Self drive around Uganda and Kenya

Taking a self drive around Uganda and Kenya is a pleasing and satisfying way of traveling from one destination to another. It involves travelling in your own or rented 4×4 vehicle to traverse across miles of open road or through game wildlife regions. Self-driving is a safe and familiar undertaking that one needs to be prepared for to enjoy the adventures.

Self-drive adventures in East Africa will take you through the stunning national parks in Uganda Kenya  Tanzania and Rwanda. East Africa portrays Africa’s beauty of the wilderness. Some of the tourist destinations that can be visited by self-drive include: the main home of critically endangered mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park (Uganda), and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). Other areas that can be accessed on self-drive in Uganda, are Murchison Falls, Semliki, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo National Park among others. In Kenya, take self- drive to Amboseli, Nakuru, Naivasha, and Tanzania to Akagera and Serengeti for wildlife views. You will eventually have a wonderful exploration of the hidden treasures of East Africa.

Self drive around Uganda and Kenya

Why Uganda and Kenya are the best self-drive destinations.

Kenya and Uganda are regarded as exceptional self-drive destinations in East Africa for the following reasons.

 Pleasant landscape sceneries.  

Kenya and Uganda possess beautiful landscape sceneries that make them favorable for self-drive.  The Great Rift Valley’s western and eastern arms, lakes, rivers, and farmlands offer breathtaking views that attract tourists. Voyage to Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha offers festive moments while traveling on self-drive.

Uganda too has wonderful landscape sceneries, climate, and many natural beauties that even led it to be called the Pearl of Africa. The captivating volcanoes of Mount Elgon, the roaring Murchison Falls and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains to the home of the great gentle mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A self-drive through several national parks to the clear waters of the freshwater bodies provides great opportunities for adventure lovers.

Accessible and supportive infrastructure

Uganda and Kenya have well-established infrastructure suitable for self-drive safaris to different destinations in the two countries.  Roads are well maintained from the main highways to the small feeder roads that connect to the rural areas. Tourists are provided with a range of 4×4 vehicles that enable them to safely travel through the rugged terrain in some locations.

In addition to transport, both countries have a flexible tourism industry that provides the best accommodation facilities close to the tourist sites and a good atmosphere of friendly and hospitable locals thus creating live self-drive safaris.

Abundant and diverse wildlife

Uganda is highly appreciated for its extensive tropical rain forests that are home to the famous mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in addition to other amazing wild creatures. With a self-drive to the different savanna parks, you can enjoy your trip as you drive at your own pace.

Self-drive into Kenya takes you to the celebrated Maasai Mara National Park, known for the famous wildebeest migration where many wildebeests and other animals(herbivores ) move through the plains in search of fresh grasslands. Visitors on self-drive take their time to spend lively moments in the area.

 Is a self-drive safari from Kenya to Uganda possible?

It’s quite possible to do a self-drive safari from Kenya to Uganda and vice versa. The best way is to start your safari is from Western Kenya, then cross to Uganda using the Busia or Malaba border.

 Things you need to know before going for a self-drive safari.

Taking a self-drive for any adventure safari is scarcely credible and full of wonders as you move through the stunning landscapes of different countries. But before you undertake this adventure, there are key factors to put into consideration for a safe and successful safari and these include:

Always plan your safari. This helps you to know the routes you are going to take and learn to read and interpret the maps to be used on the voyage. This helps you to locate the places of interest for your adventures. Planning helps you to find ways on how to rent a travel vehicle, who to rent or purchase it from, and which type of vehicle should be used to traverse through a specific destination.

Find the specific equipment you need for your self-drive safari. On your safari, you need a set of UncleHu binoculars that help you to observe distant objects. these must have at least 10x magnification.

In your travel equipment include the Victorinox Huntsman Swiss Army Pocket Knife. This knife contains various tools like the opener, corks, screws, tweezers,  can opener, key ring, large blade, small blade reamer, and toothpicks. This knife is portable and easy to carry in a pocket or bag and helps in accomplishing simple tasks in everyday life.

Other items that should be included in the equipment include travel sheets, wash bag, clothesline, summit laundry wash, toiletries and dispenser kit, torch, lantern, quick dry towels, and camping equipment.

Find a travel vehicle. After accomplishing your plan, go on to find the vehicle that suits your safari. You can rent from a trusted car rental company or buy your own if you can afford it. If you opt for renting,  always look for a 4×4 vehicle that can traverse longer journeys and different terrain.

Try to design an itinerary. This will help you to make a clear budget for the days you will spend on your safari. The itinerary will help to guide you to the different places you go for your adventure.

Since the roads that connect to various destinations are not straight, the use of GPS and road maps is very crucial for anyone on a self-drive safari.

If you do not know the right places to go for safari, it is better to find a competent travel company to help you in your travels. These at times provide security and protection in case of any trouble.

For anyone on a self-drive safari to be successful, he/she should follow the traffic rules and regulations, have a valid driving permit, the vehicle should have valid motor third-party insurance, and be in good mechanical condition.

Before you start your self-drive safari, you should know the right season of the year that suits your adventure activity. This will help you to travel with less inconvenience, either too much sunshine or rainfall.

If you are to travel to cities in different countries, it is advisable to have local cash to get what you need from the local community you interact with.

Self-drive is so interesting as you take your time and explore deeply into your long-awaited adventure.