A self-drive East Africa Road Trip adventure through Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
Are you trying to find a safari at a lower cost than package tours? Do you want a customized experience free from the dictates of other group members? Or perhaps you are simply seeking an exciting way to travel across this part of Africa. In any case, the smartest choice we made while organizing our time in this part of the world was to go on a self-drive East Africa Road Trip. This is the ideal approach to independently explore the four nations and our safari itinerary across the area.
One Great Big Guide to Road-Tripping East Africa
because it requires planning and time to go overland across four African nations. With a few tweaks to make it better, here is the path we can recommend across East Africa and all the things you should before this great adventure.
Important Information Before Your Self-Drive East Africa Road Trip
Basic things to know as you are planning your self drive safari across east Africa
Visa Information
For Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya, apply for the east African visa that allows multiple entry in all the 3 countries as long you don’t exit them to go to another country. Unfortunately, for Tanzania you will need an independent of the other 3 countries. However, the good news is that you can get you entry visa to Tanzania on any border point at a fee of 50$ per person (east African visa cost 100$ per person). To use the east African VISA, you trip must start in either Rwanda or Uganda as for Kenya you will be required to pay an extra entry visa if that is where your trip start from.
How Long Does This Self-Drive East Africa Road Trip Take?
I would advise allocating forty-five days to finish this route. Naturally, you can modify this to suit your preferences; perhaps you would want to spend less time in national parks or to avoid visiting Uganda’s most isolated areas. The decision is entirely yours.
but for proper coverage of this region, you should set aside between 45 and 60 days to have a dream safari that is not rushed.
What Time of Year Should I Do This East Africa Road Trip?
In East Africa, self-driving should only be planned for the dry season. Usually, this occurs between July and the beginning of October.
The second (though somewhat less dry) season of November through January begins with the “short rains” in late October.
Everyone agrees that August through September is the ideal time of year to drive on self drive.
Where Do I Rent My Car?
Within the four nations, there is no scarcity of rental businesses. Self drive in Tanzania is the most reputable and trustworthy. Additionally, it is very cost friendly. During the busiest time of year, a land cruiser rental should cost about $150 per day without tents and 180$ for the car with the tent. This is unquestionably the greatest choice if you are hosting a small gathering.
we shall offer you high class utensil to use during your camping safari experience which will include Table, chairs, sleeping gear, cookware, guidebooks, everything you could possibly need!
What Countries Can I Visit with my Rental Car?
You can easily go to Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda as long as your rental company completes the necessary paperwork and provides you with the “yellow card” of passage. The procedure at the land borders is fairly efficient, and this is a popular road trip route.
What Kind of Car Do I Need?
A 4×4 vehicle is required to finish this journey. However, the question is whether a Landcruiser is necessary or if a RAV4 will suffice. The Landcruiser is obviously a far more costly choice.
The Landcruiser is unquestionably the best option. However, you can get by with other cars with ease. If you’re choosing an older car, I wouldn’t pick anything with less clearance than a Prado. It is necessary for the roads in Uganda and the Serengeti.
Important to note is that you will need a car with a Ugandan number plate to travel through all the four countries as we shall see later.
Ground tent or Pop-Tent?
These cars may readily be fitted with a pop-tent, which I advise since you should already choose the Prado or higher.
We had lions, elephants, and hippos in our camp most nights at national parks, so it was very helpful to be on top of the car for protection.
Which Country Should I Start In?
It is advised that you start this great adventure from Kenya. The only catch is that your car must be imported from Uganda and delivered to Nairobi, Kenya. Typically, this costs around $150. This implies that a Kenya ETA will also cost money. Therefore, the extra expense for two individuals is roughly $210. However, it might still turn out to be less expensive because Nairobi frequently offers cheaper flights into the nation, allowing you to explore Jinja and Lake Victoria without going back and extending your rental period.
Why Do I Need Ugandan License Plates?
the big question is why only Ugandan car is recommended for this great adventure, why don’t i just rent my car in Kenya and proceed with my adventure: here are the reason why renting any other car other than Ugandan registered will be a bad idea and will come back to haunt you.
All vehicles with international license plates must pay an extra $100 for entry to Uganda National Parks. Ugandan plates cost $8. This is a significant additional expense given that you will likely want to self-drive in three to five Ugandan parks. Do yourself a favor and rent a vehicle with Ugandan license plates.
furthermore, Kenyan registered vehicle will not be allowed in Tanzania national park and vice versa. this implies that for a vehicle with Kenyan number plate, you will be required to switch the car while in Tanzania.
Quick Tips For Overland Travel in East Africa
- Keep small bills in the glove compartment of the car and hide all other cash. Let us face the truth, tourists are targeted by thieves as it is assumed that they have got money with them. Therefore, don’t get yourself into the trap of these bad hearted people by moving with a lot of cash.
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ATMs will only be available in major cities. Stock up on cash. some ATM Machine do not incur fees. always try to find out the ATM will charge sur charge so that you use that to make a withdraw and move with enough cash.
