DRIVING IN TANZANIA

Driving in Tanzania for the first time may qualify for a checklist, this is to say that there are several questions one needs to go through before deciding whether to opt for self or chauffeur drive. The first thing one should know is that with about 945,078km2, Tanzania is definitely a big county with over 21 regions. When staying within or near the city the only thing that one has to worry about is congestion and traffic especially during rush hours. Finding your way around may not be so easy during the first days main reasons being that, some of the roads are with no names and clear directional signs along the roads though one can use land marks. When travelling to different regions on Safari, , etc., one does not face any major challenges when on the tarmac main roads; although it is important to bring it to your attention that, after driving away from the city, most roads are with no side lights. This may be challenging during the night especially if one has not experienced this before, it may be a bit scary so to say. When put beautifully, if you are not adventurous and may find it hard to drive during the night on a dark road, plan well so that all your long journeys are done during the day time. When travelling to rural areas one has to be sure of driving on rough roads from time to time. During dry seasons, depending with a region and a specific location, one will be driving on sandy roads therefore without a good 4X 4 the car may easily get stuck. Roads are very slippery during the rain seasons especially on some of the rough roads in rural areas.

Tanzania Self Drive check list • Is it your first time in Tanzania? • Is it your first time driving in Tanzania? • Are you going to keep within the city • Are you travelling to rural areas • Do you have Tanzania road map? • Are you on a special project/research? • Are you in Tanzania for holidays? • Are you visiting friends/family? • Are you working as an expatriate? • For how long are will you be in Tanzania?

Driving Don’ts, Does and what to expect • Don’t take a picture of a person unless you have asked for their permission • Don’t leave your belongings inside the car at any time( phones, laptops, hand bags etc) • To watch out for motorcycle drivers, they can be a bit rough on the road • Park on authorized places only • Always lock your car and have your windows up/closed • Always make sure the car is equipped with car accessories like spare tire, wheel spanners, triangle • Always carry your driving license while driving • Do not stop unless the sign came from the traffic police • Do not really much on road signs for directions • Watch out for on- going constructions as signs as signs may not be as clear • Watch out for speed pumps’, these are on each road and there may be no signs • Driving is on the left

Night driving in Tanzania Drive only between 6:15 a.m. and 6:15 pm. Night driving risks are numerous---vehicles with no lights and animals with no lights, breakdowns in the centre of the road. If you were to break down at night, it would be unfortunate as your possessions, your vehicle parts and perhaps your vehicle would all be subject to being nationalized by local citizens. Use of the Horn Private cars are relatively new to Tanzanian nationals. Each driver has a love affair with the horn. Horn honking has its own code. The timbre of the honk and the length of the honk convey a variety of messages. You will soon recognize the aggressive “get out of my way” honk, the “habari gani” honk and the “elephants ahead on the road “honk. It may take a while to recognize the “rains are soon coming “honk or the “petrol station has no petrol “ honk. Like any new language learner, it’s important for you to remember that language ability has nothing to do with intelligence However, learning the Tanzanian honking codes may save your life. They may be the road map for beginning your trip and the key that allows you to survive the Tanzanian roads. The beginning driver may want to experiment with different honk indicators, syllabic honks and stress honks. Passengers may invest in ear plugs. Use of Lights Do not let the use of vehicle lights on the roadway confuse you. Oncoming vehicles often have flashing headlights, flashing signal lights, flashing emergency lights or all three. Stay calm. It only means that a vehicle is approaching. The use of the right hand signal light on the truck you may be following means one of three things: 1. It is going to turn right in front of you 2. It is going to swerve right to avoid danger 3. It is unsafe for you to pass on the right. Always assume all three possibilities. The use of the left signal light, however, is much simpler. It means that it is safe to pass. But, don’t count on it. Loaded Vehicles Watch carefully when approaching open-backed Lorries, pick-ups or daladalas. They are always overloaded and their cargo may never be secured properly on board.