last edited Dec 11, 2019
Getting to Tanzania by Land or Sea
Location Map of Tanzania
Tanzania
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By Land
Borders
Tanzania shares borders with eight countries: Burundi (589 km), Kenya (775 km), Malawi (512 km), Mozambique (840 km), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (479 km), Rwanda (222 km), Uganda (391 km), and Zambia (353 km).
From Neighbouring Countries
While there are several border crossings between Tanzania and its neighbours, not all border regions are recommended. For security reasons, areas bordering Burundi and, to some extent, Rwanda or even Lake Tanganyika facing the DRC are advised against. Generally, it is essential to always check the current situation in these regions (and more broadly when venturing off the beaten track).
By Road
There are a few international bus routes (and sometimes "shuttles") such as between Kenya (Nairobi) and northern Tanzania (Arusha) or to Lusaka in Zambia, mainly along the Cairo-Cape Town axis that runs through the country from north to south. Otherwise, as in many parts of the world, crossing from one country to another will involve taking a series of local buses with a mandatory change at the border, where you must not forget to have your passport stamped on both sides.
As for arriving with your own vehicle, it is entirely possible (see entry requirements), unlike rented vehicles, which in Tanzania and its neighbours are not permitted to cross borders.
By Train
There is only one international train line in the country. It connects Dar es Salaam to Zambia (New Kapiri Mposhi). The Tazara (Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority) operates it. The journey takes roughly 46 hours for nearly 1,900 km and costs the equivalent of 30 to 40 € depending on the class chosen (from third to first).
By Sea
Ferries
While there are no ferry routes between Tanzania and other countries (the only existing ones being domestic to the Zanzibar archipelago), there are various more or less regular services on the large lakes on the country’s western side, which have long been important communication routes. These are often operated by all types of boats, generally quite overloaded and without many safety guarantees, with variable frequencies and subject to the activity or even the current situation in the countries or regions concerned. In short, there is often some uncertainty, the need for time, and the obligation to check at the lake ports of departure to see what is available at the moment.
Boats can be found on Lake Victoria serving the shores of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, others on Lake Tanganyika (Tanzania, DRC, Burundi, Zambia), though subject to the situation in the DRC among others. There are also possibilities on Lake Malawi between Tanzania and Malawi.
Cargo
The best chance of arriving by cargo is via the port of Dar es Salaam.
Cruises
There are no cruises from other countries that call at Tanzania. However, multi-day sailing or traditional boat cruises are offered from the island of Zanzibar to the rest of the archipelago. For reference, short cruises (or long boat trips) of a few hours are also available on Lakes Victoria and Malawi.