How to find a cheap car hire deal in Dar Es Salaam (DAR)
Start your adventure off right with a cheap Dar Es Salaam rental car. With prices averaging $97 a day, it's an easy win for your budget and your plans. From city cars to family movers, we'll help you find the perfect ride for the right price.
Daily rental prices at Dar Es Salaam start from just $52.
Staying a little longer in Dar Es Salaam? Pick up a weekly rental from $315 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
If you want to get the best price, book your DAR car hire around four weeks in advance.
At Dar Es Salaam, you can grab your wheels from trusted providers such as Auto-Union, Europcar and First - Car Hire.
The coverage Auto-Union or another company offers for your Dar Es Salaam car hire can differ, so remember to go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in DAR.
Save money on fuel by choosing a car hire in Dar Es Salaam that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you only pay for what you use.
Want to explore freely without worrying about the number of miles you cover? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with average prices of $113 a day.
Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around $92.
The third option won't dent your budget either. You'll pay roughly $144 a day with this provider.
If you can't decide what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of car at DAR.
Compare car hire types from Dar Es Salaam (DAR)
Small: These cheap Dar Es Salaam rental cars may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, fuel efficient, and a match made in heaven for city driving.
Medium: A dependable choice when you need something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra space compared to smaller options.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and advanced tech features, this DAR car hire option includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're weaving through remote countryside or zipping along smooth highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Dar Es Salaam is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're tough, versatile, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different DAR car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Dar Es Salaam by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that make parking feel effortless.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals vary by supplier and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Tanzania may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat requirements vary from one location to another, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Find out if you need to add one to your DAR car hire booking.
You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the left side of the road in Tanzania.
Follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
In Tanzania, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to drink, get someone else to do the driving or take another form of transport.
You'll be using the Tanzanian shilling (TZS) on your trip here. In addition to your bank cards, consider having some cash handy for smaller purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
The real fun starts once you've collected the keys to your DAR car hire. You've got the freedom to take any route you choose, but if you're off to central Dar Es Salaam, it'll take you around 30 minutes to drive the 11 kilometres or so northeast.
In rush hour, expect the drive from Dar Es Salaam to the centre to take as long as 1 hour 5 minutes.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother trip. 7am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You can also pick up a car hire in Dar Es Salaam. If you don't need a set of wheels right away, wait until you're in the city and save on rental costs.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Dar Es Salaam (DAR)
Before you go anywhere else, do some sightseeing around Dar Es Salaam first. Top attractions like Baobab trees and Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve System are the perfect warm-up for the rest of your trip.
Zanzibar should be on your to-do list if you're eager to see House of Wonders and Zanzibar travel tours. This city is around 80 kilometres north of DAR.
Add Bagamoyo to your trip lineup. Roughly 56 kilometres northwest of the airport, head there in your Dar Es Salaam car hire to explore top attractions like Bagamoyo Beach and Old Boma.
