Car Rental in Tanzania: A Hassle-Free Experience with Adventure

Planning to explore a country where you can explore off-beat places, view natural landscapes, sun basking on the island, and complete the adventure with jungle safaris? One place for all these adventures is Tanzania, a country where you can explore culture and nature.

However, the important part is that you explore the place according to your teams and at your pace. For this, the best option is to consider car rental services so that you can explore any place with your privacy and comfort. So, here is a guide for you to select an affordable car rental in Tanzania.

Why Rent a Car in Tanzania?

Though renting a car in Tanzania can be expensive and many tourists may not be keen on it, it is essential if you want to explore the country. Although other forms of transport in Tanzania’s public transport systems are available, they may be generally limited and or unreliable more so in the hinterland of Tanzania. For instance, with a rental car, you can decide how much time you would like to spend at a particular attraction, discover places that are away from the usual routes, and also make any necessary detours when needed. In addition, if occupants include family members or friends who are in big numbers, a rental car would be much cheaper than body parts taxis or rather any other means of transport.

Understanding Tanzania's Road Conditions

The availability and the quality of the roads in Tanzania tend to vary depending on the region. The major cities like Dar es Salaam and those around Arusha have tarmacked roads that are in an average state; however, more rural and remote regions tend to pose some difficulties in terms of road network.

Dirt roads, potholes, and unnamed alloys are to be found especially in less developed geographical regions. During the rainy season March to May and November to December, the roads get slippery and wet, especially in the countryside. For this reason, a 4x4 is usually recommended.

Driving Tips and Safety Considerations

As every country has different driving rules and environments, here are some tips that will help you with a self-drive car rental:

Drive on the Left:

Tanzania adopts the British way of driving which is driving on the left side. This can be quite a challenge for those coming from these countries driving on the right.

Speed Limits:

In Tanzania, different speed limits are enforced depending on the place in question; 50 kilometers per hour for urban areas, 80 kilometers per hour, and above for highways. However, be cautious to make the necessary adaptation to the speed up to the effective speed if road conditions do not allow it.

Wildlife and Pedestrians:

Keep an eye out for the animals when within the national parks, and be especially wary of behaving as if you're the only one on the road when driving near the edges of them. Animals can uncontrollably stray to the roads. In the country’s outskirts roads are generally crowded with people, cyclists, and sometimes cars.

Police Checkpoints:

On the intercity and other busy roads in Tanzania, it is common to find police roadblocks. So, you must keep all the documents like driver’s license, car insurance, and other important ones.

Fuel Availability:

You will find plenty of petrol stations in the cities but when you are in the middle of the country it’s hard to find those facilities. Therefore, it is better to refill your tank every time you have such an opportunity, particularly before undertaking long-distance trips.

Best Practices for a Hassle-Free Experience

Here are some practices that can smoothen your car rental experience in Tanzania:

Book in Advance:

In the peak seasons, it can be difficult to rent a car or get it at affordable prices. So, booking in advance can give you options to choose from at affordable prices.

Choose a Reputable Rental Company:

Choosing the right company is essential as you can get decent prices and better services. So, check the reviews and ratings before you go for cheap car hire.

Conclusion

The country has different cities and places to explore and each place can give you different vibes. You can explore jungle safaris in the national park, islands in Zanzibar, cultural markets and towns, trekking at Mount Kilimanjaro, and city life, all at once. Therefore, making the trip memorable and with ease is essential.

Explore the car rental services at Smiles Cars Rental in Tanzania, where you can get affordable prices, vehicle choices, and comfort.