IS IT SAFE TO RENT A CAR IN TANZANIA
Tanzania is one of the top destinations for trekking and safari for tourists from different parts of the world, and this is because of the unique tourist attractions that are found in various parts of the country. These unique attractions of Tanzania are the world and mountains, as well as the Zanzibar safari beaches, and this is extremely interesting.
Tanzania is a popular destination for several tourist visitors, and because of the interesting attractions, some of the visitors ponder whether they should explore Tanzania by themselves or by using a safari guide.
Yes, it is possible to go on self-drive while on a Tanzania safari adventure vacation. However, in this article, we look at the opportunities and challenges of self-drive tours or safari in Tanzania, and thus you need to read this if you’re interested in going to Tanzania on your own. We hope that these insights will help you make the best decision on whether to go for the self-drive tours in Tanzania or look for a guide for your safari.
TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN TANZANIA
Group size
When renting a car in Tanzania, first, you need to know how big your group is. Are you traveling as a group, family, or an individual/solo? For large group safari travelers, you will require a slightly bigger rental car for instance a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a capacity of 6-7pax, bigger groups of 28-30pax require you to hire a Coaster bus.
For travelers on solo/self-drive tours, a 4×4 Toyota V8, VX, TX are preferable the best cars to take you around. In case your visit is mainly for camping, then rent a car with a rooftop tent. The mentioned rental Land Cruisers are also ideal for family trips.
Luggage size
Packing for Tanzania safari often comes with its own challenges. Some visitors are left with no knowledge of what to carry and at the end of it all, they feel they can bring the whole closet back home. No need to carry heavy luggage, select only essential pieces, and interestingly, all our rental cars in Uganda have luxurious cargo or luggage room that accommodates every bit of your luggage.
Rent a car that you are familiar with
Not to have issues on a road trip, endeavor to look for a rental car in Tanzania with related features like the one you drive back home. This won’t give you hard time driving it in any part of Uganda. We have a range of comfortable self-drive rental cars for you to navigate around Uganda safely and they include Toyota Rav4, Safari Vans, etc.
Know your budget
Every rental car has a price tag. Before hiring a car in Tanzania, at the back of your mind you know how much you would like to spend. When renting a car, you should be prepared with hiring costs and other expenses which are likely to occur while you are on a road trip.
Terms and conditions
All tour operators or car hire companies have stipulated terms and conditions. These are guiding principles that every traveler planning to rent a car in Tanzania should read thoroughly and understand.
Know your destination
How far is the airport from your destination? For long road trips like wildlife safaris in Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro National park among others, a rental car should be a must to hire. Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most famous national parks and natural attractions, including majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.
Tanzania is a feast for the senses. It is unparalleled for its natural beauty, unique wildlife viewing, and rich culture. The landscape is shaped by extremes. Where mountains, lakes, grasslands, and rainforests are not uncommon to see within the same area. Also safaris in Tanzania are some of the best in the world, with most of them never going without seeing one of the “Big 5” of game animals: lions, leopards, rhinoceros’, elephants, and buffalo.
Read and obey the road driving rules
Tanzania like other destinations has road/traffic rules for travelers to follow. Failure to follow some of these rules and regulations may land you in penalties or cost you in terms of road accidents. There are several road signs along the routes to your destinations and you must observe them at all times to avoid any issues that may ruin your exploration in Tanzania. You can as well inquire more from your car hire company or let the reservation explain to you the road signs if you don’t understand them in case you are on a self-drive.
SAFETY TIPS FOR TANZANIA
In order to guarantee a smooth trip to Tanzania, there are certain safety tips that travelers should be aware of. Those traveling to Tanzania should:
- Follow travel health advice – Tanzania is a country where tropical diseases are present, so it’s a good idea to get the recommended vaccinations for Tanzania before traveling, as well as to ask your doctor for advice on taking anti-malarial drugs.
- Be wary of being approached by strangers – Avoid accepting food or drink from someone you don’t know. Be skeptical of anyone who claims to recognize you, or approaches you to ask for ‘donations’ or offer special deals on safaris or other tourist activities. Touts can be very pushy in the main tourist areas, so it’s a good idea to walk with purpose and avoid engaging to avoid giving the impression that you have recently arrived.
- Be vigilant of your belongings – Just like you would in any major city around the world, keep a close eye on luggage at airports and bus stations, and try to get a taxi to your onward destination as soon as you arrive. Try not to walk around town with your luggage: leave it with a friend or at a reliable hotel if you need to go out. Valuables such as your passport and money should be kept in a zip-locked bag close to your body and well-hidden under clothing, or left in a safe in a reliable hotel.
- Be aware transportation accidents are a problem – Travelers are advised to exercise caution if using long-distance buses in the country, as they can be involved in accidents. Travelers wishing to take a boat ride are advised to be vigilant and refuse a ride on a ferry if they perceive it to be overcrowded or unseaworthy.
- Exercise caution if self-driving in Tanzania – Travelers should be very careful on the roads in general to minimize the chances of an accident. Drive-by robberies can also be a problem, so keep all vehicle side windows up when stopped in traffic and keep bags and valuables out of sight.
- Check local updates before traveling to western Tanzania – This area, especially along the border with Burundi, can be prone to outbursts of banditry and political unrest. Get a local update before making any plans to visit the region.
Conclusion
Renting a car and driving in Tanzania is safe without doubt, the most exciting experience of its own and to some travelers, it is a dream come true. Rental cars play an important part in visitor exploration in Tanzania whether it is on a self-drive or driver-guided tour. The amazing bit about renting a car and driving in Tanzania is that visitors are guaranteed ultimate comfort, privacy, and safety.
