East Africa is a dream destination for discoverers, adventurers, and travelers alike, with breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and incredible wildlife. With countries like Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania on offer, each journey becomes a unique experience. One of the best ways to explore the region is through a self-drive safari, giving travelers freedom, flexibility, and the thrill of the open road.
Are you interested in self-drive in Uganda? This travel style is ideal. Uganda is a land of natural beauty, from the misty mountains to best wildlife parks and amazing lakes and rivers. With a self-drive, you get to immerse yourself in Uganda’s famous national parks, encounter diverse wildlife, and connect with welcoming local communities.
Planning Your Journey.
Before hitting the road, thorough preparation is essential. Here are some key steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Vehicle Selection and Rental.
Choosing the right vehicle is crucial for a successful self-drive adventure. Self Drive Rental Uganda provides a variety of options, from rugged 4x4s perfect for off-road adventures to comfortable SUV s for longer journeys. Our fleet is well-maintained and equipped to handle the diverse terrains of East Africa. Book and hire a Toyota Land cruiser TX with rooftop tent and enjoy your vacation.
Car Inspection
Before you drive off, make an inspection on your hired car, check the headlights, the car tyres, seat belts water levels, oil levels, car breaks (spare tyre, wheel spanner and car Jake) inner and the outlook of the vehicle. In case you spot any crack or anything on the car, remember to inform the company to avoid inconveniences after your trip.
Documentation and Permits.
Ensure you have all necessary documentation, including a valid driver’s license, an International Driving Permit (IDP), vehicle registration papers, and insurance. It’s also important to check visa requirements for each country on your itinerary before embarking on your trip.
Route Planning.
Research the best routes and create a flexible itinerary. Consider factors like road conditions, travel times, and points of interest. Self Drive Rental Uganda’s website provides valuable insights into popular routes and must-see attractions in each country.
Safety Precautions.
Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and driving customs. Carry essential safety equipment such as a first-aid kit, spare tire, and emergency tools which we provide to you before the journey begins. Additionally, stay updated on travel advisories and road conditions.
Discover East Africa with a Self-Drive Adventure
Kenya.
Kenya is famous for its varied terrains, spanning from grasslands to mountains and coastal areas. Embarking on a self-drive tour here enables you to discover notable spots such as:
Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Witness the Great Migration and encounter the Big Five in this world-famous safari destination.
Going on a self-drive trip to Maasai Mara National Reserve is exciting! It’s in southwestern Kenya and has got beautiful landscapes and lots of animals, like lions, elephants, and rhinos. You’ll see stunning savannas and have unforgettable wildlife experiences there.
Remember to carry all necessary permits, licenses, and documentation for yourself and the vehicle. This may include driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance, and any permits required for accessing the reserve.
Arriving at Maasai Mara, the vastness of the reserve is breathtaking. Spread across more than 1,500 square kilometers of untouched wilderness, each corner offers a fresh chance for exploration. Driving yourself gives you the flexibility to tour the park at your leisure, pausing at watering spots frequented by elephants or searching the skyline for the sleek figure of a hunting cheetah.
As the sun goes down over the savanna, the sky turns orange and gold. You might think about all the amazing things you saw in nature today. Maybe you heard a lion roaring far away or watched acacia trees moving in the wind. Each moment in Maasai Mara shows how beautiful and wild Africa can be.
Nairobi Capital-Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya’s busy main city, has both new places to visit and old ones. There’s Nairobi National Park and also the Karen Blixen Museum which are quite amazing to visit.
Choose to visit the Nairobi National Park. It’s unique to have a national park right on the outskirts of a major city. You can go on a safari here and spot wildlife like lions, giraffes, and rhinos with the Nairobi skyline in the background.
Giraffe Centre. Here, you will get up close and personal with endangered Rothschild giraffes. You can even feed them from a raised platform.
Nairobi Railway Museum. If you’re interested in history, this museum provides a glimpse into Kenya’s railway heritage with exhibits of old locomotives and carriages.
