Are you looking for the best way to explore Africa? Self-driving in East Africa currently is so much loved by the big number of travelers that are preparing for the long haul road trip with rooftop tent jeep at a very affordable and interesting experiences in one or combination of East Africa.
This kind of travel is all about renting a 4×4 car from the very few trusted car rental agencies and operators with well maintained and fitted 4×4 jeeps and you sit behind the steering as you enjoy the trip on your own with your fiancé or friends.
The East African region has always won world travel accolades for being the best gorilla and wildlife safari destination. With amazing countries like Tanzania and Kenya which are much famously known for Mount Kilimanjaro and great wildebeest migrations, big five and other wildlife species in Masai Mara, Serengeti and other interesting safari parks.
Then for the interesting and unforgettable gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safaris visit Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo that offers both mountain and lowland gorillas in Virunga and Kahuzi Biega respectively.
From each country gorilla permit vary in the price and since Rwanda has rebranded as a new luxury destination in East Africa with well-maintained infrastructures and international 5-star luxury lodges and camps a gorilla permit cost $ 1500 US per person though there is some offers to those traveling in low season Nov – May and visiting 03 or 02 parks can acquire a permit of $1050 and then for travelers to Rwanda on conference and seminars can acquire a permit of $1275 US per permit.
Then from such discounts there is the experiential offers and this includes the exclusive and behind the scenes and these are purely luxury and stay in the few mentioned lodges like Singita, One & Only Resorts, Wilderness Camps among others.
Therefore, the Democratic Republic of Congo gorillas in Virunga and Kahuzi Biega would good much for every traveler to Africa, as seeing these primates is so unique in price at $ 450 US and the visitors are limited and the animals still in typical habitat but here the self-drive experience is a bit limited as it is an option that is not much advised as the country is not so much safe to foreign travelers alone but somehow easy with local guide.
So, if you are looking for a pure self-drive holiday, it is Uganda where everything is well prepared and with the vast Savannah parks and primates parks you can customize suitable road trip from 3 – 4 weeks adventure.
After being filled with the uniqueness wildlife in Uganda you can combine it with the Kenya or Tanzania and here, we offer the suitable 4×4 one-way rental experience with the best fitted 4×4 jeeps like Land Cruiser V8, Land Cruiser GX and Land Cruiser LX hardtop and then you can finish your holiday with the authentic oceanic white sand beaches, incredible cultures and hospitable welcoming people all makes the East African region worthy to explore.
Getting a suitable and stronger 4×4 safari vehicles is the best for self drive and are available on a larger scale with suitable car rental agencies in Africa. As you plan for the self-drive safari, always make a first choice to search for strong cars that can jungle with the rough terrains of East Africa.
There is a wide range fleets to choose from, of-course these vary with prices and higher the charges the stronger the vehicle. When opting to go for car rental and take a self-drive safari. These include 4×4 Land Cruiser LX which comes with manual transmission, carries a maximum of 5 passengers, It’s also suitable for rooftop tent camping.
The 4×4 Land Cruiser V8 one of the hulks of all terrain, this vehicle learnt to minimize all kinds of roads and reaching everywhere to even cruising to off the beaten path. The popular 4×4 Toyota land cruiser VX, TZ and GX, TX all are perfect fleets to cruise with on a self-drive. Also, the Toyota Hiace well proved African safari vehicle, these are customized safari vehicles.
When planning to take on a self-drive, you must consider having some essential at hand in order to qualify for the self-drive safari. First of the must have include being at least 18 years old. According to the traffic law of all African countries someone to qualify to drive must be 18 years and above and can use his or her home driving permit.
Must have a valid driving license, and for foreign travelers should have home or an international valid driving license. Must have identification documents for foreigners’ non-residents must have a valid passport for 06 month.
There are various things to consider when opting for a self-drive. First of all, not that all countries drive on the same hand. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda all drive on the left and Rwanda changes to right side of driving so when you follow the rules and regulations driving comes easier in Africa. Though the police officers always stop cars to verify for penalties some times cars with foreign rarely stopped and if this happens just flash him or her your driving license and if much questions are thrown towards you kindly say am here for holiday and this rented car.
When driving in East Africa just know that roads are not perfect, somewhere are characterized with potholes, and roads accessing almost all tourist attraction. Need to be keen when driving with roads, traffic enforcement in countries like Uganda and Kenya and with the state of the roads and security we do not encourage our travelers driving passed 07PM and before 07AM.
Board crossing is very possible on a self-drive with a car rental. When planning for this move then should ensure having the necessary documentation before embarking on your drive. You will only have to buy the Comesa insurance at the boarder when crossing to another country.
The car rental can be delivered at your hotel, lodge, and apartment or at the airport in all the biggest cities in region. And you don’t need to bring the vehicle back, it’s understood that travelers always consider taking dropping the vehicle to their convenient places. Concerning the dropping off the car, we can agree before you rent the car and if you decide to drop it in another country where you didn’t receive it from, then the terms and conditions in the agreement will determined and pick it as we have agreed.
The vehicles are insured with comprehensive policy and the 3rd party policy. In this case it doesn’t cater for personal insurance and you don’t have to buy it here, rather you ask your home insurance, if they provide you with that personal insurance the better.
Get rewarded with greater excitements that any traveler would seek for on a self-drive safari. After approving the acquisition of the rental, then need to understand that there are benefits to enjoy on a self-drive with a car rental.
Many costs here are foregone including the costs for drivers. This sets you in a position of saving some good money which can extend your excitement to more engagement on your self-drive holiday. When you take the journey your self, you can never pay for those driver changes which would make your safari a bit highly priced.
A self-drive safari in east Africa is an adventurous venture very exciting moment on the side of travel. Trying and doing something new puts you in a position where travelers discovering new ventures and mysteries by your own. East African countries are really adventurous since the have a number of national parks as well as their rich culture.
The freedom of cruising your style and driving at own beats is the major focus here. The freedom is fed with capacity to always make changes where need be. A travel remains free to undertake anything they feel is perfect for their enjoyments. No one will be pushing you giving you the freedom to take your way.
Tanzania and Kenya will give you the chance to take part in great wildebeest migration which takes place every year. You will be at liberty to either camp or go for lodging while on your safari. Make all decisions at your pace and choose what feels relevant to you.
Rwanda and Uganda will give you the opportunity to see gorillas as well as the other wild life. You will enjoy the surrounding landscapes of both countries as you self-drive on your pace. This gives you full control of your safari.
While on a self-drive safari, your personal safety and security first and foremost is your personal responsibility. You can keep this by ensuring that you do not take unnecessary risks like picking up strangers along the way or driving late at night. Secondly, endeavour to plan your routes prior to starting your drive from one location to another.