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Tanzania car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire in Tanzania

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Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
People carrier car
People carrier
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
M

Top tips for hiring 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.
  • Book your rental car in Tanzania at least 4 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Economy rental cars in Tanzania are around 55% more expensive than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Tanzania

  • What is the most popular car hire in Tanzania?

    Economy (Toyota RAV4 or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Tanzania.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Tanzania?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • What is driving like in Tanzania?

    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.

  • How old do you have to be to hire a car in Tanzania?

    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.

  • How much does petrol cost in Tanzania?

    Petrol 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 petrol or diesel, which is 3.59 USD a gallon.

  • What are the speed limits in Tanzania?

    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.

Car rental directory

  • autounion

    Autounion Car Rental car hire locations in Tanzania

    13 Locations

  • discount.quebec

    DISCOUNT.QUEBEC car hire locations in Tanzania

    11 Locations

  • europcar

    Europcar car hire locations in Tanzania

    9 Locations

  • keddy

    keddy by Europcar car hire locations in Tanzania

    9 Locations

  • sunnycars

    Sunnycars car hire locations in Tanzania

    7 Locations

  • flexways

    FlexWays car hire locations in Tanzania

    6 Locations

  • 1firstcarrental

    1First Car Rental car hire locations in Tanzania

    5 Locations

  • sixtrentacar

    Sixt car hire locations in Tanzania

    5 Locations

  • karibukwetuzanzibar

    Karibu Kwetu Zanzibar car hire locations in Tanzania

    4 Locations

  • surpricecarrental

    SURPRICE CAR RENTAL car hire locations in Tanzania

    4 Locations

  • alma

    Alma Car Hire car hire locations in Tanzania

    3 Locations

  • hertz

    Hertz car hire locations in Tanzania

    3 Locations

Good to know

Most popular car type

Economy

When to book a rental car in Tanzania

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Car hire locations in Tanzania

The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for hire cars for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car hires listed or dates of travel. Some hire car providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the website of the respective hire car provider.