East Africa is part of the sub Saharan Africa comprising Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. The region is an ultimate safari destination since it consists largely of plateaus and has most of the highest elevations on the continent for instance Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Rwenzori, Mt Kenya, Mt Elgon, Virunga mountains and Mt Meru. This East African Self Drive Guide will enable you to plan for your car hire experience much better.
East Africa is home to the largest lake on the African continent (Lake Victoria) which occupies areas of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Lake Victoria also happens to be the source of the longest rive in the world(River Nile) which runs for 6700km through several countries in East and North Africa to its mouth in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Great Rift Valley which extends from the Red Sea runs southwards across the Highlands of Kenya and continues into Tanzania. The Western Rift Valley curves along the borders of Western Uganda and Tanzania and in between lies a plateau that comprises most of Uganda and Western Tanzania and includes Lake Victoria. The climate in East Africa is generally tropical but the temperatures tend to reduce in the region’s high elevations.
Most of the regions rains are received in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Western Kenya. The vegetation in East Africa is generally woodlands and grasslands though you’ll find thorn bushes in the wetter regions. Most of East Africa’s wildlife like large migratory ungulates like zebras and gazelles and predators like lions, hyenas and leopards are common in Tanzania and Kenya grasslands.
CNN Travel in an article by Mark Eveleigh Ranks Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda as the leading safari destinations in Africa. The Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, well known for mountain gorillas is considered the best destination for gorilla trekking by World Bank.
Exploring East Africa is a once in a lifetime experience that requires you to plan for your trip way in advance so that you’re not rushed. If you want to visit all the East African Countries, it is important to rent a 4×4 car because it can withstand the rugged roads in remote areas and they’re easy to navigate in muddy areas on rainy days.
The following are the most popular routes for your East African Safari Drive.
- Masai Mara (Kenya) to Serengeti (Tanzania)
- Ngorongoro Conservative Area(Tanzania) to Nakuru (Kenya)
- Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda) to Kidepo Valley National Park(Uganda)
- Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park(Uganda)
Cross border points in East Africa:
- Kenya – Uganda border: Busia and Malaba
- Kenya – Tanzania border: Namanga and Holili
- Tanzania – Uganda border: Mutukula
- Tanzania – Burundi border: Kigoma
- Tanzania – Rwanda border: Rusumo
- Rwanda – Burundi border: Akanyaru
- Rwanda – Uganda border: Gatuna / Katuna
Required Documents When Crossing The Borders in East Africa
To drive across and within East African Countries, you need the following documents.
Passports
These are mainly used by individuals that are not citizens of the East African community. East African Citizens may use the East African Passport which is only used to travel within East Africa and has a six month’s multiple entry validity.
National Identification Cards
These are recognised travel documents in Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda and only Citizens of these countries can travel across the borders using them.
Valid Drivers licence
To drive in East Africa, you need a valid driving permit from your home country. An International Drivers permit may be required though you can still drive without it.
Insurance
Ensure that your car is insured before you travel, with a valid sticker displayed on your vehicle as proof of insurance. The COMESA insurance is acceptable across East Africa. Also make sure you carry an original copy of your car Log Book or at the very least, a certified photocopy.
EAC Visa
The East African Community Visa grants International visitors access to all East African Countries. East African Citizens do not require this visa to drive across East Africa.
East Africans are allowed to drive private cars across borders and across the entire EAC region, free of charge, for visits no longer than 7 days. The maximum period allowed for one to use a car not registered in the host Partner State is six (6) months, although you will be required to pay $20 per month as temporary road licence after the seven-day grace period has elapsed. Ask your car rental provider for details about this.
It is advisable to purchase a local sim card of the host state for better communication and internet because roaming is not reliable. Bearing in mind that most transactions in East Africa are on cash basis; especially in remote areas, carry with you some cash because cards may not be helpful.
With all the above guidelines, be sure to have a smooth and enjoyable self drive trip across East Africa.
