Kenya Tanzania
Kenya 
TanzaniaLast reviewed July 2026
Crossing the border
The Namanga crossing is the main road route between Nairobi and Arusha.
Driving rules in Tanzania
- Drive on the left.
- Wildlife and pedestrians on roads.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Police speed checks are routine.
What to see when you arrive in Tanzania
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- the Serengeti National Park
- the Ngorongoro Crater
- the spice island of Zanzibar
- the Selous Game Reserve
Once you're driving in Tanzania
Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.
Driving on a foreign licence
Tourists may drive on a valid home-country licence together with an International Driving Permit, which is mandatory if the licence is not in English; a Tanzanian temporary permit (a Zanzibar permit is commonly required on the islands) is advised for stays beyond a few months.
Tolls & road charges
Tanzania has no electronic toll-tag system but levies cash road tolls at booths on some trunk roads, payable in Tanzanian shillings; carry small cash as cards are not accepted at toll points or most fuel stations.
Parking in the cities
In Dar es Salaam designated parking zones operate with attendant- or city-collected fees; parking on pedestrian walkways or blocking driveways risks fines or towing, so use marked bays or hotel parking.
Fines & camera enforcement
Speed limits are 50 km/h urban and 80 km/h on highways, with radar guns and growing speed-camera use; phone-use and seatbelt offences and speeding draw immediate on-the-spot fines, and rental firms pass camera fines to the hirer.
If you have an accident
Stop and remain at the scene; call police (general emergency 112, or 111/115) and obtain a police report, which is required for insurance and for the rental company. Do not move vehicles where there are injuries.
Driving in the capital
On Zanzibar a local Zanzibar driving permit is frequently demanded at checkpoints even with an IDP, so obtain one on arrival at the airport or port; Stone Town's narrow lanes are largely impassable by car.
Sources: carrentaltz.com · automag.tz · zanzibartanzania.co.tz · idp-usa.com