Driving from Tanzania to South Africa (Namanga to Cape Town) is one of the most adventurous things to do in your car. This is a part two post from Kenya to South Africa. From here, we will take you on a fascinating journey from Tanzania to Zambia.
Congrats on getting into Tanzania – there are five more countries to your destination in South Africa.
NB: This route gives you the best chance to experience the beauty and magnificence of all the countries on the way to South Africa. Enjoy!
Things to Experience Driving From Namanga, Tanzania to Tunduma Border Point (Tanzania to South Africa).
There are several fascinating things to witness when driving from Namanga Border Point to Tunduma Border Point and gaining entry into Zambia. The following are must-see:
Mt Longido
Mount Longido is approximately 25 kilometers from the Namanga Border Point and takes about 22 minutes. This scenic mountain in Tanzania is located in the Longido District in Arusha.
The beauty of this Tanzanian mountain can be seen on the road through Arusha from Namanga. It is highly recommended that you briefly stop on the roadside to take in the view.
Tanzania has amazing roads, and it won’t be difficult to find a designated rest stop in Longido to take cool pictures of the mountain by road. Mount Longido has a summit elevation of 2,637 meters and an elevation gain of 1,227 meters.
Scenic Country Roads
You’ll enjoy the scenic country roads when driving into the Arusha region of Tanzania. On the roadside, you can stop over and check out the Canyons right next to the road. The Olkejtengerit Canyon is one of them. A brief stop over to trek through the concrete paths makes for an awesome road trip adventure.
Driving from the Arusha Region to Manyara
The journey from Tanzania to South Africa (Namanga to Cape Town) is getting more exciting. Unfortunately, this road trip doesn’t pass through Arusha City, and you’ll need to detour to Manyara Border Point (T5 Highway) and proceed into Zambia – your third country out of seven to South Africa.
If you’ve been driving from Nairobi, Kenya, to Tanzania, it would be advisable to make your first rest stop in Manyara. If you are an avid camper, the Wild Palm Camping Site is the perfect choice.
Camping at Wild Palm Camping Site in Manyara, Tanzania
The Wild Palm Camping Site in Manyara, Tanzania, is highly recommended for overlanders. It’s a locally managed site frequented by tourists looking to visit the Tarangire Park in Tanzania.
You’ll get a nice, clean, hot shower. Rooms are also available for those who don’t wish to camp, and accommodation prices are negotiable.
The camp costs Tsh 10,000 ($3.69), and best of all, the host will also provide cooking essentials, including a burner and cooking pot. Wild Palm Camping Site in Manyara is highly recommended for this trip.
Wild Palm Camping Site in Manyara Contact: +255 758 439 799.
Checking out Tanzania Street Food Scene (Manyara)
There’s a lot to see in the Manyara region. After staying over the night at Wild Palm Camping Site, you’ll drive off through Nkaiti, Manyara, to Nyota Changa, which means (small star in Swahili).
Throughout your journey from Tanzania to South Africa (Namanga to Cape Town), you’ll have several chances to taste Africa’s authentic delicacies.
You should taste Tanzanian street food since you won’t have the chance to tour popular Tanzanian cities on this road trip. Nyota Changa in Tanzania is the perfect location to sample some amazing Swahili street food made in Tanzania.
Remember to try Tanzania’s most popular street food, ‘Chips Mayai.’ Chips Mayai is French Fries fried with eggs into a circular lump—you won’t regret it!
After Nyota, Ndogo, you’ll drive through Kilidoni on your way to Dodoma, passing through some of the most fascinating roadside scenery on this side of East Africa. Day two escapades will end in Dodoma City, the Capital City of Tanzania.
There are several amazing hotels in Dodoma, however. If you are looking for an affordable rest stop, we recommend Wind City Hotel.
Things to Do in Dodoma City, Tanzania
Now that you’ve hit the first city in Tanzania, to spice up your road trip before getting to Cape Town, South Africa, we recommend checking out a few tourist spots in the capital city, Dodoma, Tanzania.
Check Out Dodoma Centra Business District’s Amazing Infrastructure
Tanzania’s capital city was initially Daresalam, but it was switched to Dodoma, and as such, it is still a developing metropolis. This delayed development is a blessing in disguise, giving the capital a modern appeal thanks to all the recent infrastructure.
Visit Mtera Dam Resovior
Mtera Dam is not a tourist site per se; it’s a hydroelectric dam located on the highway from Dodoma to Iringa. It’s a must-see while cruising the highway and makes perfect scenery, especially at sunset or sunrise.
Drive Through Iringa Country Roads
The next stop from Dodoma on your way to Cape Town, South Africa, is Iringa City. The roads are simply splendid. Car buffs will enjoy the twisty roads and the lush natural resources on the roadside. It’s a dream journey, making this route perfect for nature lovers.
Iringa City, Tanzania
Iringa is one of the most fascinating cities in Tanzania and one of the cleanest cities in the East African nation. You’ll love its breathtaking views. The city literally sits on a cliff overlooking the Ruaha River Valley, and the roads snake through the valley, offering breathtaking views.
We recommend touring this city during the day to witness the magnificence of nature. There are several things tourists can do in Iringa.
There’s a Commonwealth Cemetry dedicated to soldiers who died during WWI and WWII.
