The road trip from Kenya to Tanzania is an unforgettable journey, filled with adventure, a few surprises, and incredible scenery. My journey began in Nairobi, with the final destination being Arusha, a city just across the border in Tanzania.

Kenya and Tanzania are two of East Africa’s most captivating countries, filled with stunning landscapes and wildlife.

Kenya is famous for the Maasai Mara and the Great Migration, while its capital, Nairobi, is a lively modern hub.

Nearby, Tanzania boasts Mount Kilimanjaro and the vast Serengeti plains teeming with wildlife. Zanzibar’s beaches and Swahili culture add even more allure to Tanzania’s coast.

Both countries offer unforgettable experiences, from safaris to rich cultural heritage. Together, Kenya and Tanzania are dream destinations for nature and adventure lovers. I had an amazing time touring several cities at these two famous countries. Please check out my older posts to explore a variety of things to do in Kenya and Tanzania, from wildlife safaris to cultural experiences and scenic adventures. You’ll find plenty of inspiration for your next trip!

For this post, I will give details only about my roadtrip. Here’s how the experience unfolded in 2022.

Hitting the Road in a Hired Tanzanian Car from Kenya to Tanzania

Tanzania has numerous tour companies online where tourists typically book trips in advance.

My sister contacted a Tanzanian tour company before our trip. She arranged a car rental from Tanzania for this trip, thinking it would be more convenient and save time at the border. The company sent two Tanzanian drivers who drove early from Arusha to Nairobi that same day. Although the wait felt long and boring, they arrived in time for us to begin the trip before noon.

The car was comfortable, with enough space for our luggage and the essentials we’d packed for the road.

Starting out, the highways were smooth, and the open roads outside Nairobi were relaxing. The dry landscape of Nairobi is marked by vast, dusty stretches of land, with sparse vegetation scattered across the arid terrain. The sun beats down relentlessly, casting a golden hue over the muted colors of the shrubs and dry grasses.

One of the funniest experiences was seeing cattle crossing the road on their own, as if they owned it.

The excitement of crossing into another country by road added a thrill to every mile.

Crossing the Border at Kuingia from Kenya to Tanzania

The Kuingia border is an active, bustling area, alive with travelers, trucks, and the occasional animal crossing.

Getting through immigration was straightforward but required patience.

On the Kenyan side, I handed over my passport and filled out a departure form. After a quick chat with the officer and a glance at my passport, I was cleared to leave.

Crossing to the Tanzanian side was a bit more detailed. I filled out an entry form, and they took my fingerprints as part of the registration process. They asked about my destination and car rental agreement, which they carefully reviewed. The tour guides were kind enough to help us translate into Swahili for the immigration officers whenever we struggled to understand, ensuring they verified we were traveling with them.

If you’re Cameroonian, know that you can get a visa on arrival, but you’ll need to pay the visa fee. Cameroonians are allowed a maximum stay of 90 days, so be sure to purchase a return ticket, bring your yellow fever card, and carry a temporary itinerary plan.

Be sure to check your visa requirements before embarking on this lengthy trip to avoid any surprises.

Within about 45 minutes, I was stamped and ready to go.

A Unique Border Encounter: Tanzanian Jewelry Sellers

One of the highlights at the border was meeting the Tanzanian women selling handmade jewelry.

They showcased beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, all bright and colorful.

With wide smiles, they explained the meaning behind different designs, sharing stories of the culture and traditions that inspired them. I couldn’t understand a word of Swahili, but it was amazing to see their warm smiles and the beautiful jewelries they were selling.

I wanted every colorful unique piece but for budget reasons, I couldn’t resist picking up a few pieces as souvenirs for myself and older sister. My red beaded jewelry remains one of my favorite dressing delights.

I must add that their prices were much cheaper than those at the markets in Nairobi, so if you’re planning a trip from Kenya to Tanzania, be sure to save up a few shillings for some shopping.

The Breathtaking Landscape from Nairobi to Arusha

The scenery along the way was stunning. Once I left the border, rolling hills and endless stretches of green countryside opened up before me.

The mountains in the distance provided a dramatic backdrop to the landscape, while Maasai villages occasionally dotted the horizon, adding a distinct cultural flavor to the journey.

Herds of cattle and goats often wandered near the road, herded by Maasai men and children in traditional red shukas. Our guides were kind enough to explain the cultural history of Maasai children working as goatherders. In Maasai culture, children work as goatherders to help their families manage livestock, which is a vital part of their livelihood. It’s seen as a traditional responsibility that teaches them essential skills and a strong work ethic.

As the evening approached, the sunset view left me in awe. Words and pictures can’t fully capture the beauty of that moment. Trust me, save your money for a flight and take this road trip—you’ll thank me later.

The highlight came as I drove closer to Arusha. The landscape transitioned into a beautiful mix of open savannas and volcanic views, with Mount Meru standing tall on the horizon. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you want to stop and take in the view at every turn.

You’ll see this only if you travel from Kenya to Tanzania.

An Unexpected Breakdown and Long Wait

Unfortunately, road trips aren’t always smooth. Our experience was no exception.

Halfway to Arusha, the hired car suddenly stalled. After trying a few fixes, we realized it needed professional repairs, and they had no choice but to call for assistance. The drivers called a biker, who took them to a nearby town to get another car. Apparently, they hadn’t traveled with a spare tire—typical of many African companies that fail to ensure all essentials are provided to prevent unexpected situations like this. The tire exploded with a loud bang, likely due to the heat of the road and the long drive they had just completed.

While we waited for them to fix the car, we took the opportunity to explore the surroundings a bit more, capturing photos of the nearby hills and chatting with locals who passed by though we were not able to understand them.

The repair took about four hours, longer than I had hoped, but it did give me a chance to rest and stretch my legs. When the car was finally up and running again, I was relieved and ready to get back on the road.

Finally Arriving in Arusha

The delay made me appreciate the trip even more, and arriving in Arusha felt like a victory at 8pm. Despite the unexpected setback, the journey from Nairobi to Arusha was filled with unique encounters, beautiful landscapes, and memories that made every mile worthwhile.

Taking a road trip from Kenya to Tanzania can be a fantastic experience, but it’s best to be prepared for the unexpected. And with the right mindset, even delays can turn into stories worth telling.

For more routes from Kenya to Tanzania, check out this reputable blogger’s post.

Explore a range of posts on my website covering unique travel experiences, detailed destination guides, and practical tips to make every journey memorable. From road trips across Africa to insider advice on navigating airports and finding the best local spots, each post is crafted to inspire and help you make the most of your travels. Dive in and discover new paths to adventure!