How do you get from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar?

The fast ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (Stone Town) takes approximately 2 hours and costs around $35–45 USD each way as of 2026. Azam Marine and Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries run multiple daily departures. Slower overnight ferries also operate but are not recommended for tourists. There is also a short 20-minute flight option if you prefer to avoid the sea crossing.

Are domestic flights necessary for a Tanzania safari?

Not strictly necessary, but they save significant time. Driving from Arusha to the central Serengeti takes 7–9 hours each way on rough roads, whereas a bush flight takes around 45 minutes. For itineraries covering multiple parks (Serengeti, Ruaha, Selous), flights are almost always the only realistic option. Budget travellers on camping safaris often factor in one or two days of overland driving to keep costs down.

Can I take a bus between Dar es Salaam and Arusha?

Yes. Reliable coaches such as Dar Express and Kilimanjaro Express connect Dar es Salaam to Arusha in approximately 8–10 hours, with fares around TZS 25,000–40,000 (roughly $10–16 USD as of 2026). Book in advance at the operator's offices or online. The road is largely paved and the journey, while long, is straightforward.

How do you get around within Tanzania's national parks?

All movement within Tanzania's national parks must be in a registered safari vehicle — self-guided walking is not permitted in most areas. Safari vehicles are provided by your operator, whether you book a group camping safari or a private lodge safari. If self-driving, you must enter in a suitable 4x4 and follow all park rules; independent visitors cannot hire guides at the gate.

Getting Around Tanzania | The Tanzanian Guide

Tanzania is a large country — nearly four times the size of the UK — with national parks scattered across vast distances, a major offshore archipelago, and cities separated by long stretches of unpaved road. Getting between destinations efficiently requires understanding your options. Here’s how people actually travel around Tanzania.

Domestic Flights: The Backbone of Safari Travel

For most safari itineraries, domestic flights are the only practical way to move between parks without losing 2–3 days to overland driving. Tanzania has an excellent network of bush airstrips connecting Arusha (the safari hub) to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Selous/Nyerere, Ruaha, and other reserves.

Main carriers:

Coastal Aviation — extensive network of scheduled bush flights; the most frequently used safari airline
Auric Air — strong coverage across the northern and southern circuits
Precision Air — larger aircraft, scheduled routes between major cities (Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro)

Typical fares (as of 2026):

Arusha to Serengeti (Seronera airstrip): approximately $250–350 USD one-way
Arusha to Ruaha: approximately $300–450 USD one-way
Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar: approximately $80–120 USD one-way (Precision Air / Air Tanzania)

Baggage rules: Most bush planes have strict weight limits — 15kg total (bag + hand luggage) per person, in a soft-sided bag. Rigid suitcases are often prohibited on smaller planes. Pack accordingly.

Book bush flights through your safari operator or directly with the airlines. During peak season (July–September), book at least 3 months in advance.

The Zanzibar Ferry

The most common way to reach Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam is by high-speed catamaran ferry — a spectacular crossing of the Indian Ocean.

Operators:

Azam Marine — the most reliable service, with multiple departures daily
Sea Bus / Fast Ferries — additional operators with competitive pricing

Journey time: approximately 2 hours Cost: approximately $35–50 USD per person one-way (as of 2026) Departure port: Dar es Salaam Ferry Terminal (near the city centre) Arrival port: Zanzibar Town / Stone Town

Book tickets at the terminal or online through Azam Marine’s website. During peak season, ferries fill up — book at least a day or two ahead. The crossing can be rough during the monsoon seasons (April–May, November); take sea-sickness medication if you’re susceptible.

Safari Vehicles and Organised Tours

The vast majority of visitors to Tanzania’s national parks travel in organised safari vehicles — typically Toyota Landcruisers with pop-up roof hatches for standing wildlife viewing. Safari vehicles are driven by professional guides who know the parks, can identify tracks, and radio-communicate with other guides about sightings.

For independent travellers who want to self-drive, this is possible in some parks (see our Tanzania car rental guide) but adds significant logistical complexity. Most visitors are better served by a booked safari, even at the budget end.

Budget camping safaris (using basic public campsites) can be arranged from Arusha from approximately $150–200 per person per day including park fees, guide, vehicle, meals, and camping. Mid-range lodge safaris typically run $350–600 per person per day. Luxury tented camps and private reserves go from $800 to $1,500+ per person per day.

Buses: Long-Distance Overland Travel

Tanzania has a reasonable network of long-distance buses connecting major cities. Journeys are slow — the road from Arusha to Dar es Salaam (750km) takes 8–10 hours on a good day — but they’re inexpensive and give you a genuine glimpse of everyday Tanzanian life.

Main bus companies:

Dar Express — reliable service on the Dar es Salaam–Arusha route
Kilimanjaro Express — popular for the northern route
Scandinavian Express — one of the more comfortable options

Fares: Arusha to Dar es Salaam approximately $15–25 USD (as of 2026). Booking the day before is usually fine outside peak periods.

Road conditions vary significantly. The main highway (A104 Dar es Salaam to Arusha) is mostly paved, though deteriorating in places. Roads in western Tanzania and around smaller parks are often unpaved and slow.

Dalla-Dalas: Local Minibuses

Dalla-dalas are the backbone of local transport in Tanzania’s cities and between smaller towns. They are small minibuses — typically Toyota Hiaces — that run fixed routes, leave when full, and charge a few hundred shillings per journey.

They’re a great way to experience local life and cover short distances cheaply. However, they are frequently overloaded, sometimes poorly maintained, and departure times are entirely unpredictable. Not recommended for time-sensitive journeys.

Cost: typically TZS 500–1,000 (under $0.50) for a short urban journey.

Boda-Bodas: Motorcycle Taxis

In smaller towns (Moshi, Morogoro, smaller Zanzibar villages), boda-boda motorcycle taxis are ubiquitous and cheap. Agree on the price before you get on — typically TZS 1,000–3,000 for a short trip.

Exercise caution: helmets are rarely provided, and road safety standards are variable. Fine for covering short distances in small towns, but not recommended for longer journeys.

Taxis

Metered taxis are rare outside Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar Town. Most taxis work on negotiated fixed prices. Always agree on the fare before getting in.

Bolt (the African equivalent of Uber) operates in Dar es Salaam and is reliable and relatively affordable — typically 20–30% cheaper than negotiated taxis for the same journey.

Car Hire

Self-drive is an option for certain routes (Arusha to Moshi, town-hopping on Zanzibar), but most safari parks require a 4x4 vehicle, an experienced guide, and a detailed knowledge of park roads. See our dedicated Tanzania car rental guide for full details, or compare Tanzania car hire options online.

Getting Between the Airport and Your Hotel

Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam): 12km from the city centre. Bolt is available and costs approximately $5–8 USD. Official metered taxis cost around $15–20. Pre-arranged hotel pickups from $25–35. For a private transfer from Julius Nyerere Airport, book a transfer online.

Kilimanjaro International Airport: 45km from Arusha, 35km from Moshi. No local buses; private transfer is necessary. Expect $40–60 USD per vehicle one-way to Arusha, or arrange a transfer through your hotel or safari operator in advance.

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar): 7km from Stone Town. Taxis cost approximately $15–20 USD. Most hotels offer free airport pick-ups — always confirm in advance.

Plan Your Trip

✈️ Book your flights to Tanzania 🛡️ Get travel insurance 📱 Stay connected with an eSIM 🚗 Rent a car

Getting Around Tanzania: Transport Options Explained