Tanzania Self Drive Trip:
Tanzania Self Drive Trip, Tanzania is the ideal destination for a self-drive safari if you seek African wildlife, unique beaches, and an invigorating ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Tanzania is an expansive nation, and traversing it from one extremity to the other may need several days; therefore, allocate ample time.
Tanzania is renowned for its game parks. Tanzania is home to the globally acclaimed Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater in the north, alongside the Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park in the south, as well as smaller game parks in the north, including Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Arusha National Park.
The limited major roadways connecting towns and cities are predominantly well-paved. Nevertheless, the minor arterial roads leading to and from the national parks are frequently poorly maintained, unpaved roads. The primary reason most tourists opt to fly to destinations such as Selous and Ruaha is that the roads might become impassable during the rainy season. The route connecting Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater is a rugged dirt road, and despite being roughly 100 kilometers, it may require up to 4 hours to traverse, contingent upon the weather.
Serengeti National Park is a wildlife sanctuary where, if fortunate, one need not venture far to observe a multitude of game, particularly abundant near Seronera, which also hosts several public campsites. We recommend use the side tracks, as they are frequently in superior condition compared to the main thoroughfare through the park’s center. The Serengeti is renowned for its substantial prides of lions, cheetahs, elephants, elands, zebras, buffalo, wildebeests, other antelope species, as well as hyenas and jackals. One must be exceptionally fortunate to encounter rhinos, as they tend to avoid paths and inhabit dense forested regions.
The Ngorongoro Crater is a significant attraction; yet, it has been severely inundated by tourists over the past decade, resulting in the relocation of many animals outside the protection area. The substantial entrance fees of USD$50 per individual and an exorbitant USD$200 per vehicle are difficult to rationalize given the plethora of other exceptional alternatives in Tanzania.
The Northern Circuit include the renowned game parks of Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Arusha National Parks. These compact parks provide exceptional wildlife observation amidst breathtaking landscapes and merit inclusion on the itinerary of destinations to explore.
A self-drive safari to Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park is strongly recommended if you possess the time, an appropriate 4WD vehicle, and are willing to endure some discomfort. Refrain from visiting during the rainy season, as you are likely to expend more time extricating your car from deep mud holes than engaging in park exploration. Anticipate that traversing these parks will pose difficulties and challenges for both the driver and the vehicle. Nevertheless, those who exert effort will be compensated with extraordinary wildlife observation, accompanied by minimal vehicular presence in this untamed, impoverished region of Africa. Camping represents the most economical choice, while those averse to camping may choose for one of the limited luxury lodges available in the vicinity.
The majority of travelers will proceed to the island of Zanzibar, located off the coast of Tanzania. Zanzibar is renowned for its stunning beaches, the historic settlement of Stone settlement, and a diverse array of lodging alternatives. While it is possible to transport your vehicle via ferry to Zanzibar, it is not advisable for a brief trip; a more prudent choice is to leave your vehicle on the mainland and take a ship or plane to the island. In Stone Town, you can rent a vehicle or motorcycle if you like to thoroughly explore the little island.
While we appreciate Zanzibar, there are plenty alternative beach destinations for the adventurous traveler. The island of Pemba, located near Zanzibar, is characterized by minimal tourism, presenting a pristine and unusual environment with tropical beaches that attract very few visitors. Pemba has significantly fewer hotel options, enhancing the sensation of being on a secluded tropical island, in contrast to the crowds seen in Zanzibar. For individuals preferring to remain on the mainland, the Tanzanian coast boasts numerous idyllic beach destinations near the cities of Pangani and Bagamoyo, situated north of Dar es Salaam, as well as Ras Kutani to the south, each presenting exquisite stretches of white sand, warm tropical waters, and distinctive historical attributes.
Ascending to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is highly favored not only by mountaineers but also by others seeking a formidable task, and indeed, it is a significant undertaking! At an impressive elevation of 5,895 meters (19,300 feet), it is the tallest mountain in Africa. Several routes are available, spanning 7 to 10 days, with the most favored being Machame, Rongai, Lemosho, and Marangu. The optimal route selection varies on the season and desired level of difficulty.
Tanzania is expansive, presenting numerous attractions, and is a destination included in several of our multi-country self-drive tours. If you choose not to spend your entire duration in Tanzania and wish to tour adjacent countries, we provide several options, including our 14-day Kenya and Tanzania Discovery, 26-day Dr. Livingstone expedition, 7-week Africa Overland Adventure, 8-week Africa Discovered, and 10-week Cairo to Cape journey.
Our 14-day guided self-drive safari in Kenya and Tanzania encompasses Lake Victoria, Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and traditional Maasai villages in Tanzania, alongside remarkable sites in Kenya such as Lake Baringo, a haven for birdwatchers, Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its black and white rhinos, Green Crater Lake for a walking safari near Lake Naivasha, and visits to an elephant orphanage and giraffe sanctuary on the periphery of Nairobi. This is an ideal self-drive vacation exploring a diverse array of outstanding locations in Kenya and Tanzania.
If time permits, you may undoubtedly tour and explore more of Africa through a self-drive safari. You may have always desired to visit Victoria Falls in Zambia, ascend Dune 45 in Namibia, observe the big wildebeest migration in Kenya, or experience the wine area of Stellenbosch near Cape Town in South Africa. Arusha Car Rental can assist you in realizing any items on your wish list.
