Tanzania fuel prices in 2027/2028 are regulated by EWURA (Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority) and published monthly at ewura.go.tz. Petrol (premium unleaded) and diesel prices are set at the pump by government regulation — the difference between stations is minimal. Tanzania uses litre pricing in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS). USD cash is not accepted at fuel stations — pay in TZS or by card at stations with working card terminals. This guide covers the 2027/2028 fuel cost estimates, the key fuel stops on the Tanzania northern and southern circuits, and the jerry can strategy for the Serengeti interior.
Tanzania Fuel Prices 2027/2028
- Diesel (gasoil): Approximately TZS 3,200 to 3,500 per litre (USD 1.30 to 1.45 at current exchange rates). Most hire vehicles use diesel — confirm fuel type with hire company.
- Petrol (unleaded): Approximately TZS 3,400 to 3,600 per litre (USD 1.45 to 1.55)
- Price variation: Urban stations (Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma) are typically 2 to 4% cheaper than remote town stations. No price variation between branded stations (Total, Shell, Oryx, Petro) and unbranded independents at the EWURA-regulated pump price.
Fuel Consumption by Vehicle
Planning your East Africa self-drive circuit? Car Hire 4×4 Drive provides fully-equipped 4×4 vehicles for Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda with COMESA insurance and cross-border documentation included. See how the booking process works or send a circuit enquiry for a quote within 24 hours.
- Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 (diesel): 11 to 14 litres/100km (average 13L/100km)
- Toyota Land Cruiser 76/78 (diesel): 13 to 16 litres/100km (average 14L/100km)
- Toyota Hilux Double Cab (diesel): 9 to 12 litres/100km (average 10L/100km)
- Note: park driving (low speeds, frequent stops) increases consumption by 20 to 30% vs highway driving
Fuel Budget: Tanzania Northern Circuit (10 Days)
A typical 10-day Tanzania northern circuit covers approximately 2,000 to 2,200km: Arusha → Tarangire → Manyara → Ngorongoro → Serengeti → return Arusha. In a Prado 150 at 13L/100km: 2,100km × 0.13 = 273 litres. At TZS 3,400/litre = TZS 928,200 (approximately USD 378). Budget USD 400 per 10-day northern circuit for fuel, adding 5% contingency for park driving fuel consumption.
Key Fuel Stops: Northern Circuit
- Arusha: Fill completely before entering Tarangire. Multiple Total, Shell and Oryx stations in Arusha town.
- Karatu town: 90km from Arusha, at the Ngorongoro approach. Fill here before Ngorongoro and Serengeti. This is the last fuel point before the Serengeti interior.
- Inside Serengeti: No fuel available. Carry 20 to 40 litres in a sealed jerry can from Karatu for the Serengeti interior driving (Serengeti internal drive distances can be 200 to 300km over 2 to 3 days).
- Arusha (return): Fill on return from Serengeti via Ngorongoro.
Key Fuel Stops: Southern Circuit Add-On
- Dodoma: 430km from Arusha on the A104. Fill completely in Dodoma before continuing to Iringa (165km).
- Iringa: Last fuel before Ruaha (85km to Msembe gate). Fill completely.
- Mikumi town: Fill on exit from Ruaha after the Iringa-Mikumi drive.
- Kibiti: Fill before Nyerere approach (90km on murram to Mtemere gate).
Paying for Fuel in Tanzania
Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) are required at all fuel stations. Exchange USD to TZS at a bureau de change in Arusha or Dar es Salaam before departing on the circuit. Visa and Mastercard card payment is accepted at Total and Shell stations in Arusha and Dar — less reliable at stations in Karatu, Dodoma, or Iringa. Do not rely on card payment at rural stations. Carry TZS 200,000 to 300,000 (approximately USD 80 to 120) in cash for fuel on remote sections of the circuit.
A 4×4 is essential for circuits that include the Ngorongoro Crater descent (which requires centre differential lock), the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest approach road in wet season, or Kidepo Valley National Park. For circuits that stay on sealed national highways and well-maintained murram roads in dry season a capable 2WD can manage — but the Toyota Land Cruiser V8 GX with full 4WD and diff lock is always the safest and most reliable choice for any East Africa self-drive circuit.
You need a valid driving licence (plus an International Driving Permit if your licence is not in English), the COMESA Yellow Card insurance certificate, a cross-border authority letter from the vehicle owner for each transit country, and the vehicle registration document. Car Hire 4×4 Drive prepares all cross-border documentation for the specific countries on your circuit as part of the standard hire process — no separate arrangement needed.
Yes. Most East Africa self-drive circuits do not require technical off-road skills — the majority of driving is on sealed national highways or well-maintained murram park roads. The vehicle handover at collection includes a full demonstration of the 4WD system. If your circuit includes genuinely technical sections such as the Ngorongoro Crater descent or Bwindi wet-season approach, a car with driver can be arranged for those sections if you have no prior 4WD experience.
Book 4 to 8 weeks in advance for standard circuits. For July to August peak season and December to January, book 3 to 4 months ahead. If your circuit includes gorilla trekking, Uganda permits via UWA should be booked 2 to 6 months ahead and Rwanda permits via the RDB 3 to 9 months ahead — the vehicle booking should align with confirmed permit dates. See the How It Works page for the complete booking process and deposit schedule.
The Toyota Land Cruiser V8 GX is the standard recommendation for any circuit covering two or more countries, or any circuit including Tanzania (Ngorongoro requires mandatory 4WD with diff lock) or Uganda’s challenging approach roads. For Kenya-only or Rwanda-only dry-season circuits the Land Cruiser Prado is a cost-effective alternative. For groups of 6 or more passengers, the Toyota Hiace 9-seater safari van with pop-up roof is the most cost-effective per-person option.
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