What You Need to Know: Our self-drive cars cost US$120 per day: Toyota Prado, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Harrier or Toyota Alphard. The minimum driver age is 18, the insurance covers the vehicle, and payment is usually taken in full when you book. You need a valid driving licence, an International Driving Permit and your passport.
Our Self-Drive Cars: Prado, RAV4, Harrier and Alphard
| Vehicle | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado | Park tracks and rough roads; the best choice for a self-drive safari | US$120 per day |
| Toyota RAV4 | Towns, highways and day trips around Moshi and Arusha | US$120 per day |
| Toyota Harrier | Comfortable highway driving and business trips | US$120 per day |
| Toyota Alphard | Families and small groups on tarmac roads and transfers | US$120 per day |
Car Rental Terms at a Glance
- Minimum age: 18, with a valid driving licence
- Documents: your national driving licence, an International Driving Permit and your passport
- Payment: usually the full rental amount when you book
- Insurance: covers the vehicle itself; it does not cover your belongings, injuries or third parties, so bring your own travel insurance
- Collection: in Arusha or Moshi, at Kilimanjaro International Airport, or delivered to your hotel
The full conditions are in our car rental terms and conditions.
Driving in Tanzania
- Traffic drives on the left
- Speed limits are usually 31 miles (50 km)/h in towns and are enforced by police with speed guns
- Police checkpoints are common: carry your licence, permit and the rental documents
- Avoid driving at night: unlit vehicles, people and animals on the road make it risky
- Park tracks can be rough and confusing; a Prado and offline maps are essential if you drive into the parks
Self-Drive or a Guided Safari?
| Self-drive | Guided safari | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower vehicle cost; you pay park fees and fuel yourself | Higher, with a professional driver-guide |
| Wildlife spotting | On your own | A guide who knows where the animals are and talks to other guides |
| Logistics | You plan routes, fuel and bookings | Everything arranged |
For most first-time visitors, a guided safari is easier and sees more; see our private safaris. Self-drive suits experienced drivers, return visitors and day trips around Moshi and Arusha.
Popular Self-Drive Routes in Tanzania
| Route | Distance and time | Car |
|---|---|---|
| Moshi – Arusha | About 50 miles (80 km), 1.5 hours | Any |
| Arusha – Tarangire | About 75 miles (120 km), 2 hours | Prado recommended in the park |
| Arusha – Karatu (Ngorongoro) | About 87 miles (140 km), 2.5–3 hours | Prado for the crater |
| Moshi – Materuni or Marangu | 30–40 minutes | RAV4 or Prado |
Before You Drive Off
- Walk around the car with our team and note any marks
- Check the spare tire, jack and warning triangles
- Save our 24/7 number, +255 678 992 599, and download offline maps
- Fill up in towns: fuel stations are rare near the parks
- Keep the rental papers, your licence and permit in the car
Choosing the Right Rental Car
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is the one to choose for park tracks and rough roads, with high clearance and four-wheel drive. The RAV4 handles day trips around Moshi and Arusha and good gravel roads. The Harrier is a comfortable car for highways and business travel, and the Alphard is a spacious minivan for families and small groups on tarmac.
All our cars cost US$120 per day. Tell us your route and we suggest the best car; if you plan to drive into the parks, take the Prado. Delivery to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi can be arranged.
Fuel, Breakdowns and Help
Our cars come with a full tank and should be returned full. Fuel stations are common in towns but rare near the parks, so fill up before you leave Arusha, Moshi or Karatu. If you have a breakdown or any problem, call our team on +255 678 992 599, 24 hours a day; don't arrange repairs yourself.
Carry water, snacks and a charged phone, and tell someone your route for long drives. In the parks, stay on marked tracks and keep to the park opening hours.
Self-Drive and Day Trips
A rental car is ideal for exploring around Moshi and Arusha at your own pace: the Materuni waterfall, the Chemka hot springs, Lake Duluti or a coffee farm. For these trips a RAV4 or Harrier is enough. If you prefer a guide, we also run all these trips as guided day trips, with lunch and local guides included.
Returning the Car
Return the car on time, with a full tank, at the agreed place in Arusha, Moshi or Kilimanjaro International Airport. We check the car with you, so allow 15–20 minutes before you leave for your flight.
Common Questions About Self-Drive Car Rental in Tanzania
How much does it cost to rent a car in Arusha or Moshi?
US$120 per day for any of our cars: Prado, RAV4, Harrier or Alphard.
What is the minimum age to rent a car?
18, with a valid driving licence and an International Driving Permit.
Can I drive into the national parks?
Yes, with the Prado, which handles park tracks. You pay park entry and vehicle fees at the gate, by card.
What does the insurance cover?
The vehicle itself. Your belongings, injuries and third parties are not covered, so you need your own travel insurance.
Is it safe to self-drive in Tanzania?
Yes for confident drivers on main roads by day. Avoid night driving, and take a guide if you're unsure about park tracks.
Can I drive to Zanzibar?
No. Zanzibar is an island; leave the car on the mainland and take the ferry or a flight.
Is there a mileage limit?
Tell us your planned route when you book, and we confirm the terms for your rental.
Can I add a driver to a rental car?
Yes: ask us, and we quote a car with a driver for your dates.
The Bottom Line
Self-drive gives you freedom around Moshi and Arusha at US$120 a day. For the parks, take the Prado, or let a guide do the driving.
Send us your dates and what you need through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com. Our team works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and replies with a written quotation.