Tanzania Travel Tips Page Two: Currency and how to get to Tanzania
Getting Around Tanzania
By AirTo get from northern Tanzania to the capital Dar es Salaam, or to fly to Zanzibar, there are several scheduled flights you can take.
Precision Air offers routes between all the major Tanzanian towns, as does the national airline, Air Tanzania. Regional Air Services offers flights to Grumeti (Serengeti), Manyara, Sasakwa, Seronera, Dar es Salaam, Arusha and more. For quick flights to Zanzibar from around Tanzania, check out ZanAir.
By Train
Two railway lines have passenger services in Tanzania. Tazara trains run between Dar es Salaam and Mbeya (handy to get to the border of Malawi and Zambia). The Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) runs the other railway line and you can travel from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma and Mwanza; and also along the Kaliua-Mpanda and Manyoni-Singida Branch Lines. See TRC's passenger-train schedules to find out when the trains run.
There are several classes to choose from, depending how squashed you like to be on long train rides, choose your class accordingly. For 1st and 2nd class berths, book at least a few days in advance.
By Bus
There are plenty of options to travel by bus in Tanzania. The biggest express bus operator is Scandinavia Express Services which has routes between major cities and towns throughout the country.
Other major express bus companies in Tanzania include Dar Express, Royal and Akamba. For basic schedules, costs and trip time see this handy guide from Encounter Tanzania.
Local buses run between smaller towns as well as large towns but they are often slow and very crowded.
By Boat
(For ferries to Zambia and Malawi see page two).
Ferries to Zanzibar and Pemba Islands: There are several daily high-speed ferries from the port in Dar es Salaam to Stonetown on Zanzibar. The trip takes about an hour and a half and tickets can be bought on the spot from the ticket office (or touts) for US Dollars. You need your passport as authorities will ask to check it.
Ferries between Pemba and Zanzibar leave regularly and take about 70 minutes. Schedules for ferries to Zanzibar and Pemba with Azam Marine can be found here.
There are ferries that go between Dar es Salaam and Pemba (usually stopping in Zanzibar). It's best to shop around at the port in Dar es Salaam to get the latest information. A slow boat can take up to 14 hours to ake the journey.
Ferries to and From Mwanza: Mwanza has ferry services to and from Bukoba which run every other day and take about 9 hours. A ferry also sails between Mwanza and Ukerewe Island and and between Mwanza and Nkome. Check in Mwanza for schedules and avoid taking ferries in bad weather.
Dalla-dallas (mini-buses) and taxis
A popular way to get around big towns and cities, or for shorter distances between towns, is with a dalla-dalla (mini-bus). Dalla-dallas are privately owned and usually crammmed with way too many people. Dalla dallas travel along set routes but you can disembark wherever you want for the most part (if you can squeeze yourself out). Dalla-dallas are very cheap and in my opinion a fun way to get around.
Private taxis are found in all major towns and cities. You'll have to bargain with your driver for a reasonable fare.
Bicycle-taxis are found in most towns in Tanzania. You basically hop on the back -- no fancy rickshaw, just balance on the back and enjoy the ride. If you enjoy a little more speed, then motorbike taxis (boda-bodas) are also readily available.
Renting a Car
All the major car rental agencies and plenty of local ones can provide you with a 4WD (4x4) vehicle in Tanzania. Most rental agencies do not offer unlimited mileage, so you'll have to be careful when caculating your costs. The roads in Tanzania aren't very good especially during the rainy season and gas (petrol) is expensive. Driving is on the left side of the road and you'll most likely need an international driving license as well as a major credit card to rent a car. Driving at night is not advised. If you're driving in the major cities beware that car-jackings are becoming more commonplace.
If you're planning a self-drive safari in Tanzania then the Northern circuit is a lot easier to navigate than the western or southern wildlife parks. The road from Arusha to the Serengeti takes you to Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater. It's in reasonable condition, although getting to your campsite may not be as easy once you're within the park gates.
Car rental information and rates:
Green Car Rentals; Africapoint; South Travels.
Tanzania Travel Tips Page One: Visas, Health, Safety, When to Go.
Tanzania Travel Tips Page Two: Currency and Getting To Tanzania.
Sources:
Lonley Planet Guide to East Africa
Wikipedia's Transport in Tanzania
Tanzania Tourist Board
Tanzania Embassy
Tanzania Travel Blogs
