What to Expect When Crossing Borders
Thinking about an ultimate safari experience with 4×4 car rentals? Look no further than East Africa. East Africa is a region filled with wonders ranging from the rolling hills of Rwanda, the vast rift valley of Uganda, the magnificent Kilimanjaro, the fresh waters of lake Victoria, the wide variety of wildlife, and the vibrant cultures. Whether you want trek the endangered mountain gorillas, enjoy a safari drive, hike, or just soak under the sun on the beach, East Africa has something for everyone.
We can not forget the great migration, a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you get to see hundreds of thousands of wildebeests, thousands of zebras, and hundreds of other wildlife as they march to and fro the northern Serengeti in search of greener pastures and fresh waters. This happens annually between June to September and it is a sight you don’t want to miss.
Embarking on a journey across East Africa is more than just a road trip. It is an immersive experience that will surely get embedded in your memory for as long as you live.
Exploring East Africa is easy because of the East African Community that allows you to visit all countries of this community with just one visa. Much as it is easier to fly from one country to another, hiring a car for self drive or with a driver gives you a much more engaging experience. You get to see all the beauty of nature up-close, and also get a chance to interact with local communities.
In this article, we bring you a list of everything you should expect and what you need to have a smooth ride across the region.
The allure of the open road
One of the most appealing aspects of a taking a road trip across East Africa is the adventure and the freedom it offers. Unlike flying over from one country to another, travelling by road allows you to set your own pace, choose your own stops, and detour off the beaten path when something catches your interest. In East Africa, this means you can freely explore national parks, bustling towns, and serene lakes without the constraints of a fixed itinerary.
As you travel, expect to be constantly amazed by the diverse landscapes. You’ll transition from the arid plains of the Maasai Mara to the lush highlands of Uganda and the rolling hills of Rwanda, all while navigating winding mountain roads and coastal highways.
Choosing the right car rental agency and vehicle
One of the key aspects to having a seamless road trip across East Africa is choosing the right car rental agency and the right vehicle. When undertaking a road trip, selecting the right vehicle is crucial. Given the region’s often bumpy and uneven roads especially in safari destinations, a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended. Not only does it provide the necessary clearance for rugged terrain, but it also ensures better handling on the diverse road conditions you’ll encounter.
Trust GoFurther 4×4 Car Rentals for all your vehicle needs. We have a large fleet of reliable vehicles that are well maintained, serviced and in good mechanical condition. The added advantage of choosing GoFurther 4×4 Car Rentals is that we operate in 4 East African countries (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda) meaning it is possible to hire a vehicle for one way basis without extra charges; and all our vehicles have the COMESA insurance that allows them to operate in all the East African countries.
We also make it easy for you to get the required documentation to cross borders of any East African country. We have vehicles equipped with rooftop tents for those planning to venture into National parks like serengeti and Ngorongoro. Having such a vehicle offers an excellent vantage point for wildlife viewing and photography. Our rooftop tent vehicles are equipped with basic camping equipment and road assistance essentials to ensure an comfortable camping experience.
Wildlife encounters
No trip to East Africa is complete without experiencing its renowned wildlife. With many national parks and reserves scattered across the region, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) and countless other species up close. If you’re self-driving through parks, you require diligence because of the spontaneous wildlife encounters and you need to adherence to park regulations.
Keep your distance from animals, respect their habitats, and be mindful of the rules such as maintaining respectful speeds. Most game drives are guided but you may also partake in more adventurous activities such as walking safaris in parks like Masaai Mara or guided treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking. In some places, you’ll find signage indicating the presence of wildlife on some roads and it is a caution to reduce your speed.
When you encounter wildlife crossing the roads, you should wait and never be tempted to hoot. Another caution is that some animals crossing the roads may cause traffic jam so be patient. Be prepared for varying levels of accessibility, as some areas may require permits or guiding services.
Cultural experiences.
East Africa is home to numerous ethnic groups, each with its traditions, languages, and lifestyles. Make sure to stop and interact with the local communities, from the Maasai villages in Kenya to the fishing towns along Lake Victoria.
Engaging with locals not only enriches your experience but also supports community tourism initiatives. Most of these communities sell locally made items like wood art, clothes, shoes, paintings, baskets and many more. Ensure to have local currency so that you can support their businesses and livelihood.
