Guide to Self Drive in East Africa
Exploring East Africa on a self-drive adventure is one of the most exciting and flexible ways to discover the region’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and world-famous wildlife. From the open savannahs of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara to the lush forests of Uganda and the volcanic scenery of Rwanda, East Africa offers countless opportunities for independent travellers with a spirit of adventure. A self-drive trip allows you to travel at your own pace, create your own itinerary, and experience authentic local life beyond the typical tourist routes. However, driving in East Africa comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. Road conditions can vary, traffic rules may differ from what you’re used to, and remote areas require good planning and preparation. This guide provides essential information for anyone considering a self-drive journey covering everything from car rental tips and border crossings to safety advice and driving etiquette so you can explore East Africa confidently and responsibly.
Car Options
The best self-drive 4×4 car hire options for self-drive tours in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania are the Toyota Land Cruiser (Prado or Hardtop), Land cruiser V8 & VX, Land cruiser LX. These cars have a great track record and are the most capable and enduring for a 4×4 self-drive in the wild.
Tips for self-drive
If you are looking for the best the destination to take a self-drive trip, look no further than the most East African countries Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. There are very many car hire companies in these countries today that one can book a car for self-drive. Driving in a new destination like Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania is really challenging and there is need to be very careful while on the remotest routes of this landlocked country.
Visitors are strongly advised to review their personal safety and security posture, to remain vigilant and to be cautious by lowering their public profile when frequenting public places and landmarks.
Check the vehicle thoroughly
Before setting off, it is advisable that you check on the vehicle to be used thoroughly. Take a look at the tyres and find out if they are in better conditions and if there is a spare tyre in its better shape. For longer journeys, you will need at least two tyres and make sure that you have checked the water level, lights, oil, wiper blades and for any linkages.
For example Murchison falls national park takes 6-7 hours in Uganda, Serengeti national park takes 7 hours in Tanzania among others.
Driving after dark
We plan our self-drive safaris in East Africa so that you try to avoid driving at night because in the cities, the majority of carjacking take place after dark while rural roads are rarely lit by street lights, making people and free-ranging livestock difficult to spot. It becomes harder to find the hotel as road signs or landmarks are not so clearly visible. Darker areas are too challenging even when it comes to accessing any kind of help.
Use Road maps and GPS
While transferring to the various safari destinations of your choice ensure to carry a GPS to direct you along the different routes in the country as well as travel road atlas and maps or directions and know exactly where you are going but don’t just reply on the GPS in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. It can be seriously flawed, especially in the safari regions.
Follow traffic Laws while on road
Like any destination, traffic laws are worth following if you are to stay out of dangers on the road. Make sure that you can read road signs, do not drink and drive and at all times, put on your seat belts.
Have breaks, eat and fuel the vehicle
Refreshing the mind after a long drive is very important factor when you are on self-drive holiday. Have adequate eats and fuel the vehicle. Never leave a big center without filling your gas tank, otherwise you may not find any fuel station in the next area especially the protected areas in East Africa.
Too much driving
Usually people plan to drive way too far in one day and sometimes they plan a hectic trip which has them driving too far and away too often. If you are feeling tired, it is advisable that you park aside and have a rest or give your colleague to also take up the wheel, provided he or she possess a valid driver’s license.
Close windows and doors
Keep your windows and doors locked when driving through urban areas, and especially when stopped at a traffic light. Never leave valuables in sight when parked, and try to park your car in a well-lit area that’s protected by car guards.
Mind about the rest of other road users
You need to be attentive and take note of other road users like, students, cyclists and cattle as most of them can be crossing the road.
For example, Uganda’s roads are narrow and there can be some pedestrian walks.
Driving license
Make sure that your driving license is valid written in English and if not, you’ll need to apply for an International Driver’s License ahead of your trip. To stay safe while on your trip, you need to follow the above listed tips and you will enjoy your tour in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.
Speeding
Speed cameras operate in cities, towns and on high ways and if you are caught over speeding on camera, the fine will go straight to the hire car company, who will simply debit your credit card with the amount. A more common speeding trap is on the outskirts of towns, where traffic police wait for the unsuspecting driver to come racing out of the built up area.
If you are caught speeding by traffic police, the correct procedure is to give the traffic officer your details (name, car rental agency details and car registration number) and ask him to issue you with a speeding fine ticket. You also have the option of taking the speeding ticket to a local police station and paying it directly however, this may not be a feasible option as it may involve a long detour and eat into valuable holiday time.
Petrol stations
It is worth noting that none of the petrol stations in East African countries are self-service and when you pull into a petrol station, you will generally be waved to a free petrol pump by an enthusiastic attendant, who are all dressed in smart uniforms and will welcome you with a big smile. Do make sure that he waves you to the correct pump, as you do not want him putting petrol in your diesel car, while the car is being filled up, they will clean your windscreen for you and take great care in making sure even the smallest dirt mark is wiped away
The majority of the larger petrol stations will take overseas credit cards, but some of the smaller ones may not. You will generally find an ATM on site so that you can withdraw cash if necessary, but in the more remote places, even this facility may not be present. You should therefore always ensure that you have sufficient cash whenever you pull in to fill up with petrol just in case.
Conclusion
A self-drive trip in East Africa offers unmatched freedom, adventure, and personal discovery. With proper planning, respect for local rules, and the right vehicle, you will enjoy an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures. Embrace the open road East Africa is waiting to be explored on your own terms.
