Driving around Tanzania is a great way to see the country, but there are a few things it's best to know before planning your trip.

If you hire a vehicle and driver, then he will be aware of the points listed below and will help you to deal with them. He can advise on planning routes and on journey times, he will also check the vehicle and do simple maintenance. If you take a self drive vehicle, then it is important that you are familiar with these facts, and take them into account in your planning.

Planning

• We advise against driving at night. It can be difficult to predict how long it may take to reach your destination, so its best to plan routes to allow plenty of time to arrive before dusk. Street lighting is confined to the town centres, and driving on bad roads in the dark is difficult, and can be dangerous.
• 'Expect the unexpected' is a good rule of thumb for Africa. While most difficulties can be overcome with patience, a little ingenuity and some assistance from helpful locals, time is often lost in the process. This means it's best to allow plenty of time, and be flexible in your planning.
• At no time can vehicles be taken across borders. To cross international borders the vehicles require special papers which we do not supply. This policy is because in neighbouring countries foreign registered vehicles make a popular target for car thieves.

Maintenance

• Your Hire Car is a valuable vehicle, it needs to be looked after with care, African driving conditions mean that vehicles will need daily checking of water and oil. We advise that you come a early to collect your vehicle so that there is time to look over it with one of our drivers, or mechanics, ensuring you are familiar enough to make the necessary checks later on.
• Tire punctures are common on Tanzanian roads, it is your responsibility to recognize a puncture and fix it speedily. Fit the spare immediately or the tire and wheel rim could be damaged, which is your responsibility. Our Safari vehicles come with two spare tires, however we advise you to repair the punctured tire as soon as possible, as multiple punctures in the bush could create serious problems for you. Tire repair is available at many of the lodges and Ranger posts within the parks, and outside the parks at fuel stations, or local repair shops in almost every village.
• 'Town cars' rented on a monthly tariff can be brought in for a check if you feel the vehicle needs attention. Monthly rentals are intended for town use, if you travel in remote areas then should the vehicle breakdown the responsibility is yours. Of course we will assist if we can, but the town vehicles are not as tough as a Land Rover or Land cruiser, so trips to the coast or national parks need to be first authorized by the office.
• If you suffer a serious breakdown which cannot be fixed locally by a garage then please contact us on either the short wave radio (Land Rover and Land Cruiser safari vehicles) or by mobile Phone. You should call either Nnko 0744367863 or Khahindi 0744393310 or office 0272506094. If you require recovery we will endeavour to come to you as soon as possible, but we cannot send our drivers out at night, or late in the day.
• If your vehicle is un-drivable, due to breakdown or an accident then it is important to contact us immediately. It is best to leave at least one person to keep an eye on the car, or to move the car to a safe place. We have found that unattended vehicles are often the target for thieves, radios and anything that can be easily detached will be taken. We are not liable for providing another vehicle in the event of an accident, but will endeavour to help as best we can.

Security and damage to vehicles

• Security: Vehicle security is your responsibility, this applies both to belongings you keep in the vehicle, and to the equipment and vehicle itself. In town always keep the doors locked and windows closed, theft of personal items is becoming worryingly common . If you need to leave the vehicle it is best to arrange for someone to keep an eye on it, also make sure the vehicle is secure, and never leave the keys in the vehicle.
• Damage to tires, windscreen and glass is always the renters responsibility, so take good care both when driving and when parked.
• In the event of an accident, it is essential to secure your valuables. People will usually come to help out very soon, but disreputable types may take advantage of the situation to steal from you, or from the vehicle. You must contact the nearest police station, and get a police report, this can be time consuming but it is very important.
• You are liable for damage of up to $1500.for the vehicle. Glass and tires and radio are not included in this amount, and if the radio is stolen then you are responsible.

Useful things to bring on Safari

• Flashlight
• Spare batteries
• Sunglasses
• Sun protection lotion
• Mosquito repellent
• Toiletry requirements
• Towel
• Wash kit
• Long sleeved shirt/jumper
• Trouser
• Warm sweater
• Hat
• Binoculars
• Camera and sufficient Films
• Small day pack

PARK REGULATIONS:

These rules and regulations are established to protect the wildlife and the surroundings. Please follow them carefully while on safari.

• Driving in the parks is permitted between 6am and 7pm only.
• Camping is permitted only at designated sites.
• In the crater, picnicking is only allowed at designated sites.
• Wild animals always have the right of way. Do not exceed the speed limit of 50 kph in the area, 25kph in the Ngorongoro crater.
• Keep to the authorized tracks. Destroyed vegetation is slow to regenerate and haphazard vehicle tracks expose young creatures to unnecessary danger.
• Do not disturb or harass the wildlife in any way. Radios and cassette players are forbidden. Please do not imitate animal sounds, clap, pound on vehicles or hoot. Do not throw objects to attract animals attention.
• Do not leave litter in the area. Keep your waste in the vehicle until it can be properly disposed later at your lodge or camp. Litter can choke or poison animals and birds.
• All visitors must remain in their vehicle within 200 meters of any game animal. Leaving the vehicle in the parks is forbidden except in designated places.
• Discourage your driver from approaching the animals too close. (25 meters) Lions, cheetahs and leopards are especially nervous, a vehicle can hinder their hunting or make them leave a hard-earned meal.
• Do not pick, cut or destroy any vegetation or remove any object of biological interest, including eggs, bones and trophies.
• Do not light or cause fire to be lit. If camping, be sure to extinguish your fire carefully.
• Domestic pets are forbidden in the parks.
• Do not encourage your driver, either by subtle pressure or promises of financial reward, to approach animals closer than 25 meters. Your driver may be banned from the area and/or lose his job.
• Do not smoke while on game drive and always dispose cigarettes carefully while at camp. Burning cigarettes can start a wildfire that would cause damage to vegetation and suffering to wildlife and people.
• Never feed animals at your hotel or in the wild. It will upset their diet and lead to unnecessary dependence on people.