Self drive through Serengeti and Masai Mara-Self drive in Tanzania and Kenya

Yes, you can self-drive through both the Serengeti and Masai Mara, but you will likely need to switch vehicles between countries due to trade disputes. Alternatively, make sure that you book a vehicle with the Ugandan number plate as such vehicle will allowed to enter all parks in Kenya, Tanzania and beyond.

Always find out whether the vehicle is privately registered or commercially registered as that will greatly affect the amount of money you will pay for the vehicle entrance in Tanzania national parks.

For TANAPA  parks in Tanzania like Serengeti, east African privately registered cars pays about 20$ per day whereas the commercially registered cars pays about 150$ per day which is a difference of about 130$. Therefore, if you are considering using a Uganda registered car, always find out the details of the vehicle being assigned to you to avoid paying the extreme fees.

A 4×4 vehicle is essential for the rough roads, especially in the Serengeti, and it’s recommended to drive slowly to avoid damage and ensure safety. For a smoother experience, it’s best to enter the Serengeti via the Naabi Hill Gate and drive carefully to Seronera, and for the Masai Mara, you’ll need a separate, Kenya-registered vehicle in case you fail to book a Uganda registered car for this great adventure. The good news are, at self drive in Tanzania we can arrange for a Uganda vehicle which is privately registered and suitable for this great adventure.

Self-driving through both Serengeti and Masai Mara

• Vehicle switch: You cannot use the vehicle registered in Tanzania in Kenya national park and vice vasa. Kenya-registered vehicles are often denied entry to Tanzania parks and vice versa due to trade disputes, so you will need to switch to a vehicle with a Tanzanian license plate for the Serengeti and a Kenyan one for the Masai Mara. alternatively, you will need a car registered in Uganda as that can access both Masai Mara and Serengeti. (ensure that a Uganda car should be privately registered to avoid paying higher fees that is charged off the commercial cars)
• Vehicle requirements: A 4×4 vehicle is mandatory for the terrain in both parks. For Masai Mara, you will not be allowed to enter the park with luxury cars like v8 even if the car is Kenyan registered car. further more, the small SUV like rav4 or Suzuki are not recommended to go with to Serengeti due to the poor roads that are associated with the park. always ensure to book a suitable car for greater experience.

Serengeti self-drive tips

Best time to go: The dry season from June to October is ideal, with September being the best month for driving conditions and offering you a chance to witness the wildebeest migration at its climax but the park is heavily populated during this time. January and February are also good, though it is considered a “shoulder season” with a small risk of rain but foe those interested in encountering the newborn wildebeest and zebras, this is the period you should plan your trip. be prepared to also encounter the predator-prey interaction as the cats seize the opportunity to feast on the vulnerable newborn wildebeests. Avoid self-driving during the heavy rain seasons (March-May) as the terrains are much riskier and some time non passable. this increase the chances of the breakdown.

Entry: The main entry point is the Naabi Hill Gate which joins Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation area. However, the park can still be accessed via Ndebaka gate for those coming from Mwanza and nearby area. you can also access the park via Machame gate if your preference is witnessing the mara river crossing of wildebeest. for those planning combining Serengeti with hiking ol donyoi mountain, plan using Klein gate that connect lake Natron to Serengeti national park from the north of the park. for those coming from kenya via Tarakea Border, you can use Bologonja gate to enter into the park.

Road conditions: The main road from the gate to Seronera and branching out is notorious for being rough, rocky, and having washboard surfaces, so drive slowly. otherwise, you will increase the chances of tire burst and accident which is commonly associated with the reckless drivers.

Fuel: Always ensure that you have enough fuel. However, you will also be able to refill at seronera where you can find both petrol and diesel.

Park entry permit: Your tour company can arrange for you the permit to Serengeti national park or you can pay for your permit at any of the park entry gate. However, you will not be able to pay cash at the park entry gate. Therefore, make sure that your card is charged with enough credit to pay for your park fees.

Masai Mara self-drive tips

Activities:   Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for game drives, but your private safari timings can be flexible. for the mara river crossing of wildebeest, you will need to be a litle patient as you cant tell at the time when the migration will take place.

Planning and packing

Accommodation: For lodging safari, ensure to book your accommodation in advance and for the camping safari, you will pay for your concession on the gate as you are paying for your entry fees.

Navigation: Bring a map, GPS device, and a power bank for navigation. All our cars come with inverter that will enable you to charge your gadgets.

Essentials: Pack binoculars, a good camera, a first-aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, and plenty of water