Tanzania Road Information

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Tanzania Road Conditions

Traffic and road conditions in Tanzania differ from those found in the other countries and require drivers to exercise continual alertness and caution on the road. Traffic moves on the left side of the road. All the major towns in Tanzania are connected by tarmac all weather roads. But outside this network, quality deteriorates. You can enjoy speedy connections by bus or car to Arusha, Morogoro, Moshi and Dar es Salaam. It is useful to find out first the quality of the roads and estimated travel time when traveling overland.

It is not uncommon to find roads not marked and lack streetlights. Car-jacking and other related crimes are common during the nighttime hours. Traveling in rural areas after dark is strongly discouraged. Pedestrians, cyclists, and animals are encountered on unlit roads after dark, as are slow-moving trucks and cars traveling without lights.

Though a number of city highways are repaved regularly and maintained, the maintenance programs are often erratic and even good roads deteriorate in periods of bad weather. During the rainy season, many roads both in urban and rural, are passable only with four-wheel-drive vehicles. However, be prepared for bumpy rides throughout the year for even in the parks, the roads are not tar roads. The bumpy ride adds to the excitement of traveling in 'safari style'.

Excessive speeding and lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles pose serious traffic hazards to the road users.

In urban areas in Tanzania, it is common to find main roads paved and maintained, while secondary streets are severely rutted and passable only with high-clearance vehicles. Traffic lights are often out of order, and care should be exercised at any traffic intersection, whether controlled or not, as many drivers disregard traffic signals.

Tanzanian law requires all motor vehicle to be in possession of a valid driver's license. Visitors to Tanzania staying for six months or less are allowed to use a valid foreign driver's license after validation by local traffic authorities, or an international driver's license. Persons intending to remain in Tanzania for more than six months are required to obtain a Tanzanian driver's license. All vehicles are required to carry third-party liability insurance.

Tanzania's traffic regulations are governed by the Road Traffic Act of 1973. Some subsequent legislation has amended the 1973 act by requiring, for example, the use of seat belts. However, other aspects of modern driving, such as the use of child seats, are not addressed or required .