Getting Around Tanzania 2026
Tanzania is a large country (almost four times the size of the UK) and distances between attractions are significant. Choosing the right transport saves time and enhances your experience.
Domestic Flights
Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel between major destinations.
| Route | Duration | Approx Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Arusha to Serengeti | 1.5 hours | $250-450 |
| Arusha to Zanzibar | 1 hour | $150-300 |
| Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar | 20 minutes | $80-150 |
| Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro | 1 hour | $100-200 |
| Dar es Salaam to Ruaha/Selous | 1-1.5 hours | $200-400 |
Airlines: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Precision Air, Air Tanzania. Bush airstrips serve safari parks directly.
Light aircraft have 15kg soft bag limits. No hard suitcases allowed.
Safari Vehicles
All safari game drives use specially modified 4x4 vehicles with pop-up roofs for wildlife viewing.
- Toyota Land Cruiser: Most common safari vehicle, excellent off-road, comfortable
- Extended roof hatches: All passengers can stand and view/photograph
- Included in packages: Your safari operator provides vehicles, driver-guide, and fuel
- Self-drive: Possible but not recommended - you need a registered vehicle and park knowledge
Ferries
Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours by fast ferry
- Operators: Azam Marine (most popular), Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries
- Cost: $35-40 (economy) / $50-60 (business/VIP) one way
- Frequency: Multiple daily departures from 7am
- Book in advance during peak season (Jun-Sep, Dec-Jan)
- Bring your passport - you pass through immigration at Zanzibar port
Dar es Salaam to Pemba
- Azam Marine operates a service via Zanzibar (5-6 hours total)
- Flying is recommended (45 min) as the sea journey is long
Buses & Road Travel
- Luxury coaches: Dar Lux, Kilimanjaro Express run between major cities (air-conditioned, assigned seats)
- Arusha to Dar es Salaam: ~8-9 hours by bus ($15-25)
- Arusha to Moshi: ~1.5 hours ($5-8)
- Dalla-dallas: Local minibuses for short routes - cheap but crowded
- Boda-bodas: Motorcycle taxis for short trips in towns (negotiate fare first)
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
- Uber: Available in Dar es Salaam
- Bolt: Available in Dar es Salaam and Arusha
- Regular taxis: Available everywhere but always negotiate the fare before getting in
- Airport to city centre: expect $10-20 depending on the city
- Hotel reception can arrange trusted taxi drivers
FAQ
Flying saves significant time (Arusha to Serengeti is 1.5 hours by air vs 8+ hours by road). However, driving between parks like Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara is scenic and practical as they are relatively close together (1-3 hours apart).
JRO airport is between Arusha (46 km) and Moshi (40 km). Most safari operators include airport transfers. Otherwise, taxis cost $40-60 to Arusha or shuttle buses run regularly for $10-15. Pre-arrange your transfer.
Transport Tips
- Best for safari: Fly + operator vehicle
- Dar-Zanzibar: Ferry ($35-40)
- Ride apps: Uber/Bolt in Dar
- Bag limit: 15kg on bush flights
- Drive side: Left