of the reasons we enjoyed this trip so much. Can’t recommend enough!
Customised itineraries
We design smart, well-paced routes for your self-drive in Tanzania — and handle all the details. From park permits to accommodation bookings, it’s all taken care of. Once confirmed, you’ll receive our detailed Travel Notes with driving directions, tips, and highlights along the way.
Prefer a tailor-made trip? Just let us know, we’re happy to create a custom route.
Handpicked accommodations
We work with small-scale, eco-conscious lodges and campsites we know and trust. Most fall in the mid- to high-end range, offering great value for money. Want to include a few luxury stays? No problem, just ask. Our team knows Tanzania inside out and will guide you to the best spots.
Want to sit back and enjoy the ride? Our driver-guides make your trip easier and a lot more fun. They know the best stops, secret picnic spots, and where to stop for snacks, an ATM, or just a great view.
They’re 4×4- and safari experts who know our cars ánd Tanzania’s parks like the back of their hand. That means fewer hiccups, smooth game drives and local tips along the way.
Sounds like your kind of road trip? Simply select the option of a driver-guide in our online booking form.
A few things to keep in mind when planning your self-drive:
And drive your own adventure