Maasai Market. For shopping and experiencing local culture, visit the Maasai Market where you can find traditional crafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
Driving in Kenya.
It’s not so much difficult to drive in Kenya, just like other former colonies of Britain, Kenya too drive on the left hand side.
Necessities to drive in Kenya.
International Driving Permit (IDP).
Valid Driver’s License. Carry your home country’s driver’s license.
Vehicle Rental. Book your rental car in advance. Choose a 4×4 Self Drive rental car suitable for your journey.
Traffic Rules and Road Signs.
Drive on your left. In Kenya, driving is on the left-hand side of the road.
Speed Limits:
Urban areas: 50 km/h
Rural roads: 80 km/h
Highways: 100 km/h
Seat Belts. Mandatory for all passengers to tie your seat belt for your safety.
Mobile Phones. Prohibited while driving unless using a hands-free device.
Amboseli National Park.
Enjoy stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and abundant wildlife, including large elephant herds.
Notable Activities.
Game Drives. Venture the park at your own pace on a Self Drive safari. Amboseli is famous for its large herds of elephants, and you can also spot other wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous bird species.
Bird Watching. Amboseli is home to over 400 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. You can spot various species including pelicans, flamingos, herons, egrets, and raptors like eagles and hawks.
Nature Walks. Some areas of Amboseli offer guided nature walks where you can explore the park on foot accompanied by experienced guides. This allows you to appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem and learn about the flora and fauna up close.
Sunset/Sunrise Watching. Witness the spectacular sight of the sun rising or setting over Mount Kilimanjaro. Find a scenic spot within the park to enjoy this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.
Uganda the Pearl of Africa.
Uganda, known as the “Pearl of Africa,” boasts lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and welcoming people. Key destinations include.
Self Drive tips in Uganda.
Drive on your left hand side while driving in Uganda.
Documentation and Permits.
Valid Driver’s License. Carry your home country’s driver’s license
International Driving Permit (IDP).
Driving Rules.
Left-Hand Driving. In Uganda, you drive on the left side of the road.
Speed Limits. Generally, 50 km/h in urban areas and 80-100 km/h on highways. Look out for road signs.
Fuel.
Fuel Stations. Fill up at major towns as fuel stations can be sparse in remote areas.
Cash. Have cash on hand, as not all stations accept cards.
Note: In Uganda, driving is done on the left side of the road. This means that overtaking is done on the right-hand side. When you intend to overtake another vehicle, you should move to the right-hand side of the road to pass the vehicle safely and then return to the left-hand side once you have completed the maneuver.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences. The park has several sectors where gorilla trekking takes place.
Buhoma Sector. Located in the northern part of Bwindi, Buhoma was the first sector opened for gorilla tourism. It’s easily accessible and offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors with amazing view spot.
Ruhija Sector. Situated in the eastern part of Bwindi, Ruhija is known for its diverse birdlife and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Gorilla trekking in Ruhija often involves moderate to challenging hikes.
Rushaga Sector. Located in the southern part of Bwindi, Rushaga is known for having the highest number of habituated gorilla groups. It offers a range of gorilla trekking experiences, including both easy and more demanding hikes.
Nkuringo Sector. Also situated in the southern part of Bwindi, Nkuringo is known for its steep terrain and challenging trekking routes. However, the effort is rewarded with breathtaking views and the opportunity to encounter gorillas in their natural habitat.
Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Known for its diverse ecosystems, this park is ideal for game drives, boat safaris, and bird watching.
Game Drives. On your Self Drive adventure, discover the park’s different habitats and spot many wild animals like elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, and antelopes. The Kasenyi Plains and Ishasha sector are excellent spots to watch animals.
Kampala.
With its unique attractions, Kampala city offers special places worth visiting. Once you explore them on a self-drive tour, you won’t regret choosing to visit Kampala. These are,
Uganda Museum.
The Uganda Museum is the oldest museum in East Africa and offers a comprehensive collection of ethnological, natural-historical, and traditional life exhibits.
