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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Tanzania
Tanzania
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Tanzania
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Tanzania
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Tanzania
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Tanzania?
Tanzania, the land of Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti, offers a unique blend of wildlife, culture, and stunning landscapes. While organised tours are popular, renting a car allows you to experience Tanzania on your own terms. Discover hidden gems, enjoy flexibility, and create unforgettable memories.
Unmatched Freedom and Flexibility. Escape the constraints of group tours and set your own itinerary. Explore at your own pace, linger longer at breathtaking viewpoints, and discover hidden villages.
Access to Remote Locations. Many of Tanzania's most incredible sites, such as remote national parks and cultural villages, are difficult to reach by public transport. A rental car opens up a world of possibilities.
Comfort and Convenience. Enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle, especially when travelling with family or a group. No more crowded buses or shared taxis.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups, renting a car can be more economical than individual tour packages. Splitting the cost of rental and fuel makes it a budget-friendly option.
Driving in Tanzania: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Left hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Languages
Swahili, English
Average petrol price
£0.90 per litre or £3.41 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
80 km/h or 50 mph
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Score
6.5/10
Dialling Code
+255
Driving in Tanzania can be an adventure, but it's crucial to be aware of local rules and driving conditions for a safe and enjoyable experience. Here's what you need to know before getting behind the wheel.
1. Be Prepared for Varying Road Conditions Road conditions can vary greatly, from paved highways to unpaved tracks. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for exploring national parks and rural areas.
- Road Type: Paved and unpaved
- Vehicle Suggestion: 4x4 recommended for rural areas
2. Respect Local Driving Customs Be patient and courteous. Locals may drive differently than you're used to. Expect to share the road with pedestrians, cyclists, and livestock.
- Driving Style: Defensive driving advised
- Road Sharing: Expect pedestrians and livestock
3. Always Carry Your Driving Documents Keep your driver's license, passport, and rental agreement with you at all times. You may be asked to present them at police checkpoints.
- Required Documents: License, passport, rental agreement
- Police Checkpoints: Common in many areas
4. Avoid Driving at Night Driving at night can be dangerous due to poor visibility, wildlife on the road, and increased risk of encountering unsafe situations.
- Night Driving: Not recommended
- Risks: Poor visibility, wildlife
5. Seatbelts are Mandatory Ensure all passengers wear seatbelts. This is strictly enforced, especially in urban areas.
- Enforcement: Strict in urban areas
- Safety: Protect yourself and your passengers
Top drives in the Tanzania:
Many tourists and travellers say that cars in Tanzania is a necessity, not a luxury. And they are absolutely right. All Tanzanians, without exception, use cars.
Many tourists prefer travelling by car, and car hire is the perfect solution when your vacation is short and you want to see as much as possible but the public transport will not take you to all destinations of your choice. That is why car rental is well developed in Tanzania, and you can hire any vehicle on the island, from a compact car to a luxury convertible. Since the Republic’s land area is small, one or two weeks of vacation with a car can be enough to explore it all.
Car Rental Prices in Tanzania – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €34
Classic:
from £25 / $31 / €28
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €57
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €68
Automatic:
from £35 / $44 / €40
SUV:
from £45 / $56 / €51
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in the Tanzania
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to September): Prices start at approximately £60 / $75 / €68 per day*. Expect higher demand and prices during the dry season, which is also the best time for wildlife viewing.
Shoulder season (March to May & October to November): Prices are moderately lower, from around £40 / $50 / €45 per day*. This is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and still enjoy pleasant weather.
Low season (December to February): Discounts available from around £30 / $38 / €34 per day*. Be aware that this is the rainy season, which can affect road conditions and accessibility.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Tanzania
Renting a car in Tanzania can be a fantastic way to explore the country, but it's important to be mindful of your budget. Here are some practical tips to help you save money on your rental.
1. Book in Advance: Booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season, can help you secure better rates and a wider selection of vehicles.
2. Compare Rental Companies: Use online comparison sites to compare prices from different rental companies. Look for deals and discounts that may be available.
3. Consider a Smaller Car: Opting for a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle can save you money on both rental costs and fuel consumption.
4. Check for Insurance Coverage: Review your existing travel insurance or credit card benefits to see if they offer rental car insurance coverage, which can save you from purchasing additional insurance from the rental company.
5. Avoid Airport Rentals: Rental car companies located at airports often charge higher rates. Consider renting from an off-airport location.
6. Refuel Before Returning: Always refuel the car before returning it to avoid paying high refuelling charges from the rental company.
7. Inquire About Long-Term Discounts: If you plan to rent the car for an extended period, ask about long-term rental discounts.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Tanzania?
Before you can rent a car in Tanzania, you'll need to meet certain requirements. Here's what you typically need:
Valid Driver's Licence. You'll need a valid driver's license from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is also recommended, especially if your license is not in English.
Minimum Age. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 23 years old, and some may have age restrictions for certain vehicle types.
Passport. You'll need to present your passport as proof of identity.
Credit Card. A valid credit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit.
Rental Voucher. If you booked online, bring a printed copy of your rental voucher.
Insurance. Proof of adequate insurance coverage is essential. Check if your existing insurance covers car rentals in Tanzania, or consider purchasing additional coverage.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Tanzania as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Meh. Food was bland.
Kevin Jones
Reviewed: 31.08.2024
Pretty chill, actually.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 28.12.2024
Pretty good, actually.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 04.07.2025
Exploring Tanzania independently was incredible! The freedom of having a car let us discover hidden gems and enjoy the stunning landscapes at our own pace. Unforgettable!
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 12.12.2024
Pretty laid-back, really
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 04.05.2025
Tanzania's landscapes were stunning; our road trip was perfect.
Olivia Wilson
Reviewed: 18.11.2024
Tanzania was even more breathtaking than I remembered! So glad I returned.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 27.07.2025