How to 4×4 Self-Drive East Africa Safely: My Honest Review
How to 4×4 Self-Drive East Africa Safely: My Honest Review. Is a safari to East Africa in your future? Self-drive Safaris were first popular in East Africa, making that region perfect for first-timers. It provides a low-pressure introduction to the continent with beautiful landscapes, a variety of animals, and knowledgeable guides. Unwind on idyllic island paradises like Zanzibar or visit world-renowned locations like Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.
We went on a 14 Day Self Drive Safari in Tanzania
East African Self-drive Safari Destinations
East Africa is the perfect starting point for your “African safari” adventure. The word “safari” literally means “journey” in Swahili, the language of the region where the safari originated. Self-drive Safaris nowadays are all about having exciting, responsible experiences with amazing animals, so you can forget about what you seen in the movies. Are you prepared to plan the ideal safari for your first trip to Africa?
For a first-rate self-drive safari experience, East Africa is the place to go. We’re talking breathtaking landscapes (hello, Kilimanjaro!), an abundance of knowledgeable wildlife guides, and an inviting atmosphere. Places like Zanzibar, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda come to mind. Why not also embark on a hike through verdant rainforest in the hopes of seeing rare gorillas or see animals scurrying over expansive plains? You may plan your East African journey for nearly any time of year thanks to the unexpectedly nice climate.
Self-Drive Safaris Uganda
Our experts at Car Rental Drives Africa can craft an exciting and varied schedule for your once-in-a-lifetime vacation to Uganda. Allow us to assist you in crafting a meticulously organized schedule that incorporates your transportation, lodging, and (if preferred) permits for gorillas and chimpanzees. Feel free to take the wheel on your own adventure or opt for a guided tour with one of our knowledgeable local guides.
We hand-select stunning lodges for our self-drive tours so you can relax after a day on the road. We take special care to seek out remarkable locations, and we give preference to eco-friendly boutique hotels that offer the most value for money.
From making hotel reservations to arranging for car rentals and providing roadside support, our Car Rental Drives Africa team is at your service every step of the way. Using direct bookings allows you to avoid middlemen, receive the best rates, and communicate easily. Are you prepared to discover the wonders of Uganda?
Self-Drive Safaris Kenya
The pioneer in Kenyan self-drive vacation vehicle and camping equipment rental service is Car Rental Drives Africa. When renting a car in Kenya, what documents are required? Strong 4×4 capable of navigating rough terrain and dependable service in the event of an emergency.
We use Toyota Landcruisers that have a pop-up roof for our fleet. We never use outside vendors or subcontractors; in fact, we own every rental car. A road map, insurance, and round-the-clock roadside support are all part of our rental packages.
Want the most leeway and freedom on your Kenyan road trip? Get a tent for the ground or one for the roof. Everything you need for a camping trip in Kenya is included in the complete package of high-quality gear, including a mattress, sleeping bag, headlights, cooking utensils, table, chairs, and more.
Find a 4×4 and start making plans for your Kenyan road adventure.
Self-Drive Safaris Tanzania
For your once-in-a-lifetime vacation to Tanzania, Car Rental Drives Africa can craft an itinerary that is both relaxing and exciting. Get in touch with us if you need assistance organizing your rental car, park permits, and lodging for a well-planned road trip. Feel free to take the wheel on your own adventure or opt for a guided tour with one of our knowledgeable local guides.
Our self-drive tours include stays in picturesque campgrounds and hotels, perfect for unwinding after a day on the road. We take special care to seek out remarkable locations, and we give preference to eco-friendly boutique hotels that offer the most value for money.
From making hotel reservations to arranging for car rentals and providing roadside support, our Car Rental Drives Africa team is at your service every step of the way. Using direct bookings allows you to avoid middlemen, receive the best rates, and communicate easily. Would you like to discover the wonders of Tanzania?
Self-drive safaris Rwanda
Are you arranging the ideal Rwandan self-drive safari? If you’re looking for a reliable car rental company in Rwanda that offers 4WD vehicles with ground or rooftop tents, go no further than Car Rental Drives Africa. Get out and about in your rental car, exploring the nearby countries at your leisure, just like a real traveler.
During a Self-Drive Safari Rwanda, you will have complete control over your experience. You get to choose how long you want to spend observing animals while game driving through some of the best game parks in Africa.
In the mood to have a memorable Rwanda safari? No need to fret; we provide self-drive safaris in Rwanda so you may see the land of a thousand hills at your own pace. Our car rental services should be your first choice whenever you visit Rwanda or Uganda. Affordable and robust safari vehicles are part of our fleet and will provide you with the utmost comfort and pleasure on your vacation. In order to make the most of your self-drive safari in Rwanda or Uganda, we have a fleet of beautiful and rugged vehicles available, including 4X4 Safari Land Cruisers, 4X4 Safari Vans, Rav 4, and Extended Land Cruisers.
Self-drive Tours Zanzibar
There are a ton of amazing hidden gems in Zanzibar waiting for you to explore. Unfortunately, many tourist attractions are often out of reach without your own car due to the poor public transportation infrastructure.
In order to do justice to Zanzibar, you are going to have to rent a car and drive around yourself to truly see what the island has in store for you. Renting a car in a foreign country can be extremely nerve-wracking, but do not worry, we’ve got your back.
Within this guide, you will find all the information you need to rent a car and drive in Zanzibar safely and securely, with tips on where to rent, the price, and more. Without further ado, here is a complete guide to renting a car in Zanzibar.
