How to find a cheap car hire deal in Dar Es Salaam
Searching for a cheap rental car in Dar Es Salaam? This is where the booking magic happens. With prices averaging R 1,168 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can book faster, spend smarter, and drive away happy.
R 462 is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Dar Es Salaam.
Planning a longer trip and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? R 2,519 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Dar Es Salaam car hire. Try booking around four weeks before you go.
Auto-Union and Europcar are popular providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Dar Es Salaam car hire policy, whether you go with Auto-Union or any other supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.
Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Dar Es Salaam.
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you go the distance.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at R 1,500 a day.
Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around R 1,264.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly R 2,875 a day with this supplier.
The Mini rental category is a dependable pick if you're not sure which wheels are right for you. It's also the most commonly booked car type in Dar Es Salaam.
Flying to Dar Es Salaam? Think about an airport pick-up
Take the hassle out of arrival day by booking a car hire at Julius Nyerere International Airport. If you're flying to Dar Es Salaam through this hub, simply collect your ride after landing and head out. The drive to the city centre is about 11 kilometres and takes around 30 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Dar Es Salaam
Small: These cheap rental cars in Dar Es Salaam may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, light on fuel, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: A solid choice when you want something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and advanced tech features, this Dar Es Salaam car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or gliding down stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Dar Es Salaam effortlessly handles larger loads and group travel. They're spacious, versatile, and ready for whatever your trip demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different Dar Es Salaam car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Dar Es Salaam.
Good to know
Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your car hire in Tanzania. Rules can vary, and extra charges or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, simply uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.
Bringing the kids with you? Child car seat laws vary from one place to another, and the correct setup may depend on their age, height and weight. Find out if you need to add one to your Dar Es Salaam car hire reservation.
Bring the right documents to make pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) and another form of photo ID. Also bring along a credit card with room for the security hold. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
If you've never driven in Tanzania, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's typically around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in Tanzania. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 7am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the Tanzanian shilling (TZS) for everything you buy on your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards so you're covered for every situation.
The language most commonly spoken in this country is Swahili.
Best hotels in Dar Es Salaam for drivers
Pull in, drop your bags, and start relaxing at ShaMooL Hotel. Offering parking as well as a nightclub and internet access, this hotel is around 10 kilometres from central Dar Es Salaam.
South Beach Resort also works well if you've got a few road trips in mind. It features parking, plus air conditioning and a cafe. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 10 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the lineup of hotels in Dar Es Salaam for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the ideal fit. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.
After you've found a car hire deal in Dar Es Salaam and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Baobab trees, Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve System and Safari Solutions are the perfect introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Dar Es Salaam
Zanzibar should be on your to-do list if you'd like to visit House of Wonders and Nakupenda island & beach tours. This city is around 80 kilometres north of central Dar Es Salaam.
Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort and Hotel Verde Zanzibar - Azam Luxury Resort and Spa - Dry Hotel are reliable accommodation options with parking in Zanzibar.
Or collect your cheap car hire in Dar Es Salaam and drive about 64 kilometres northwest to Bagamoyo. Featuring Idman safaris and Old Boma, it's every bit as good as advertised.
