[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Road Map from Dodoma to Zanzibar
Dodoma is the capital and central administrative city of Tanzania. If you’re looking to travel by car from Dodoma to Zanzibar, then it makes sense to prepare in advance, because the two cities are miles apart. The distance between the two cities is 670 kilometers. And if you drive at an average speed of 80 km per hour, you would expect to cover the range in 9 hours.
It is important to realize any car safari in Tanzania does not require a particular fitness level. Most roads in Tanzania mainland are paved, so a general level physical fitness, as well as a well-serviced car, are needed. You may need to remain inside your car for long stretches of time but with the occasional rest stops for refreshments.
Unwanted Surprises
Road traffic police all over East African can get a bit overzealous. So, it helps to watch your speed as well as carry loads of cash because you can get flagged down for pretty much laughable traffic offences. Speed fines are known to be one of their primary motivations when seeking recruitment in the police service.
When traveling from Dodoma to Dar es Salaam, be warned about police officers waving you down. Before you reach Morogoro, you may be stopped five times by traffic police for various checks. Sometimes they will ask you to turn on your parking lights, headlamps and step on the breaks. Other times you may get in trouble for merely abandoning your extinguisher, and first aid kit. Carrying live animals like pets and chickens is also prohibited.
From Dodoma, you will drive east to Morogoro, which is 320 kilometers. Morogoro to Dar es Salaam is roughly 360 and will require about 5 hours to accomplish.
Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar by ferry
Two main ferry companies offer services between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. They carry both human travellers, motor vehicles, and heavy trucks. The two are Azam Marine Coastal ferries and Fast Ferries. Both companies’ boats take about 3 hours to reach Zanzibar.
At the Dar es Salaam ferry terminal, you may be wary of the large crowds that mingle around the terminal. Some of the porters are quite aggressive and will surround your car offering all manner of advice.
Two weekly departures
There are two weekly planned departures for ferries carrying vehicles. A ticket from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar costs $50 one way per seat. The distance is 80 kilometers. The luxury first class tickets cost $70 through its difficult to distinguish the luxury aspect since all places look the same in both classes. But you can get tea or coffee in the luxury seats.
Remember to carry your passport and car log book when traveling to Zanzibar by ferry, as the authorities will demand to see them.
Another option is to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam. There are many flight operators who do this frequently and when compared to ferries, flying is the better and ideal option.
Also have a look at How to visit zanzibar on a budget
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