Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most iconic national parks, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Kilimanjaro. Traveling between these parks involves traversing vast distances, but Tanzania offers several transportation options to facilitate exploration.
Road
- Similar to Kenya, road travel is a popular choice for getting around Tanzania’s national parks. The country has a network of paved roads connecting major cities and tourist destinations, including Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and the northern safari circuit. Travelers can hire a car in Tanzania (private vehicle) or join a guided safari tour to access parks such as Serengeti, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.
- The roads in Tanzania vary in quality, with major highways generally well-maintained while rural routes may be rough and unpaved. Travelers heading to remote parks like Katavi or Mahale Mountains should be prepared for challenging road conditions and consider using a 4×4 vehicle for comfort and safety.
Domestic Flights
- For travellers seeking to avoid long drives and reach remote or inaccessible parks, domestic flights offer a convenient alternative. Tanzania has several domestic airlines, including Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Precision Air, which operate flights to airstrips near national parks.
- Domestic flights are particularly useful for accessing parks in remote areas such as the southern circuit (Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park) and western Tanzania (Katavi and Mahale Mountains). While flights may be more expensive than road travel, they save time and provide stunning aerial views of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes.
Ferry
- In addition to road and air transportation, Tanzania offers ferry services for travellers visiting parks located near the coast or on islands. For example, ferries operate between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, providing access to popular parks like Jozani Forest and the marine reserves of Menai Bay.
- Travelers can enjoy a scenic journey across the Indian Ocean, with the possibility of spotting marine wildlife along the way. Ferry services typically run regularly, but it’s advisable to check schedules and book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
- In summary, Tanzania offers a range of transportation options for traveling between national parks, including road travel, domestic flights, and ferry services. Whether exploring the northern safari circuit, the southern wilderness, or the tropical islands, travellers can choose the most suitable mode of transportation based on their itinerary, preferences, and budget.