Communities in East Africa are friendly so expect to be met and greeted with lots of smiles and dances. There’s also a common term “Mzungu” that East Africans use to refer to the “White man” so don’t find it offensive. Locally, it refers to the man of God since the very first white man to set foot on East African soil was a missionary so they refer to all white men as Mzungu. For an even more engaging cultural experience, your travel agency may organize a homestays where you’ll be hosted by a local family instead of staying at the hotel.
Navigating the roads
This is specific if you’ve chosen to self drive. Driving in East Africa can be both thrilling and challenging. While major cities like Nairobi and Kampala have paved roads, many rural areas and national parks feature gravel or dirt routes. Expect to navigate potholes, livestock crossing the roads, and perhaps the occasional traffic jam caused by other wildlife.
GPS systems are useful, but cellular signals may vary in remote areas. Therefore, having offline maps or a physical map can be beneficial. Additionally, familiarize yourself with local driving laws, road signs, and the particular challenges of each country’s driving culture, such as overtaking and right-of-way rules.
If you feel lost, do not hesitate to ask for help from the local communities. English is an official language in most of East Africa and it is widely spoken especially in urban centres and some rural areas. Apart from the language, East African are generally friendly people that will be willing to help you regardless.
Also important to remember is the waiting time at the border points. Sometimes, you may wait for as long as 2 hours to get cleared to cross borders depending on the level of traffic. This should not catch you off guard.
Weather considerations
Weather can dramatically influence your trip, with two primary seasons, the wet (March to May and October to December) and the dry season (June to September and January to February). The dry season is generally the best time for wildlife viewing, but expect dusty roads and brown landscapes. The wet season brings vibrant greenery and fewer tourists, but can lead to challenging driving conditions in some areas.
Understandably, it’s advisable to check weather forecasts for the regions you’ll be visiting before your trip. Equip yourself accordingly with suitable clothing for warm days and cool nights, along with rain gear if you’re traveling during the wet seasons.
Safety precautions
Safety should be a top priority while travelling across East Africa. Always check the current travel advisories for each country you plan to visit. While many areas are safe for tourists, certain regions can experience political instability or crime; especially the ones adjacent to the DRC border.
Stay connected by sharing your travel itinerary with friends or family. Also, familiarize yourself with the locations of embassies and hospitals along your route. In case of emergencies, ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and equipped with a first-aid kit, roadside assistance numbers, and emergency supplies.
Accommodation and dining
Expect a variety of accommodations, from luxury safari lodges to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels and booking in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. Camping may also be an option, particularly in national parks, and can be a fantastic way to experience the wilderness first-hand. Contact GoFurther 4×4 Car Rentals for friendly camping packages.
Dining options in East Africa range from local eateries to high-end restaurants. Don’t miss trying regional dishes such as Ugali (a staple made from maize), Nyama Choma (grilled meat) local curries and street food.
Requirements for an East African cross border safari trip
Here’s a list of everything you need to cross borders in East Africa
- Passport for identification purposes
- Valid driver’s licence if you choose to self drive
- Yellow fever vaccination
- EATV (East African Tourist Visa) which allows entrance to three East African countries(Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda) and is valid for 90 days. The rest of the East African countries require individual visas.
- COMESA insurance
- Letter of authorisation from the car rental agency allowing you to drive their car across borders.
- Vehicle registration in case you’re self driving.
- Local currency which can be got at the border.
Where to go and what to see
There is a lot to see and do in East Africa and here is a list of some of the must visit places.
Kenya:
- Masaai Mara National Reserve
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Mombasa
- Nairobi
- Amboseli National Park
- Lake Naivasha
- Nairobi National Park
- Lamu Island
- Masaai Village
Uganda
- Kidepo Valley NP
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Jinja
- Kampala
- Murchison Falls NP
- Queen Elizabeth NP
- Lake Bunyonyi
- Similar Falls
Tanzania
- Mt Kilimanjaro
- Serengeti NP
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Zanzibar
- Dar es Salaam
- Pemba Island
- Lake Tanganyika
- Lake Victoria fishing villages
Rwanda
- Volcanoes NP
- Akagera NP
- Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre
- Nyungwe Forest
- Lake Kivu
- Inema Arts Centre
- King’s Palace museum
- Gorilla guardians village
As you traverse this stunning region, prepare to be captivated not just by the destinations, but by a journey that promises adventure, insight, and a deeper appreciation for the incredible natural beauty and cultural richness of East Africa.
Overall, a self-drive trip across East Africa is about exploration and creating unforgettable memories. There is no better way to explore this region than having a trusted travel partner. Trust GoFurther 4×4 Car Rentals for an unforgettable unforgettable road trip across East Africa
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