Tanzania car rentals
Car rental directory
Europcar car rental locations in Tanzania
5 Locations
1First Car Rental car rental locations in Tanzania
4 Locations
keddy by Europcar car rental locations in Tanzania
4 Locations
Sixt car rental locations in Tanzania
3 Locations
Autounion Car Rental car rental locations in Tanzania
2 Locations
GREEN MOTION car rental locations in Tanzania
2 Locations
Hertz car rental locations in Tanzania
2 Locations
Karibu Kwetu Zanzibar car rental locations in Tanzania
2 Locations
NU Car car rental locations in Tanzania
1 Location
Sunnycars car rental locations in Tanzania
1 Location
Top tips for renting a car in Tanzania
- Renting a car in Tanzania can be a great way to explore the national parks for which the country is so famous. Self-drive safaris are permitted in most of the parks for travelers who want to enjoy maximum flexibility. Popular driving destinations include the Serengeti National Park, Lake Tanganyika, Selous Game Reserve, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Zanzibar Island is also a popular self-drive destination, thanks to a lack of public transportation and the manageable size of the island.
- By far, the best kind of vehicle to rent in Tanzania is a four-by-four: road conditions can be hazardous, and this kind of car will offer added stability on all kinds of terrain. In several areas of the country, such as Serengeti and Gombe Stream National Park, four-by-fours are required for anyone who wishes to drive. When making simple driving excursions on Zanzibar, a normal sedan should be fine, but those wishing to explore remoter areas may find a four-by-four to be a more comfortable option.
- While the only official seatbelt rules in Tanzania state that they must be worn in the driver’s seat and front passenger seats, anyone with kids who chooses to rent a car in Tanzania is advised to place their children in an appropriate restraint. Rental agencies like Europcar can provide an infant or booster seat for around 11,500-23,000 TSZ (5-10 USD) per day.
- Some rental agencies will allow cross-border travel into neighboring states such as Kenya, although this is usually dependent on additional insurance, paperwork, and fees. Agencies such as Europcar require renters to state their plans in advance, while First prohibits all international travel. Drivers should usually also inform the agency if planning to take their rental car on the ferry to Zanzibar.
FAQs about renting a car in Tanzania
On average a rental car in Tanzania costs C$ 115 per day.
Full-size (Ford Ranger or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Tanzania.
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at 1First Car Rental (C$ 57/day) and Autounion Car Rental (C$ 62/day).
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
On average a rental car in Tanzania costs C$ 757 per week (C$ 108 per day).
On average a rental car in Tanzania costs C$ 3,245 per month (C$ 108 per day).
Driving is generally considered relatively safe in Tanzania, although anyone who chooses to rent a car here is advised to never drive after dark. Road conditions range from paved highways to dirt tracks, and you will also encounter congested city traffic and rural hazards, such as people and livestock on the road. Driving is on the left, and it is important to maintain a safe speed and to drive defensively.
To rent a car in Tanzania, drivers usually need to be at least 21 years of age and have a valid domestic driver’s license printed in the Roman alphabet. On Zanzibar Island, however, an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is an additional requirement. Some agencies, such as First, charge an additional daily fee for young drivers age 21-23.
Gas stations in Tanzania are common in urban areas but are very widely spaced in rural regions. It is probably smart to travel with a can of spare fuel and never to pass up an opportunity to fill the tank. Most stations take cash only and have attendants to work the pump; drivers simply hand over the amount they would like to fuel up to. Prices fluctuate but tend to be around 2,200 TZS (0.95 USD) for a liter of gasoline or diesel, which is 3.59 USD a gallon.
Speed limits in Tanzania are typically 40-50 km/h (25-31 mph) in urban areas and 80 km/h (50 mph) on rural roads, unless otherwise signed. In practice, however, many drivers find themselves reaching a maximum speed of around 60 km/h (37 mph) on paved roads and 25 km/h (15 mph) on gravel roads. For safety, it is always best to travel slower than you think you should. Fixed speed cameras are uncommon, but traffic police carry out many roadside patrols.