Witness the beauty of Iringa from Gangilonga Rock. This was traditionally a sacred Tanzanian destination where chieftains held important meetings.
Driving through Iringa City, you won’t miss the Hambingeto Mountain views; they offer the perfect canvas for the windy roads. You’ll be spoilt for choice of picture-worthy spots—they are everywhere.
You can end day three in Irirnga in a hotel of your choice. However, we recommend staying at Durban Park Hotel in Makambako, Njombe region. It’s affordable, clean, and inviting. The rooms are Tsh 24,932 ($9.20) PP/Sharing.
Mbeya, Tanzania: Sights and Sounds
Your journey from Tanzania to South Africa (Namanga to Cape Town) is getting closer. To reach Tunduma Border Point, you’ll need to travel to Mbeya. Tunduma is a border town located in the vast Mbeya region of Tanzania. Nature lovers will have a blast here, just like in Iringa City, gazing at the magnificence of the Mbeya Mountain in the backdrop.
Mbeya is quite hilly, and we recommend taking some time out of your car and hiking to the top of the many hills to get the perfect vantage point of Mbeya. The scenes are simply breathtaking.
You’ll also get the chance to drive through the Mbeya—Chunya roads, which are among the most scenic roads in East Africa. You’ll appreciate Tanzania’s road development plans to keep the infrastructure away from busy highways, which makes the entire journey through the county enjoyable.
Things to Do In Mbeya City, Tanzania
Visitors to Mbeya City, Tanzania, have many things to do. It is important to note that Mbeya sits at the base of Loleza Peak, between the Mbeya and Poroto Mountain ranges. This is a chance to take a breather from your long journey from Tanzania to South Africa (Namanga to Cape Town).
The following are places you can visit in Mbeya:
Lake Ngozi
On the outskirts of Mbeya City lies Lake Ngozi. It’s quite scenic since it is a crate lake. It is also surrounded by a dense forest, giving it a natural and picturesque appeal. Bird watchers will have a field day view of the large variety of birds that call this Crater Lake region home.
Kawetire Rift Valley View Point
Kawetire Rift Valley View Point is approximately 33 kilometers from Mbeya City and can be accessed along the scenic Mbeya—Chunya road around the Kawetire region. Some of the activities here include sports diving and hiking. This viewpoint gives perfect birds-eye views of the entire Mbeya region. It is also a great place to camp overnight.
Kitulo Plateu National Park
The Kitulo Plateau National Park is located southeast of Mbeya and is known for its wide range of wildflowers, which give the landscape a natural glow. This is a must-visit destination for visitors who love to take memorable pictures.
Matema Beach
Since Mbeya City is located at the base of mountain ranges, several lakes are below, and Lake Nyasa is a perfect tourist destination. It’s also known as a resort town that attracts tourists from all over who enjoy vast natural water bodies. There are plenty of fish delicacies to be enjoyed at Matema Beach shores.
Nkonde – Tunduma Border Post (Entering Zambia)
Tunduma is a town bordering Tanzania and Zambia. It is a gateway from Daresalam to Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tunduma is located in the Mbeya region of Tanzania and has border posts for the Tanzam Highway and the TAZARA railway that link the two nations.
If you have been driving from Kenya to Zambia, the Nkonde – Tunduma Border Post will be your first major hurdle. This specific border post takes a little more time, especially if you travel from East African countries other than Tanzania – brace yourself!
Based on the experiences of people who’ve made the entire trip from Kenya or Tanzania to South Africa (Namanga to Cape Town), it might take more than 4 hours (even with the help of an agent) to be cleared for entry into Zambia from Tanzania. As a result, it is very important that you hire an agent to ease the process for you.
Entering Zambia ( Nkonde – Tunduma Border Post) What to Expect
The following are the costs and expectations you’ll encounter driving through the Nkonde – Tunduma Border Post from Tanzania on your way to South Africa.
- Interpol Charges: Every driver/car is expected to pay Interpol charges. The most current rates are Zambian Kwacha 200 ($7.62).
- Road Poll Charges: In Zambia, every car must pay road poll charges at Kwacha 525 ($20) per vehicle.
- Vehicle Search Charges: Vehicles driving into Zambia are subject to a car search at Kwacha 100 ($3.81) per car.
- Carbon Tax: All Combustion Engine vehicles (over 1500cc/1.5-liter) entering Zambia are subject to Carbion tax at Kwacha 521 ($19.87) per car.
- Council Levy: All vehicles driving into the Zambian border from outside are subject to a Council Levy of Kwacha 50 ($1.90) per car.
- Agent Facilitation Fee: Navigating this process without an agent can be difficult. As a result, you’ll need to pay for the services of an agent (not a requirement) for a seamless process. The rate is negotiable but averages around Kwacha 650 ($24.76).
- Reflector Sticker: All vehicles in Zambia must have front and rear reflector stickers (White and Red). Purchase them at the border to prevent issues with the authorities.
- There’s a 10 PM curfew for foreign cars in Zambia. Watch out!
NB: It is quite infuriating why a border point would make it difficult for others to cross to the point where you’ll require the services of a private agent to do the straightforward immigration process for you. We hope the trend changes over time. But in all honesty, it’s a backward trend.