Transportation in Tanzania
If you’re planning a trip to Tanzania, one of the best ways to get there is by car. The country’s road network is 86,472 kilometers long and divided into two main categories: regional roads and trunk roads. Rail travel is relatively limited, but it is available in the capital, Dar es Salaam. And, if you’re not in the mood to drive, try taking the commuter rail. But before you try that, it’s worth knowing that public transport is a major mode of transport in Tanzania.
There are two main ways to get around the towns: by car and by taxi. While walking is possible in smaller towns, taxis are your best option for long distances. Private chauffeurs are only acceptable if you trust them, so stick with registered services. In case you decide to use taxis, make sure to negotiate the price before boarding the vehicle. It’s better to get a quote before leaving than to pay more than you’d like to spend.
Another way to get around Tanzania is by bus. Buses operate between most major towns, while long-distance buses run between Tanzania and neighboring countries. Minibus taxis, locally known as dala-dala, operate along a set route and will stop when you hail one. They are generally regarded as very aggressive, so beware of them. The good news is that fares are cheap and the public transport system in Tanzania is the most efficient.
Public transport in Tanzania is a crucial means of transportation for many people. The city of Dar es Salaam is home to a booming urban population. Although the city has a shipping channel and sea, its central business district is constrained by these constraints. The population is growing, and the city’s urban centers are experiencing an increase in urban densification. As a result, public transport in Dar es Salaam is becoming increasingly inefficient.
The country’s National Transport Policy lays out its goals and objectives for major transportation services. A project involving the World Bank is underway that will benefit eight cities in Tanzania. The money will improve public access roads, drainage in cities, and urban planning practices. This funding is part of a larger package aimed at achieving the country’s development goals. The government is currently preparing its next long-term National Development Plan (NGDP) for the period up to 2025.
The country has a variety of road infrastructure to meet its transportation needs. The major road links Dar es Salaam with Morogoro and Dodoma. The A-7 road connects Dar es Salaam and Morogoro, while B-129 links Dodoma and Bukoba. The country also has a cable logging system in Lushoto District. For travelers looking for a cheaper option, there’s also a cable logging system connecting Mtwara and Mwanza.
Although the government has prioritized improving the transportation infrastructure in Tanzania, the need for such improvements cannot be overstated. It goes hand-in-hand with improvements in the energy sector. However, many countries in the region are not yet willing to make significant investments in their transportation networks. For the sake of improving trade and development, the country must invest in these infrastructures. It’s important to note that these investments should be based on a proper evaluation of the transportation needs of the community.
Rail Transportation: Besides roads, the country’s railways have become an important mode of transport. The country’s railway network is the second largest mode of transport after road, and it is crucial for long-distance freight along its main transport corridors. The Tanzania Railways Corporation operates 3,676 km of railway lines, including the Tanzania-Zambia Railways. In addition, the railways in Tanzania are linked to other neighboring countries through the Morogoro port.
In addition to a public transport system, the country has three international airports. The major airports are Dar es Salaam International Airport and Kilimanjaro International Airport. There are also many charter airlines that offer flights to smaller destinations or the country’s many game parks. Air travel in Tanzania is relatively inexpensive for expatriates. But, be prepared to spend a few dollars on travel. A taxi will cost you as much as a private one.
In addition to the SUMATRA Act, there is a public transport regulatory body called SUMATRA. SUMATRA was set up to help operators improve service quality. It also supports the development of public transport through greater participation of operator associations. And the Tanzania Police Force monitors road transport laws and regulations. It is also responsible for vehicle inspections and driver testing. These are only some of the services SUMATRA handles. It’s important to know that SUMATRA has an excellent database to work with, and it’s not the only agency responsible for public transport in Tanzania.
Buses
The transportation sector in Tanzania is governed by the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LTRA), which was previously known as the Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority. Its mandate is to regulate the transport of people and goods by road and rail. It has regional offices throughout the country and a head office in Dar es Salaam.
The main bus station in Dar is Ubungo, which is a bustling, confusing place. Luckily, there are private offices outside of the bus station for many bus lines. Here are some tips for navigating Ubungo: First, learn the names of bus companies. You’ll have a better idea of how to make the best choice. After you know which bus line to choose, you’ll be able to choose a comfortable and safe ride.
Another option is taking a train. However, this is a slow and inconvenient way to travel. Trains take longer than buses and are notoriously crowded. In addition, they have old and dirty rolling stock. Plus, they’re expensive. Therefore, traveling by bus is a safer and more affordable option.
Trains
In November, Tanzania Railways Corporation announced the start of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) operations. It also said it has ordered 42 electric trains. It expects to receive the first batch in November 2021. The trains will come from Germany and South Korea. The company said testing will begin on the SGR section between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro soon after they arrive. This means that the country can soon start operating the Dar es Salaam-Morogoro section of the standard gauge railway.
The SGR project is currently in the early stages and will eventually replace the meter gauge railway network in the country. Phase one of the project will connect Dar es Salaam with the eastern DRC, Uganda, and Rwanda. Phase two will be three hundred and twenty-nine kilometers long. Once completed, phases three and four will connect Dar es Salaam with Gitega, Burundi.
There are several ways to get around Tanzania by train. The country has a railway network of 3,676 kilometers. Two of the main lines are operated by the Tanzania Railways Corporation, the Central Corridor and the Tanzania – Zambia Railways.
Car Rentals
One of the most convenient ways to travel in Tanzania is by car. There are numerous car hire companies in major cities, and the cost of renting a car in Tanzania is usually cheap. A rental car is also an excellent way to avoid the delays of catching a bus or train. However, there are several factors to consider when hiring a vehicle. For instance, you may want to hire a four-wheel-drive vehicle or a vehicle that is suitable for rough terrain.
The most popular vehicles for rent in Tanzania are four-wheel-drive vehicles. These vehicles are comfortable and offer extra stability, especially when driving on rough terrain. In some areas, four-wheel-drive vehicles are even required. Sedans are fine for simple driving excursions in Zanzibar, but if you plan on exploring remote regions in Tanzania, you’ll probably want a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
If you want to experience Tanzania’s national parks, you can rent a car through a self-drive safari. Most national parks in the country allow self-drive safaris, but some are not. Some of the most popular self-drive destinations are Serengeti National Park, Lake Tanganyika, the Selous Game Reserve, and Ngorongoro Crater. Another popular destination is Zanzibar Island, which is largely unserviceable by public means.
Taxis
Tanzania’s taxi industry is undergoing an upheaval. The ride-hailing industry has been ravaged by a series of sudden shutdowns and changes in service models, leaving scores of drivers and passengers without a source of income. Even those who dominated the market have stopped operating or are changing their business models. This leaves thousands of people without a reliable source of transportation.
Taxis in Tanzania can be very expensive and have limited street lighting. Be sure to lock your car and not leave valuables in the car. It is a good idea to ask locals for a taxi quote, as they can give you an idea of the average price. Alternatively, you can ask your hotel’s concierge to organize a taxi to your destination.
There are also dala-dalas, small minibusses that operate in the towns and rural areas. Fares vary by location but are fixed between 100 and 400 TZS. They make a lot of stops. Be prepared to haggle with the driver.
