Tanzania car rentals

Full-size (Toyota Belta or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Tanzania.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.