How to Travel Around Tanzania
Tanzania is a massive country known for its exotic animal encounters, dramatic landscapes, world-class beaches, and rich cultural traditions that vary from region to region. It’s a country few explore in-depth, yet one that always seems to captivate anyone who visits.
Clearly, there is a lot to see here.
Where many countries in Africa do have their struggles, there are also many places where tourism is booming. Whether you’re looking for an intrepid budget backpacking experience or a more luxurious safari getaway, you’ll be able to find it somewhere in this Beautiful Country.
But how do you get around while you’re here?
To help you plan your next adventure, here’s everything you need to know about traveling Tanzania — no matter your budget!
Overland Tanzania Safari Tours:
Overland safari tours are organized package tours of Tanzania. They are the easiest way to see the continent, catering to more short-term travelers who want to see Tanzania without a hassle. If you’re a little intimidated about traveling Tanzania on your own, this may be your best option.
Overland tours are more expensive than doing things yourself, but food, transport, and accommodation costs are all included. You can usually find a wide variety of options as well, from basic backpacker tours to more luxurious options. Small group tours will be your cheapest option, though private tours will also be available (though much more expensive).
These tours are generally perfect for people who don’t want to plan and research a trip and/or travelers who want to minimize hassle while they’re there.
Seven-day all-inclusive tours start around $1,200 USD per person, though prices will vary depending on which countries you visit and how luxurious your trip is.
Public Buses
Traveling by bus gives you an opportunity to be a part of other passengers’ everyday lives. You’ll get the opportunity to learn about how the locals get around and experience a more authentic way of traveling the Country.
It will require a bit more planning, but it’s an affordable way to travel. Plus, you’ll get the opportunity to converse with the locals. You’ll find that people will go out of their way to make sure that you, as a visitor, are comfortable and safe as possible.
Public buses will usually cost between $3–$30 USD depending on how far you’re going. More often than not, they are used for city travel or inter-city journeys where there is a good network of sealed roads. These buses are generally comfortable, safe, and spacious.
Cities or regions that have fewer or no sealed roads will usually have much older buses that frequently break down and are overcrowded. You’ll want to make sure you plan ahead, secure your valuables, and expect delays.
For these trips, make sure that all your valuables are stored on you/within reach and not in your luggage that’s checked below or above the bus. While thefts are rare, it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.
Minivans
How many people do you think you can fit in a minivan? Tanznania is the place that defines the limit to that answer. Just when you think they couldn’t possibly fit another person in, they have them stand on the windowsill outside the van.
While this may not be the most luxurious method of travel, it’s definitely a memorable one — and an affordable one, too! Minivans are an incredibly cheap way to get around and are usually taken for journeys up to six hours long within a country (or to a neighboring country). Unless you’ve pre-booked a journey with a company, most minivans don’t leave until they are full, so jump on one that looks ready to go and avoid waiting for hours until it fills up.
Like public buses, prices are cheap. Expect to pay anywhere from $1-20 USD depending on how far you are going.
Car Hire
Hiring a car will put a dent in your budget, but it will give you much more flexibility. If you’re heading out to a game reserve, make sure you know which game parks you want to go to and where the best viewing areas are so you can plan accordingly and cut down on fuel expenses.
In addition to renting a car for safaris, another popular option is to rent a car to drive the beautiful Garden Route, a popular and scenic stretch of the TANZANIA coast. Car rentals from Tanzania can be found for as cheap as $35-55 USD per day, especially if you book online.
If you are planning on long-term travel in TANZANIA, you may even consider buying your own 4WD to tour the Country or Africa in general. Tanzania would be the best place to find a vehicle to purchase. You can also look for a departing traveler ready to sell their vehicle
When planning your Tanzania travel adventure, carefully consider your budget, itinerary, and safety interests before making your transportation decisions. While public transport is cheap and authentic, it’s generally uncomfortable and less safe than other options.
Hiring or buying a car is the more expensive choice but will give you greater freedom as well as maintain an authentic experience. Overland safari tours will be expensive and less authentic but will give you an all-inclusive package and the greatest sense of safety.
