Road tripping at your own pace is the best way to travel around the country. Uganda has the best of everything the continent has to offer, packed into one small, but stunning, destination. This means you can drive from one of Uganda’s many tourism highlights to another in just half a day – come face to face with mountain gorillas, track chimps in the forest, catch a sighting of the shoe bill stork, and see tree-climbing lions! But it’s not all about the wildlife.
Experience culture in a traditional Manyatta in Karamoja, hike the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, go wild water rafting on the Nile, and finish off with a blast in Kampala, the nightlife capital of East Africa. Uganda definitely makes for a great self-drive Africa vacation!
Tanzania is also Africa’s ultimate safari destination, and a road trip paradise. Where else in the world can you witness the wildebeest migration, experience such rich cultural diversity, climb the snow-capped Kilimanjaro and swim in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, combined into one epic road trip? Tanzania has all this and more, wrapped in one adventurous and welcoming package. The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar are justifiably popular, but there are so many more hidden gems to explore in Tanzania. Hire a 4×4 car Road trip in Tanzania and drive your own adventure in Africa!
Imagine the acacia silhouetted against a horizon stretching into eternity. The Great Rift Valley with vast patchworks of tea plantations. The colours, smells and sounds of traditional tribal life. Welcome to Kenya – a beautiful and unique place for your Africa vacation. There is no better place in the world to watch herds of elephants than Amboseli National Park, and Masai Mara is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. While traveling on a self -drive safari, make sure not to skip the Kenyan coastline. A blend of African, Indian and Arabic culture, the Swahili coast feels wildly different from the rest of Kenya.
In Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya, a fleet of Toyota Hilux, Land cruiser and RAV4 vehicles are available to ease your travel means. Enjoy the ultimate flexibility on your self-drive safari. Land cruisers can be equipped with a rooftop tent, or you can hire a dome tent for your camping adventure in Africa. Both options come with a full set of quality camping gear, so you can experience the real African bush.
It’s also possible to hire a car with a driver-guide and many of the clients do so. The driver-guide is there to facilitate and ease your travels, yet you remain in charge of your own holiday and itinerary. The costs for a driver are € 40 /day. This means you are only going to enjoy the drive rather than hustling to drive. With this you can never get lost anywhere since the driver/guide is a local citizen who knows all the corners.
This option is great for road trippers that don’t fancy driving themselves, want a more relaxed experience, or want to learn more about the local culture and wildlife from a knowledgeable guide. All the suggested road trips on our website are therefore also possible to book as a private guided tour – the ultimate customized safari!
We design a carefully planned route for you that include your car, accommodation, and chimp and gorilla permits (if desired). The lodges we select are hand-picked. We look for outstanding places, and favour eco – conscious boutique hotels with the best price-quality ratio.
We do not work with intermediaries. Hotel Reservations, car rental and roadside assistance are all handled by us hence no false promises. It also means we’re able to offer the most competitive rates.
Planning and prepping will make you more confident during the drive and reduce the risk of stressful surprises. It also helps to build anticipation for the journey ahead.
Make sure your car is ready for the trip. Book it in from a service to ensure tires, fluids, brakes etc., and are up for the drive.
Print your maps or enter the route into your GPS. Plan your rest stops, fuel stops, and places you want to visit along the way.
If you’re making a long trip, stop every hour; get out of your car and stretch. Give yourself plenty of time; you don’t want to feel tense or rushed. Tension and stress can make your muscles tight and increase your pain levels. So take time to go slow and enjoy the ride.
Be aware of changing road conditions. Much of Australia has had extensive rain and floods. This has caused many potholes to form, making driving stressful and potentially damaging to your car. Hitting a pothole can also cause significant jarring, increasing your muscle and joint pain. Read the RACV article: Stay alert, slow down, and don’t swerve for info on how to safely navigate potholes.
As far as flooding goes, the information is clear – avoid flooded areas, and never drive through floodwaters. If you’re not sure about the state of the roads on your route or where floodwaters are, visit the website of your local roads authority and state emergency services.
Before you hit play on your playlist and set off, carefully adjust your seat and mirrors. If your feet and ankles are stiff, move your seat forward to push the pedals with your entire foot, not just your toes. Make sure your seat’s height lets you control the pedals without being uncomfortable. You should be able to reach and operate all of the controls, pedals, steering wheel etc., and have good visibility through your windows and mirrors.
If you have pain in your hips or legs, consider using a cushion that supports the lumbar spine, hips and buttocks. You can find these at chemists, auto shops, and any store that sells aids and equipment. Or you can see an occupational therapist for info and advice. Just be sure to do all of this before your trip, so you can try out the cushion to ensure it helps and doesn’t aggravate your condition.
Don’t drive for more than an hour without a break. Stop, get out of your car, and stretch or massage tight muscles. Walk around. Drink some water. Check out what’s nearby – a coffee shop, a historical marker, or a breath-taking view. It’s incredible how much you can discover when you stop and look around. And the break will help you feel better and more relaxed at your destination than if you’d driven straight through.
