Getting Around Tanzania
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use dala-dalas for Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Rural: Rent a car for national parks exploration. Coast/Islands: Ferries and water taxis. For convenience, book airport transfers from Dar es Salaam to your destination.
Train Travel
TAZARA Railway
Limited but scenic train network connecting Dar es Salaam to southern regions and Zambia border with weekly services.
Cost: Dar to Mbeya TZS 50,000-100,000 (US$20-40), journeys 12-24 hours.
Tickets: Buy at stations or online via TRC app, first-class recommended for comfort.
Peak Times: Book in advance for dry season (June-Oct) to secure seats and avoid delays.
Central Line Passes
Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) offers single tickets or multi-journey passes for domestic routes like Dar to Dodoma.
Best For: Budget travelers on long hauls, savings for multiple stops in central Tanzania.
Where to Buy: Major stations like Dar es Salaam or Mwanza, with ID required for purchase.
Scenic & International Routes
Trains link to neighboring countries via TAZARA, with views of savannas and mountains en route to Zambia.
Booking: Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead, especially for tourist season, discounts for groups.
Main Stations: Dar es Salaam Central is the hub, with connections to coastal and inland lines.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for safaris and rural areas. Compare rental prices from US$30-60/day at Dar es Salaam Airport and Arusha, 4x4 recommended.
Requirements: International license, credit card, minimum age 21, passport for deposit.
Insurance: Full coverage essential for off-road, includes liability and theft protection.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal on major roads like A7, pay in cash at checkpoints (TZS 5,000-10,000).
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and livestock, roundabouts common in cities.
Parking: Free in rural areas, guarded lots in cities TZS 2,000-5,000/day.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available in towns at TZS 3,000-3,500/liter (US$1.20-1.40) for petrol, diesel similar.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, essential in remote areas.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Dar es Salaam, potholes common on rural roads during rains.
Urban Transport
Dala-Dalas (Minibuses)
Colorful minibuses for city and inter-town travel, single ride TZS 500-2,000 (US$0.20-0.80), crowded but cheap.
Validation: Pay conductor on board, shout stop when ready, watch for pickpockets.
Apps: Limited, but Google Maps helps track routes in Dar and Arusha.
Boda-Bodas & Taxis
Motorcycle taxis (boda-bodas) TZS 1,000-5,000 for short rides, taxis negotiate fares US$5-15 in cities.
Routes: Ubiquitous in urban areas, great for quick hops but wear helmets.
Tours: Use registered taxis for airport runs, apps like Uber emerging in Dar.
Ferries & Water Taxis
Azam Marine ferries connect Dar to Zanzibar, TZS 30,000-50,000 (US$12-20) round-trip, 2-hour sailings.
Tickets: Buy at port or online, speedboats faster but pricier for islands.
Local Services: Water taxis in Stone Town, Zanzibar for beach hops TZS 5,000-10,000.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stations in cities for easy access, Arusha or Moshi for Kilimanjaro base.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (June-Oct) and major events like Zanzibar festivals.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for wildlife migration travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, mosquito nets, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in cities and major roads, spotty in rural parks; 5G emerging in Dar es Salaam.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from US$5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Vodacom, Airtel, and Tigo offer prepaid SIMs from TZS 5,000-10,000 (US$2-4) with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for TZS 15,000 (US$6), 10GB for TZS 25,000 (US$10), unlimited for TZS 50,000/month.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, cafes, and tourist spots; paid in some rural lodges.
Public Hotspots: Airports and malls offer free access, but speeds vary.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in urban areas, sufficient for maps and messaging.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3, no daylight saving observed year-round.
- Airport Transfers: Dar es Salaam Airport 12km from city, taxi TZS 30,000 (US$12) (20 min), or book private transfer for US$20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (TZS 5,000/day) and hotels in major cities.
- Accessibility: Buses and trains limited, many parks offer 4x4 accessible vehicles for wildlife viewing.
- Pet Travel: Not recommended due to wildlife risks, check safari operator policies if needed.
- Bike Transport: Boda-bodas carry small items free, larger bikes on buses for TZS 5,000 extra.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Tanzania
Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Julius Nyerere International (DAR): Primary gateway, 12km from Dar center with taxi connections.
Kilimanjaro International (JRO): For northern safaris, 45km from Arusha, shuttle US$20 (1 hour).
Zanzibar (ZNZ): Island hub with direct flights, 5km from Stone Town, taxi US$15.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (June-Oct) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Nairobi and taking bus to Arusha for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Precision Air, Fastjet, and Air Tanzania serve domestic routes with regional connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transfers to parks when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities, typical withdrawal fee TZS 3,000-5,000, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels/tourist spots, cash preferred elsewhere.
- Contactless Payment: Limited, growing in Dar; carry cash for most transactions.
- Cash: Essential for markets, dala-dalas, and rural areas, keep US$50-100 or TZS equivalent in small notes.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants, US$1-2 for guides/porters in safaris.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport bureaus with poor rates.