Self-Drive or Driver? Which Fits Your Trip
Both options work well in Tanzania — the right one depends on your itinerary, confidence on unfamiliar roads, and how many cities you're covering.
Best If You...
Want full flexibility, are staying mostly in one city, and are a confident driver used to left-hand traffic and busy urban roads. Best for Dodoma and shorter Arusha-area trips outside safari parks.
Best If You...
Are new to Tanzania, covering multiple host cities, want stress-free match-day transfers, or plan a safari add-on. A driver who knows the stadium routes and parking is worth every shilling on match day.
Self-Drive Car Hire
What You Need
A valid driving licence from home plus an International Driving Permit (IDP), or a temporary Tanzanian permit arranged by the rental company. A credit card for the deposit and a passport for verification.
Road Rules
Tanzania drives on the left. City traffic (especially Dar es Salaam) is heavy on match days — budget extra time. Upcountry roads can be rough; a 4x4 is strongly recommended for Arusha safari routes.
Age & Deposit
Most rental companies require drivers to be 23-25+ with at least one year's driving experience. Expect a refundable security deposit and mandatory insurance add-ons at pickup.
Driver / Chauffeur Hire ("Shofar")
Hiring a driver — locally called a shofar — is the standard way to get around for visitors, and often costs less than expected once you factor in fuel, insurance and parking hassle.
Airport & Stadium Transfers
Book a driver for arrival pickup and match-day drop-off/collection. No searching for parking near a 30,000-60,000 capacity stadium on a match night.
Full-Day & Multi-Day Hire
A driver and vehicle for the day (or your whole trip) covers city touring, restaurant runs and day trips — the driver waits while you're at the match or the beach.
Multi-City Packages
Some companies offer a driver for your whole AFCON route — Dar, Dodoma, Arusha, Zanzibar — coordinating with the SGR train and ferry legs in between.
Comparing Your Options
| Option | Best For | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Self-drive rental | Confident drivers, one-city trips | From ~$35-70/day + fuel & insurance |
| Driver / chauffeur (day hire) | Multi-stop days, first-time visitors | ~$60-150/day depending on vehicle & route |
| Airport or stadium transfer | One-off pickups and match-day drop-offs | ~$20-50 depending on distance |
| Ride-hailing (Bolt/Uber) | Short in-city hops, no booking ahead | Metered, cheapest per short trip |
By Host City
Dar es Salaam
Heaviest traffic of the four cities, especially around Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on match days — a driver who knows the back routes is a real advantage here.
Arusha
Self-drive works in town, but safari routes to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti call for a 4x4 with an experienced driver-guide — most fans book this as part of the safari, not separately.
Dodoma
Compact and easy to self-drive, with lighter traffic than the coast. A good option if you want independence without big-city driving.
Zanzibar
Narrow Stone Town streets and left-hand island roads trip up first-timers — many visitors hire a driver here and save self-driving for the mainland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I self-drive a rental car in Tanzania for AFCON 2027?
Yes. Visitors can self-drive with a valid home driving licence plus an International Driving Permit (IDP), or a temporary Tanzanian driving permit arranged through the rental company. Tanzania drives on the left, and most rental firms require drivers to be 23-25+ with at least one year's experience.
Should I hire a driver instead of self-driving?
Many fans do. A hired driver handles city traffic, match-day parking and unfamiliar roads for you, and is the standard way to do safari add-ons around Arusha. Self-drive suits confident drivers sticking to city routes; a driver suits multi-city trips, safaris, and first-time visitors.
What does hiring a car and driver cost?
Airport or stadium transfers with a driver typically run $20-50 depending on city and distance. Full-day chauffeur hire is roughly $60-150 depending on vehicle and route. Self-drive rentals start lower but add fuel, insurance and permit costs.
Featured Partners
Car hire and transfer companies serving AFCON fans — verified and fan-ready.
Your Self-Drive Fleet Here
Reach fans booking self-drive rentals for their AFCON 2027 trip, city by city.
Your Driver/Chauffeur Service Here
Be the trusted driver fans book for match days, safaris and multi-city routes.
Your Airport Transfer Service Here
First and last impression of the trip — claim the airport and stadium transfer slot.
Run a Car Hire or Driver Service?
Thousands of fans will need a self-drive rental, a chauffeur or an airport transfer during AFCON 2027. Get in front of them while they're planning.
Get AFCON-Ready — Free Consultation