Self-drive safaris Burundi
A safari to Burundi is sure to be an unforgettable experience, because to the country’s diverse animals, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Wildlife safaris in Burundi are becoming increasingly popular due to the country’s varied ecosystems and abundant flora and fauna. Among the many fascinating animal and plant species that may be seen at the Kibira and Ruvubu national parks are chimpanzees, hippos, elephants, and countless bird species.
Safari goers to Burundi can see all of the aforementioned animals in their natural habitats, which include verdant forests, grasslands, lakes, marshes, and more.
Why Self-Drive East Africa
Numerous factors favour selecting a self-drive safari in East Africa over participating in a guided tour or employing a guide. Your engagement with this blog article suggests that an explanation is unnecessary. However, we identified some less apparent advantages of autonomous travel during our journey around the region.
1. You Get More Time With the Wildlife
Most people are unaware that African safari tours follow a strict and highly regulated schedule; even a private tour with a local guide will follow a set schedule. Your guide is in charge, so if you happen to spot a cheetah and three of her cubs hunting in the middle of the day, you will have to leave her to go eat lunch at a picnic area rather than sit and watch for as long as you want.
The number of times we waited out every other safari car to be the only ones around is incalculable. We left the park last at night and first in the morning. You should be in charge of what you seek out and how long you spend with each animal if you’re a wildlife enthusiast. That kind of independence is only possible with self-driving cars.
2. It IS Cheaper. (Kind of)
When organising a self-drive safari, a lot of people, including me, have this question. Because, in actuality, East Africa is costly. Safari travel in this part of the world is costly. The cost of the rental car alone is a significant outlay of funds. And that’s before you account for gas, park admission costs, and overnight campgrounds.
The truth is that we paid less each day than you would have if you had joined a regular safari excursion. However, as we were driving ourselves, our journey lasted far longer than the typical guided tour. A bundled trip that travels through the nation at the quickest possible pace would probably cover what would have taken us a full drive day in half the time.
3. You Get More of the BEST Experiences in East Africa
African cities are a source of my frustration. Even the most optimistic traveler can identify few redeeming qualities. Camping under the stars in East Africa is an experience that everyone should undertake at least once in their lifetime.
Autonomous drivers will have that experience each night. Your journey will involve traversing from one campsite to another, appreciating the diverse terrains of Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, thereby gaining a deeper comprehension of the region compared to those who merely visit prominent tourist sites briefly. In numerous instances, the transitional areas within these nations can disclose significant insights about a location.
Although the bucket-list experiences in East Africa, such as gorilla trekking, were exceptional, it was the unforeseen delights of locations like Kidepo Valley, elephants grazing near our camp in Tarangire, and the winding lanes of Item that rendered our travels in the region genuinely unforgettable.
4. Self Drive Safari is a Better Safari Experience
Numerous individuals express concern about failing to observe wildlife in the parks without a guide; nevertheless, we did not encounter this issue. On the contrary, in fact. On both occasions when we employed a guide in East Africa, we observed all the wildlife prior to his detection. This is either due to our great wildlife observation skills or our heightened vigilance in searching for animals.
We saw travellers who had reserved a 7-day safari, and when their vehicle malfunctioned, resulting in the loss of an entire day of animal observation in the park, they received no reimbursement for that day. We saw individuals whose guided group safaris experienced last-minute alterations, resulting in their omission of some exceptional parks, including as Tarangire, without any provided rationale or explanation. When you manage your own safari experience, such occurrences are avoided.
One cannot adequately articulate the sensation of being the sole vehicle adjacent to a lion or cheetah in the absence of a guide. This type of experience epitomises the essence of a safari.
Clearly, there are exceptional guides and remarkable guided trips in East Africa. I am sharing some narratives from individuals who have ordered economical tours and personalised excursions.
Is it Safe to Self-Drive East Africa
Throughout our three-month autonomous driving journey throughout East Africa, we encountered no instances of bribery, scams, or safety issues. Could this merely be exceptional fortune? Certainly. Nonetheless, I believe the security apprehensions regarding theft, robbery, and violence in East Africa are significantly exaggerated.
Nairobi or any East African metropolis is the most perilous location after nightfall. However, you will not be occupying your time in urban areas. You will appreciate the wilderness and national parks. In these isolated regions, all individuals we met were accommodating and benevolent. Indeed, numerous individuals expressed optimism for financial assistance or solicited funds; nonetheless, requesting is markedly distinct from coercing or appropriating.
What It’s REALLY Like to Self-Drive East Africa
This is a compilation of photographs captured along the various highways of East Africa, providing insight into the driving conditions in the region.
Here is the essential information regarding autonomous driving in East Africa.
- Individuals will perpetually remain present. We unreasonably feared that our vehicle would malfunction, leaving us trapped without means to seek assistance. However, within three months, there was not a single route so desolate that we would have succumbed to breakdown and starvation in the wilderness.
- Proceed in a measured pace.All roads are rather straightforward to traverse.
- The mud will not pose the issue you anticipate. Provided that you are not travelling during the rainy season.
- Understand the procedure for replacing a tyre. This is probably the sole issue you will encounter with the vehicle.
We thoroughly enjoyed travelling in this manner when in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Navigating a foreign country can be more arduous, although it facilitates a myriad of unique encounters, rendering our time in East Africa very exceptional. I strongly advocate for undertaking at least a brief road trip.
Self drive safari in Kenya ?!? / All you need to know before doing a Kenya self-drive safari
OUR SAFARI OF A LIFETIME (Serengeti Tanzania)