Tanzania
 

Hi there, I’m driving up from South Africa to Malawi, have the trip pretty much planned but I have a friend joining for the return part of the trip, we have 5 weeks and are thinking about heading into the southern part of Tanzania, she would fly to dar es Salam so I’ll need to drive from northern Malawi to dar, then we will drive slowly back to see the sights. Anyone know how the road is between ipanya, Iringa, Morogoro, dar? And if it’s worth the time to do this part of Tanzania, I’ll be driving on my own to dar. But we’ll have time I think to see the sights on the way back. Before doing lake Malawi then heading back to SA through Mozambique. Any recommendations/advice greatfully received!
Cheers

The main highway from Ipanya to Mbeya to Dar es Salaam is good, although in many sections truck traffic has resulted in longitudinal ruts in the tar. Some sections are better than others. The last section of the road north in Malawi was a bit potholed but may now be better. No problem.

There has been a major road improvement project in Tanzania, with new tarred roads built mainly by the Chinese, so a lot of roads are better than they were only a few years ago. Google Maps is not particularly helpful, T4A is very useful.

In terms of Southern Tanzania - the highlands around Mbeya are attractive and wirth some time. Lake Tanganyika is well worth some time and the roads are good now. Lakeshore Lodge is outstanding - strongly recommended for a few days. Katavi and Mahale National Parks are worth visiting. My reaction is to spend two or three weeks in this area, and then (unless you have already spend time here) visit Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and perhaps the Usambaras.

That’s great info, thanks a lot!

Would be nice to get an update on the progress of your trip. Did you make it to Dar?

I am planning a similar trip from SA to Dar as I work and reside in Dar. Any tips / suggestions, etc would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers, Pieter