Kasubi Tombs.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Kasubi Tombs are a burial ground for four kabakas (kings of Buganda) and an important spiritual site.
Mengo Palace (Lubiri)
The official residence of the King of Buganda, this palace offers insight into the history and culture of the Buganda Kingdom.
Namirembe Cathedral.
The oldest cathedral in Uganda, offering beautiful views of Kampala and a peaceful retreat.
Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.
Visit the martyr’s shrine where Uganda early Christian believers were killed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga around year 1886-87 due to their Christianity and believe. Among other places.
Rwanda:
Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is celebrated for its stunning scenery and resilient spirit.
Self Driving tips in Rwanda.
Unlike Uganda and Kenya, Rwanda drive on the right hand of the road.
Speed Limits.
Adhere to the speed limits: 60 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h on highways unless otherwise indicated.
Many roads in Rwanda most especially cities are in good conditions.
Be cautious on rural roads, which may be narrow, winding, and unpaved.
Wearing seat belts is mandatory for all passengers.
Follow all traffic signs and signals. Traffic laws are strictly enforced, and fines for violations can be substantial.
Self Drive routes- Rwanda.
Kigali to Musanze (for Volcanoes National Park)
Kigali to Akagera National Park
Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Have some local currency (Rwandan Francs) for tolls, parking, and other small expenses.
Must Visits in Rwanda include?
Volcanoes National Park.
Famous for its mountain gorillas, this park offers the unique experience of gorilla trekking. It’s also home to golden monkeys and stunning volcanic scenery.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
One of Africa’s oldest rainforests, Nyungwe is perfect for canopy walks, chimpanzee tracking, and bird watching. The park is known for its biodiversity and beautiful hiking trails.
Akagera National Park
A classic African safari destination, Akagera boasts the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) and offers boat safaris, game drives, and bird watching.
Lake Kivu.
One of Africa’s Great Lakes, Lake Kivu is ideal for relaxation, water sports, and exploring the lakeside towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu. The lake offers beautiful beaches and serene landscapes.
Kigali.
The capital city of Rwanda, Kigali is known for its cleanliness and culture. Key attractions include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Arts Center, and local markets. It’s a great place to experience on a Self Drive, worth visiting.
Tanzania.
Tanzania is known for safari adventures and breathtaking landscapes.
Road Conditions.
Road Quality. Main roads between major cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Dodoma are generally in good condition. However, rural roads can be rough, especially after rain.
Weather. Be aware of the rainy season (March to May and November to December). Roads can become muddy and impassable.
Driving Rules & Laws.
Traffic Rules. Drive on the left side of the road. Adhere to speed limits (50 km/h in cities, 80 km/h outside cities, and 100 km/h on highways).
Police Checks. Police roadblocks are common. Carry your IDP, vehicle registration, and insurance documents at all times.
Seat Belts. Wearing seat belts is must for all passengers.
Drunk Driving. Strictly prohibited and heavily penalized. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%.
Safety.
Night Driving. Avoid driving at night due to poor visibility, pedestrians, livestock on the road, and the risk of encountering unmarked speed bumps or potholes.
Wildlife. Be cautious in wildlife areas. Animals can cross roads unexpectedly.
Fuel. Fill up frequently, especially in remote areas. Fuel stations can be far apart.
Must See Destinations on a Self Drive-Tanzania.
Serengeti National Park.
One of Africa’s most iconic parks, renowned for its vast savannahs and the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra.
Ngorongoro Crater.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, teeming with wildlife including lions, elephants, and rhinos.
Mount Kilimanjaro.
Africa’s highest peak offers various trekking routes, though a self-drive won’t take you to the summit, the surrounding landscapes are stunning.
Tarangire National Park
Known for its large elephant herds and baobab-dotted landscapes, it’s an excellent destination for game viewing.
Zanzibar
While not accessible by car, it’s worth parking and taking a ferry to this island for its beautiful beaches, historic Stone Town, and vibrant culture.
Lake Manyara National Park.
Famous for its tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife, it’s a picturesque stop on the northern safari circuit.