- get local sim card in every country you will visit. This will ensure that you stay connected on the internet for swift communication.
- these countries are peaceful. Not over read internet as some people writing about these countries have not even been there. you will surely be safe through your stay in all these country. there is no security risk at all.
- fuel will take big chuck of your budget. a liter of fuel costs about 1$. therefore, budget appropriately
- Tanzania’s northern circuit parks are the most expensive one but are must visit on this trip. people will tell you that it is not an African safari without visiting Serengeti and Ngorongoro. so not be discouraged by the high entry fees and think of leaving out these great destinations. They are expensive for the reason.
7. not over drive during this trip? roads are bad more so in the parks. therefore, plan to drive between 200 and 300 kilometers per day to avoid getting over exhausted.
8. know how to change tire. flat tires is common, more so in the park. Therefore, you should know how to change the tire as this is a self drive safari. Please flat tire is common and be in position to deal with at your own.
9. oil change and minor repair can be attended to at the gas station. we shall advise accordingly but there wont be need to send the expert to fix a tire or change the oil for you.
Our Self-Drive East Africa Itinerary
If you enjoy the drive the most, you could theoretically just go from place to place without any days in between. To save time, you may also just pick the places that most interest you and ignore the others. Or stay longer in some places to experience the national parks in greater detail.
Nairobi, Kenya
This is an unavoidable stop along the way, and it’s a great location to fill up on groceries and money while you get to know the vehicle. Spend a day or two acclimating to the continent and the time difference.
Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya
The first stop is a great place to try out your camping equipment. With amazing views and no predators, it’s not too far from Nairobi. The park’s public campsite is among the most beautiful in all of Kenya, with a view of the entire valley.
Kisumu, Kenya
Kisumu is where Lake Victoria is located. One part of the coastline, anyway. On its bank, you should camp at the Dunga Hill Camp, where you can obtain inexpensive beer and keep an eye out for hippos in the morning.
Jinja, Uganda
our Uganda Itinerary
- Spend the Day Doing Jinja Things listed in the blog post linked above.
- Jinja to Entebbe
- Entebbe to Mabamba Swamp
- Mabamba Swamp to Lake Mburo National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park to Lake Bunyongyi
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
There are many trekking and wildlife viewing opportunities in Volcanoes National Park. You may trek up Mount Bisoke for the entire day, and you’ll love the somewhat challenging hike. As long as you don’t have knee problems, it’s rather manageable for people with ordinary fitness levels because the ascent and descent are quite strenuous. Golden Monkey trekking is another option available to you here. Susa Gardens in Ruhengiri is where you will stay.
Day Twelve Lake Kivu, Rwanda
Visit this lake on the Rwanda/DRC border for the great boat cruise on the lake and a chance to enjoy a fresh fish while at the lake.
Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
for chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk, visit Nyungwe national park. you will also have a chance to witness several primates and bird species that live within this forest lake.
Kigali, Rwanda
The most advanced and organized city in this East African region is Kigali. The Genocide Memorial Museum and Rubia Coffee Roasters are must-sees while in the city.
Back to Uganda
complete the Uganda loop with the following:
- Bwindi National Park
- Buhoma
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Chimp Trekking
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Moroto
- Sipi Falls
Iten, Kenya
You will return to Kenya once you have completed our Uganda loop, which is listed above. Although this obscure path isn’t the most direct, it is the most picturesque and offers some of East Africa’s most breathtaking scenery. The detour is totally worth it. Additionally, you will be able to escape Kenya’s terrible A1 roads, which are congested with reckless drivers and rushing lorries.
Nyeri, Kenya
a necessaly stop over at Nyeri for scenic view and local interaction. At Sandai Resort, stay. It is a large property with a charming host and a German-style house that provides inexpensive camping, wine, and home-cooked meals. The site is also home to a variety of species. Spend an additional day here to relax and take advantage of the facilities if you can.
Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
The tarmac is the quickest route to Samburu. However, the greatest route to see more animals is along the free transit trails that pass directly through Borena and Lewa conservancy and surrounding Solio Reserve.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya
one of the favorite park in Kenya is Ol Pejeta. All five of the Big Five are here, but especially if you’re interested in Rhino. Don’t enter through the northernmost gate. The road is not well maintained, and it is not very close to the park’s wildlife-rich parts.
Nairobi, Kenya
Back to Nairobi for a quick stopover and replenishment of supplies.
Amboseli National Park, Kenya
2 days in Amboseli national park will be worthy it as you will have the clearest view of Kilimanjaro mountain on top of encountering herds of elephants that call this park there home.
Arusha, Tanzania
Greetings from your fourth and last nation. Despite this, the race is close. Arusha is a fairly contemporary and comfortable East African city and a great place to start your journey around the country.
the starting point of Tanzania northern circuit, a popular route for all adventurous. from Arusha, you will visit Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro national park among other place as you conclude you east African adventure.